Which transmission is more reliable automatic transmission or CVT. Which is better: automatic or CVT? Let's figure it out together! Hydromechanical automatic transmission, or "regular automatic"

Today, automatic transmission is at the peak of its popularity around the world. At the same time, manufacturers offer consumers various types of machines.

It should also be noted that automatic transmissions consume more fuel (by 10-15%) compared to other automatic transmissions, as well as accelerating dynamics a car with such a transmission may be somewhat worse.

The variator box, unlike an automatic transmission or a robot, is a continuously variable transmission. The design uses a torque converter, but there are no clearly fixed gears in the gearbox itself.

To make it clear in simple terms, instead of the usual gears (as in manual transmissions, automatic transmissions or robots), shafts, pulleys and a variator belt are used. By changing the diameter of the pulleys, a smooth change in the gear ratio occurs. It turns out that the CVT variator has a large number of options for changing the gear ratio.

As a result, this type of gearbox allows you to achieve the highest level of comfort, there are no switching points, there is no power gap when switching. Also, the variator is a fairly economical type of gearbox, there is a mode that simulates manual step shifting.

If it speaks of cons, although the variator is cheaper to manufacture and a car with such a box is more affordable than in the case of automatic transmission and even some manual transmissions.

The variator is afraid of loads, slippage, abrupt starts, trailer towing, driving with constantly high speed etc. A car with such a gearbox is more suitable for a calm driver who usually operates the car in the city or drives along the highway at an average speed.

It should also be noted that there is a high sensitivity to quality transmission oil, which in the variator needs to be changed every 30-40 thousand km. In parallel, experts and experienced motorists note the extremely low maintainability of the variator, as well as the high cost of spare parts for boxes of this type.

This means that not every car service is able to repair the variator or service it (for example, replacing a chain or belt CVT variator), as well as to carry out this repair with high quality.

For this reason, the practice of aggregate replacement of a faulty variator with a contract one is widespread, while the used variator box in good condition is quite expensive.

(robot box) was developed a long time ago, however, for a number of reasons, manufacturers.

Today, thanks to the active development of technology, this type of gearbox is the most progressive. The robot box is actively mounted on different models cars, both in the budget and in the premium segment.

As for the device of the robot box, in fact it is a common mechanical box gears (such gearboxes are also called), while the clutch is engaged and disengaged, as well as the selection and shifting of gears occurs automatically. There is also a manual mode that allows the driver to independently upshift and downshift.

Please note that there are two types of robotic boxes:

single clutch robot (single disc);
preselective box with two clutches;

The first option has only a couple of advantages - the affordable cost of both new and used cars with such a box, as well as fuel efficiency compared to automatic transmissions and some CVTs.

First of all, the single disk robot is simple and cheap to manufacture. Simply put, this is a manual transmission with electronic unit control and actuator servo mechanisms that control the operation of the clutch, as well as shift gears instead of the driver.

At the same time, while driving, such a box twitches at the moments of gear shifting, the driver often has to adapt himself to the algorithm of operation of such a machine, intuitively guessing and releasing gas before shifting.

There are no problems with the reliability of the box itself, but this does not apply to servo mechanisms (actuators) and the clutch. As a rule, the clutch within the framework of urban operation requires replacement already by 50-60 thousand km. run. Also, the automation on many cars with such a robot does not know how to “take into account” clutch wear, which requires constant adaptation every 20-25 thousand km.

As for the actuators, these elements fail by 80-90 thousand km. It should be noted that servos are difficult to repair, which often requires them complete replacement. At the same time, the cost of new devices is often quite high.

If we talk about robots with two clutches (for example, or PowerShift), in this case, such boxes successfully combine many of the advantages of a hydromechanical automatic machine and conventional mechanics. Gear shifting is smooth and very fast, and high fuel efficiency is achieved. At the same time, the box is not so afraid of loads, overheating, is less sensitive to oil quality, etc.

It is based on the same mechanics, ECU and servo mechanisms, however, unlike single-disk robots, there are already two clutches. Simply put, two mechanical boxes are combined in one gearbox housing at once, one has a shaft with even and the other with odd gears.

At the moment when the car is moving in one gear, the ECU also immediately prepares the next speed (preselective gearbox) for switching on and keeps it almost completely engaged. As a result, the shift time is minimal, the driver does not feel jerks and shocks, the power flow is almost not interrupted, the car accelerates dynamically.

The disadvantages of gearboxes of this type include not only the already known problems with servo mechanisms and clutch, but also a more complex device of the gearbox itself. As a rule, such a robot does not cause problems, on average, 120-170 thousand km. Further breakdowns may occur. At the same time, repairs can turn out to be very costly, approaching in cost and even exceeding the price of repairing “classic” hydromechanical automatic transmissions.

Summing up

As you can see, each of the types of checkpoints discussed above has its own strengths and weaknesses. For this reason, it is necessary to take into account certain features when choosing a particular machine.

If the main criterion is reliability and residual life (which is relevant for secondary market), then you should look towards the "classic" automatic transmissions. If you need a car for a calm and comfortable ride, a variator, especially if the car is purchased new, will be an excellent choice.

As for single disk robots, for many this is the only opportunity to purchase within a strictly limited budget. In this case, you should not count on driving comfort, you also need to take into account the small resource of servos. However, it will be a plus affordable price auto and fuel economy.

If we talk about preselective boxes type DSG, this type of gearbox today is the best solution only if the car is purchased new. When buying used cars with such a robot, even if the mileage is relatively small (130-150 thousand km), the potential owner must be prepared in advance for possible serious financial investments in the near future.

It is for this reason that the leader among automatic transmissions on the used car market is still, albeit not the most economical, but at the same time proven and reliable hydromechanical automatic transmission.

What is the difference between an automatic and a variator?

Buying a car is an act that cannot be called spontaneous. One way or another, motorists prepare in advance for this event, find information about design features, power, operation, “sores”, etc. If you miss this moment, you can quickly become disillusioned with any car. To avoid negative emotions, you need to buy a car that meets your own requirements. For example, it is worthwhile to clearly understand what is the fundamental difference between an automatic transmission and a CVT, since some put an equal sign between these units.

How automatic transmission works

The operation of the “machine” is based on the principle of the interaction of two main components: a torque converter and a gearbox. The torque converter builds up pressure, so the gearshifts are smooth and automatic. In fact, it was this assembly that replaced the mechanical clutch.

The second node of the automatic transmission - the gearbox - is responsible for mechanical part transmission operation, consists of several stages, indicated by pairs of gears that are in constant mesh.

How the variator works

A feature of CVTs is the stepless gear shifting. A pair of conical pulleys is responsible for a continuous set of speeds, one of which is the leading one, the second is the driven one. The pulleys interact with each other through a metal trapezoidal belt or chain.

What happens inside the variator during operation?

Tapered pulleys are not monolithic parts. Each pulley is a series of sliding elements. The lowest gear (initial or first) occurs at the moment when the drive pulley is in the maximum extended state and the chain runs along a small diameter. Accordingly, when the drive pulley is extended to the minimum distance, the chain travel diameter increases to the maximum, which is typical for fifth, sixth and higher gears.

This is the whole essence of the work of the variator: the movement of the pulleys changes the gear ratios, which entails a decrease or increase in the speed of the car.

Automatic transmission VS CVT. Pros and cons

To put an end to the question “which is better: automatic or CVT?”, It is necessary to evaluate all the advantages and identify all the disadvantages of these types of transmission:

Advantages of automatic transmission

Disadvantages of automatic transmission

Automatic transmission has a relatively low efficiency due to design features torque converter. As a result, cars with an "automatic" cannot be called economical in terms of fuel consumption.
Weak acceleration dynamics, "dullness" and "dips" when accelerating - another significant disadvantage Automatic transmission versus CVT.

Advantages of the CVT

Disadvantages of the variator

CVTs appeared relatively recently and are constantly being improved. Therefore, statistics have not yet been accumulated on them, and therefore, maintenance, and even more so the repair of these boxes, are very costly procedures.
CVT boxes require regular maintenance using specific oils that have fundamental differences depending on the manufacturer and design features.

Conclusions. Which is better: automatic or CVT?

Having information about the features and principles of operation of various types of transmission, knowing their advantages and disadvantages, each car owner will find his own answer to the question "which is better: automatic or CVT?".

How quickly time flies, literally 8-10 years ago, cars with an automatic gearbox could be counted on the fingers, and now automatic transmission is on the vast majority. cars. Today, the interest of motorists is the variator, which is equipped with all expensive cars.

Many still have little idea of the structure and principle of operation of this mechanism, and they ask a completely fair question, how does a variator differ from an automatic machine and which one is better to choose when buying a car?

To remove all exclamation marks, this article was written. In which we will put everything on the shelves and draw the right conclusion about: a variator or an automatic - which is more reliable and efficient, which is preferable!

The device of the machine and the variator

As part of an automatic There are two main components - a torque converter and a gearbox.

The torque converter is designed for smooth gear shifting, if simpler, then it replaced.
The gearbox of an automatic transmission is a complete mechanism with several steps, in which all paired gears are in constant mesh.

stepless variator. The mechanism works without the usual gear shifting.

How it works: it has 2 conical pulleys (driven and driving), which are one against the other and are interconnected by a metal trapezoidal belt, or on some models there may be chains.

This is how the pulleys are connected with a belt

How does a variator work?

Tapered pulleys are not solid, but consist of sliding parts.

When the drive pulley is as far apart as possible, the metal belt runs on a small diameter (low gear), which is equivalent to first gear.
When the pulley is shifted, the belt runs over a larger diameter (high gear), which is equivalent to fifth or higher gear.

This is how the variator works, shifting and pushing the pulleys, which leads to a change in the gear ratio and, accordingly, the speed of the car changes.

look interesting video, device and principle of operation of the variator:

Pros, cons of the machine and the variator

To better understand the difference between a variator and an automatic machine, you need to consider their performance characteristics.

Automatic transmission improves driving comfort due to the absence of the need for gear shifting. The driver, for example, within the city, gets more freedom and ease in driving. Due to the independent gear shifting by the automatic machine, the motor does not experience overloads and its wear is reduced.

Flaws: the machine is characterized by low efficiency, due to losses in the torque converter, which leads to an increase in fuel consumption. Another minus of the automatic transmission is the worse acceleration dynamics compared to the CVT.

Variable speed drive is under the control of a computer, which very accurately selects the gear ratio from the driving conditions of the machine and therefore the motor operates in an economical mode, without unnecessary loads. A car equipped with a CVT accelerates from a standstill very smoothly (the ride comfort is fabulous!) and the absence (as such) of gear shifting also improves the ride quality.

The CVT box also differs from the automatic one in that it has a large number of gears and this allows the engine to work only in a gentle mode.

Automatic transmission and CVT are very difficult to repair. But, here the machine is the leader, because almost all car services undertake to service and repair it, the automatic transmission has been studied and used on cars for a decent time.
The variator is still a new mechanism, its mass installation on vehicles began not so long ago, it has been little studied and has not developed its statistics. Finding a specialist to repair it is problematic and the service itself will result in a round sum. Also, CVTs require only their own oil, which is different for each mechanism.

Here is the answer to the question: CVT or automatic, which is more reliable? You can draw your own conclusions!

My opinion: if you buy new car with a guarantee, then take it with a variator, in which case, warranty service help out. And if you have to buy without a guarantee, then you should make a choice in favor, spend less nerves in case of a breakdown.

To sum up, how the variator differs from the machine:

the variator gives the car dynamic acceleration (faster than automatic transmission);
a car with a CVT has less fuel consumption (the machine eats more);
the variator is demanding on oil, but its oil volume is less and the oil change time is longer than that of the machine;
the variator does not have a torque converter and therefore it smoothly changes the gear ratio, there is no gear shift;
the variator is very difficult and expensive to repair, it is also required to replace the metal belt after a run of 120-150 thousand kilometers.

