Several times I have had a customer bring a used vehicle for me to inspect and they would complain about the transmission operation. After inspection, we found nothing wrong with the transmission. It just feels weird because it is a different type. Today, when it comes to automatic transmissions, there are three different types of transmissions.
The first one I want to discuss is the Conventional Automatic we have had for a century. However, the earliest transmissions were 2 or 3-speed transmissions. Nowadays, most are at least 6 and 8 speeds. These newer ones shift way more frequently than the ones from a few years ago. The newer ones can almost feel like it is hunting for the right gear, especially if you’re driving in traffic and your speed is going up and down.
The next is called a CVT or Continuously Variable Transmission. This is a new design transmission that changes the gear ration in one fluid motion. This transmission, as you accelerate the RPMs of the motor, stays the same as the transmission changes the gear ration to increase your speed. This transmission to me, feels like it is slipping the whole time, but it is increasing speed smoothly and you do not feel any gear shifting points.
Lastly is the DCT Dual Clutch Transmission. This transmission style is actually two manual transmissions built into one unit. One side operates gears 1, 3, and 5, and the other side operates gears 2, 4, and 6. The computer controls clutch operation for both sides and gear shifting. The computer will engage first gear and when it changes to the next gear it simultaneously disengages the lower gear and engages a higher gear for a smooth shift. The biggest difference I feel for this transmission is at the start. The transmission is actually in neutral, and you can feel the computer engage first gear. Sometimes that makes people nervous that there is a problem.
We’re here to help you at White’s Automotive Center if you need any assistance or have any questions. Check out our website at whitesautomotive.com or call us at (706) 323-1060.
