Car transmissions. What are they and how do they work?

The simple shift knob with either six gears or park, neutral, reverse, and drive is a commonplace action that most people rarely think about. While car transmissions seem as simple as hitting the brakes or clutch and moving a knob, this essential auto part is far more complex, and the different types can get confusing. Luckily, Toyota of Clermont is here to explain the differences and how they work.

Different types of car transmissions

Manual: While many vehicles today use a form of automatic transmission, manual car transmission is the original form of transmission. Shifting is done by use of a clutch that allows the driver to move back and forth between gears when the vehicle accelerates and decelerates. This type of Clermont Toyota transmission requires more attention from the driver with frequent shifting.

Automatic: Because of its ease of use and lack of clutch pedal, automatic transmissions are most commonly used in modern Clermont Toyota vehicles. Shifting is kept fairly smooth, but automatic vehicles do suffer a slight loss in fuel efficiency due to a slight lag in gear switching. There are four different types of automatic car transmissions that your Clermont Toyota may have:

1. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): It sounds strange, but this type of transmission doesn’t shift. Seriously. CVTs use variable pulleys rather than actual gears that create a smooth transition when your vehicle moves up in RPMs. While CVTs don’t have the typical shifting sensation of regular automatic car transmissions, they can’t handle a large amount of power and they create an excess amount of noise.
2. Automated Manual: Confused? We get it. The automated manual is somewhat a manual and somewhat an automatic. Instead of using a manual clutch, this vehicle uses a computer operated clutch. These Clermont Toyota vehicles usually include features like paddle shifters or manual sport modes.
3. Conventional Automatic: This type of Clermont Toyota transmission uses a torque converter to transfer power to itself. The transmission uses an electronically controlled clutch pack to shift while driving.
4. Dual-Clutch Automated Manual: A unique type of Clermont Toyota transmission, the dual-clutch uses two different gear shafts. One is used for the odd numbered gears of one to seven and the other holds slots for the even numbered gears of two to six. The internal computer pre-selects a gear to shift to while driving and then selects the next gear to shift to when the first one is engaged. The previous gear then disengages when the car transmission switches to the next gear and then the process repeats.

Between all the shifting and gears, transmissions can get pretty confusing. Luckily, our auto service experts at Toyota of Clermont are here to help! Come visit our auto service department seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike!