Different types and designs of automatic transmission are employed in cars today and these include the following. The five main transmission categories include the following ones: Traditional automatic; Continuously variable; Automated manual; Dual clutch; and Dedicated hybrid. They all have their own special features, perks and drawbacks. So when choosing which category of automatic transmission is suitable for your requirements you need to know how it operates.
The Traditional Automatic Transmission
The traditional automatic transmission known as the hydraulic automatic transmission has however been widely employed in automobiles for many years. It uses exclusively a torque converter in conjunction with several planetary gear sets and hydraulically controlled clutch packs to shift the gears for you automatically. What makes this type of transmission particularly notable is its positive characteristics like smooth gear shifts and easy handling. However, hydraulic and mechanical losses result in traditional automatics consuming more power compared to manual transmission. While in the past they also had problems with reliability it has significantly increased in newer versions.
Continuously Variable Transmission
A CVT does not have set gear stages like an automatic but rather features that allow it to offer continuous gear ratios. Instead, it employs a belt or chain connecting two variable pulleys to offer an exponential and virtually continuous gear ratio. This enhances fuel consumption, and at the same time, the acceleration is smooth. Both Nissan and Subaru include CVT technology on many of their model lineups. The primary drawback is that the CVTs can sometimes be met with vagueness, and you get the feeling that you are driving a car that has a rubber band under its hood during acceleration. This has however changed with the other generations that have come up with much better performances.
Automated Manual Transmission
Automated manual transmission (AMT) also works in a manner similar to conventional, or stick-shift, manual transmission. However, the clutch pedal that was once a signature of a manual car is replaced by electronics and hydraulics that shift gears and control the clutch. AMTs offer increased fuel efficiency and performance than traditional automatics, and this is with the ease of an automatic. However, AMTs still are not as smooth as conversion automatics because the automated system does not offer the mechanical finesse.
Dual-Clutch Transmission
One of the most important inventions of car manufacturers is the Dual Clutch Transmission or DCT, a kind of car transmission that has the efficiency of manual transmission coupled with the comfort of the automatic. DCTs accomplish this with the help of an arrangement of two gear shafts, each of which is fitted with a clutch. Gear teeth are available in one shaft and can be pre-selected while drive teeth mesh with the teeth in the other shaft. This enables rapid-swinging or we can refer to this as a rapid-swaying. Otherwise, DCTs are fuel efficient and are often associated with sports cars; however, they exhibit clumsy low-speed characteristics and lack the smoothness of traditional automatic transmissions.
Hybrid Transmission
Hybrid automobiles, also, have their transmissions to complement the electric motor and the gas engine. Hybrid transmissions can be classified in several ways and therefore, there are different types of hybrid transmissions based on the type of hybrid system. For instance, full hybrids such as the Toyota Prius employ the electronic continuously variable transmission to address the large range of speeds between operation in electric-only and gasoline-only modes. PHEVs that cannot travel solely on the electric motor are frequently associated with automated manuals or dual-clutch transmissions that include integrated electric engines. Some are even dedicated hybrids with planetary gear sets similar to what we find in a normal automatic transmission.
Finally, it is critical to identify the type of automatic transmission that is better between the two:
Thus, it can be noted that there are several automatic transmissions, but which one of them is the best? It is impossible to say which is better because each one comes with benefits as well as drawbacks attached to it. When it comes to using the car for everyday transportation and ordinary conditions, a traditional automatic transmission simply cannot be outmatched. It will be beneficial to those seeking improved fuel economy in their automatics in favour of CVTs or AMTs.
For those individuals who seek faster shifts, DCTs or even AMTs are the best to turn to. Lastly, hybrids also have bespoke transmissions to get the maximum mpg as per their functionality. Decide by your needs, such as, how fast you want to get to your destination or how much you want to spend. Auto manufacturers never cease to amaze with the innovative improvements to their transmissions; therefore, there must be an auto gearbox out there that will suit your requirements.
Now let’s delve a bit deeper and discuss some of the sub-types of ATs, as well as some of the components, gears and functions involved in them.
Transmission can be defined in the following seven types:
While there are many variations when looking at specific makes and models, there are generally seven broad types of vehicle transmissions: While there are many variations when looking at specific makes and models, there are generally seven broad types of vehicle transmissions:
- Manual – A driver uses his/her hand to shift gears by engaging a clutch and using a stick shift.
- Automatic – It has a mechanism of self-shifting by the use of a torque converter and planetary gear sets.
- Automated Manual (AMT) – Transmission with the buttons on the gear shift lever whereby the clutch is managed by a computer.
- Continuously Variable (CVT) – No clutch, commonly uses belt or chain to enable an unlimited number of gear ratios.
- Dual-Clutch (DCT) – Is an automatic transmission utilizing two independent gear shafts and clutches for odd and even gears respectively to allow for an efficient shift.
- Hybrid – There is a dual transmission system with the motor and the engine.
- Semi-Automatic – Controlled through a computer and servo motors to manage a tangible manual transmission and clutch.
As discussed previously, both types have their respective virtues and optimum usability in specific conditions such as performance requirements, fuel economy concerns, prices, ride quality and others. Consumers8 should consider these variations based on the priorities they have when deciding on a car to purchase.
Some of the Automatic Transmission cars available in India include the following:
The market for cars in India has been on the rise over the last few decades. Along with many model options, there are several types of automatic transmissions available:
– Conventional torque conventional automatics are still the most widely used type. This tested technology ensures a slick change of gears appropriate for Indian roads and terrains.
– Manual transmissions with computers in their systems provide better fuel economy than ordinary automatic systems. AMTs coupled to small petrol and diesel engine cars are available in the models of Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors.
– CVTs also enhance fuel economy, while maintaining ease of driving, and are hence prevalent among today’s cars. Nissan and Toyota auto manufacturers incorporate CVT technology in various of their car models.
– For premium luxury and high-performance cars in India, there are options in the form of dual-clutch transmissions, semi-automatic ones, and even eight-plus speed conventional automatics to enhance the car’s acceleration, speed and the features it offers.
Demand for vehicle models by Maruti Suzuki will increase as car markets in India become more innovative; options for automatic transmission will also increase. AMTs and CVTs, for example, are more economical species of auto and appear well-placed for additional uptake going forward.
In Summary
Automatic transmissions may not be an easy topic, but having knowledge on the different types and some Mechanical, Hydraulic and Electronic basics assists in comprehending the complex design of these systems. Starting from the classic auto gearboxes to today’s highly advanced CVT and DCT gears, automatic gear boxes are complex mechanical systems whose function is to sync the current engine output with the road loads required by the vehicle while minimizing the effort from the driver. And that means that its auto transmissions will evolve even further tomorrow. But for now both you and I the regular Joe consumer as well as the professional auto mechanic can learn the fundamentals of decoding various types of automatic transmissions.
