A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is an automatic transmission in cars that uses two pulleys connected by a steel band, rather than fixed gears. The diameter of one of the pulleys continuously adjusts to provide optimal gear ratio in transferring power to the wheels. Now, are you wondering if this feature is a plus or minus? Take a look at its pros and cons.
List of Pros of CVT Transmission
1. It is an improved technology.
In the past, CVT did not function as expected in most vehicles, even described as unreliable and sluggish, but after a few years, it has been fine-tuned and improved greatly in ability. While there are still issues about the amount of time it will take to get rolling from a stop, this has been looked at as a trade off, where people are willing to adjust their driving habits to better use the technology.
2. It offers a smoother ride.
Unlike traditional transmission systems, CVT will not jerk when it moves through the gears, where you will barely feel it shifting gears, thus giving you a smoother ride. In fact, most people driving with this type of transmission say that they do not feel any shift of the gears at all.
3. It improves fuel efficiency.
CVT is said to help get the maximum fuel economy for a car, as it constantly changes the gear ratio based on the driving conditions. It truly offers a significant selling point in a way that it helps vehicles get much better fuel mileage than traditional transmission systems. It has quickly become a favorite among auto manufactures wanting to meet the demand for a more energy-efficient vehicle.
List of Cons of CVT Transmission
1. It is yet to be fully understood.
One of the biggest drawbacks of CVT is its newness, where it has been under a lot of criticism from avid users of traditional transmission systems. It has been having problems with winning over new fans while the technology is still sort of a mystery to many people. Having a difficult concept, it just makes people feeling uneasy.
2. It will need costly repairs.
CVT systems are very expensive to repair, not to mention that it can be very difficult to find a shop that specializes in it. Luckily, they are really durable, that they do not break down a lot. Mostly sealed, getting to its internal components can be very difficult.
3. It requires a huge learning curve.
It would take a lot to get used to a CVT system, as it does not rev the way traditional transmission systems do. Though it offers a smoother ride, it can be a little difficult to master, especially if you have a heavy lead foot. Also, it is observed that the transmission and the engine do not seem to be quite harmonious compared with that of traditional transmissions.
While there are fans of CVT, there are also those who say that it is the worst idea ever. Based on the pros and cons listed above, what do you think?
Crystal Lombardo is a contributing editor for Vision Launch. Crystal is a seasoned writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience. She has been an editor of three popular blogs that each have had over 500,000 monthly readers.
