Transmission types

Transmission Types

Manual Transmissions

  • Manual transmissions are also known as standard transmissions or stick-shifts.
  • They allow drivers to manually select and change gears with the aid of a clutch and gear stick.
  • Main components of a manual transmission include the clutch, gear selectors, and synchronisers.
  • They offer greater control over vehicle speed and are usually more fuel-efficient than automatic transmissions.
  • However, they can be more difficult to operate and demand more skill from the driver.

Automatic Transmissions

  • Automatic transmissions automatically select and change gears, based on the vehicle’s speed and the amount of load placed on the engine.
  • They typically use a torque converter rather than a manually operated clutch.
  • Primary components of an automatic transmission include the planetary gear sets, hydraulic system, and torque converter.
  • Automatic transmissions are easier to use, particularly in heavy traffic conditions or on hilly terrains.
  • They can be less fuel-efficient than manual transmissions, and more expensive to repair or replace.

Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT)

  • CVTs, unlike traditional automatic or manual transmissions, use a belt and pulley system that provides an infinite number of gear ratios.
  • CVTs adjust the engine’s speed to the speed of the vehicle, maintaining optimal efficiency levels.
  • They offer smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency.
  • However, some drivers may find the lack of gear changes unnerving or feel that acceleration is less responsive.

Semi-Automatic and Dual-clutch Transmissions

  • Semi-automatic transmissions are a hybrid of manual and automatic transmissions. They utilise a system of electronics and hydraulics to select gears.
  • Dual-clutch transmissions, a type of semi-automatic transmission, uses two separate clutches and offers effortless gear changes without the loss of power that can occur in traditional automatic transmissions.
  • Such transmissions offer the convenience of an automatic with the control and efficiency of a manual.
  • However, they can be more expensive and complex to maintain than either manual or automatic transmissions.