Beginner’s guide to types of automatic transmission
It cannot be denied that driving a manual car provides a satisfaction that is sometimes hard to put into words. With the ability to row your own gears at any time, a manual transmission will give you a sense of control, enjoyment, and freedom.
However, with the advancement of technology and the increasingly heavier traffic conditions especially in urban areas, automatic transmission seems a more sensible option for daily use. Not only is it easier to operate, but modern AT is generally able to change gears quicker and more smoothly.
Did you know that there are several types of automatic transmissions used in modern cars? Let’s take a look:
Torque Converter
This is the most common conventional automatic transmission found in cars. The torque converter refers to the device used to transmit power from the engine to the gearbox and then to the wheels.
Unlike mechanical clutches with a physical connection, it uses a dense hydraulic fluid to ensure power (or torque) from the engine to the gearbox. It’s this fluid that allows for smooth gear changes.
In the past, this type of transmission was not very efficient in terms of power delivery, but thanks to continuous research and development from manufacturers, modern versions on the market today are much better.
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
Dual-clutch transmission, or DCT, was first introduced through the Volkswagen Golf R32 in 2003. As the name suggests, it uses two clutches, one for even gears (2,4,6, and so on) and another for odd gears (1,3,5,7, and so on).
Why? To enable faster shift times, of course. For instance, if you are accelerating in fourth gear, the gearbox will line up the other clutch in preparation to shift to fifth gear. The same goes if you’re slowing down. If you are braking in fourth gear, it will be ready to downshift to third.
This allows the DCT to shift gears quickly, whether you are accelerating or decelerating. However, it tends to be jerky, especially when the car is moving at low speeds.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Among the most talked-about transmissions today, CVT uses a pair of cone-shaped pulleys – one connected to the engine and the other to the driveshaft. The pulleys are connected to one another by a belt.
This gives the CVT an infinite gear ratio, allowing the engine to remain in the power band (the range of operating speeds under which the engine generates the most power) when you step on the accelerator pedal.
This results in powerful and smooth accelerations, but at the same time, a CVT can be rather noisy to the point that it affects the driving experience.
Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
Also known as semi-automatic or robotised manual gearbox, AMT works and has similar mechanisms to the manual transmission but the clutch is operated through electrohydraulic means using actuators, sensors, and more.
This means that AMT offers the convenience of a conventional automatic gearbox while allowing the driver to shift gears manually if they wish.
This type of transmission became popular in the 90s and early 2000s thanks to high-performance cars like the Ferrari 355 and BMW M3. However, it’s infamous for being jerky when changing gears.
