Differences In Transmission Types

By All Auto Staff - May 8th, 2018 in FAQ

What’s In An Automatic?

Different cars and different driving preferences call for different transmissions. At All Automatic, we only service automatics but how do you know what qualifies as an automatic these days with all the new kinds of transmissions and drivetrains rolling around on our streets?

Some Major Transmission Types:

• CVT.  CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, is often confused as a type of automatic because the operation is so similar. Inside the transmission, however, is a completely different story. CVT’s have vastly different gearing from automatics, and that’s also why they require a special kind of transmission fluid too.
• Manual.  Also referred to as ‘standard’ transmissions, these are the most fun to drive and require driver input for both gear selection and clutch engagement. These also require different maintenance cycles and fluid to maintain.
• Dual Clutch. Like the name implies, Dual Clutch transmissions have two dry clutches, one for even and odd numbered gear sets. Although they can sometimes be operated in a semi-manual format, these transmissions actually fall into the automatic category we can service.
• E-CVT. Often found in hybrid powertrains, these transmissions have electric motors built into them that perform starting or alternator functions. E-CVT’s also allow for an infinite number of gear ratios like normal CVT’s for optimal output, and are not considered automatic transmissions either.

What Grinds Your Gears?

If you’re unsure what kind of transmission you have, or what maintenance it needs, give us a call today.  We can look up any kind of vehicle and even if it isn’t something we can service, we can probably point you to someone who can fix it.