Video: what is a variator? Transmission Benefits!

Video: device and operation of an automatic transmission.

Friends, after reading the article and watching the video, please share in the comments which of the presented mechanisms you like the most!

Automatic or CVT - which gearbox is better? This question is usually asked by drivers who want to buy a new car, and do not know which transmission to choose. There is a lot of controversy on the web on this subject, and you can quickly get confused in it. We will consider comparative parameters, disadvantages and advantages of maintenance and device, information collected on real reviews owners of cars with different transmissions, and data on the design and operation of the automatic gearbox and variator.

Many people think that the CVT was invented later than the automatic gearbox, but this is not so. The principle of operation of a continuously variable transmission was discovered in 1490 by Leonardo da Vinci, but he failed to put it into operation, because at that time there was no such type of motor that is used today on modern machines.

The principle of cones that are directed in opposite directions, and tensioned conical belts, was discovered by this particular scientist. Such devices were used in mills. At that time, such a mechanism was a primitive variator. Then they forgot about this mechanism, and only in the 19th century they began to use it on machine tools in production, but cars have not yet reached. The first engineer who decided to use this invention for road transport, was an engineer from Holland Hubert van Doorn. He came up with a continuously variable transmission, which was mounted on cars in 1958.

The variator was installed on cars with an engine of 0.59 liters of usable volume. It was a great success, and then other manufacturers began to think about installing a continuously variable box on their machines.

Before moving on to comparative parameters automatic gearbox and variator, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the principle of operation and design of both mechanisms. This information will help you make right choice. Let's start with the variator.

The main difference between a CVT and another gearbox is that it does not have separate gears. Each variator has a certain range in which there is a transfer force under certain conditions at a certain point in time. This condition is possible because the variator is based on a different principle of operation, in contrast to the gearbox.

We will understand the principle of operation of the variator. It consists in the use of a belt drive, usually in modern cars a chain (metal belt) is used that transmits torque between crankshaft motor and a driven shaft connected to the wheel drive. Ratio changes smoothly by smoothly changing the diameter of the driven and driving shafts. For such purposes, special methods are used. All modern car manufacturers have their own experience in this regard. But all variators are divided into two main types:

V-belt variator.
toroidal look.

The main element of the V-belt transmission can be called a toothed belt with a sectional shape in the form of a trapezoid. Some factories use a belt or chain made of metal plates. Another component is two pulleys formed by conical discs that are able to change the diameter. This allows you to change the speed and amount of transmitted torque.

The work is done in the following order. When you press the gas pedal, the drive pulley transmits torque from the motor to the driven shaft. But its device is such that when exposed to centrifugal forces due to an increase in speed, the two halves of the disks converge and push the tapered belt from the middle of the pulley to the edges. On the driven shaft, the reverse procedure is carried out. He has two halves of the disk apart, and the belt moves to the middle of the pulley. So the gear ratio and force change slowly. When the gas pedal is released, the reverse process is performed.

The toroidal type of variator works in a different way. Instead of shafts, there are two wheels that have a spherical surface. Rollers are clamped between the wheels, one of which is driving and the other is driven. A change in the magnitude of the torque and gear ratio appears due to a change in the friction force of the rollers and wheels. Changing the location of the rollers in a perpendicular plane makes it possible to change the gear ratio. When the roller is horizontal, the driven and driving wheels rotate at the same angular speed. And if the rollers are in a different position, then the gear ratio also changes.

But due to the complexity of the device and the production technologies of some elements, toroidal variators are rarely used. Therefore, in the future we will consider the most common V-belt variators in the production of automobiles.

Lubricants for CVTs are different from other transmission fluids. They are labeled CVT. These fluids not only lubricate the parts, but also prevent slipping. Due to this property, the belt can work to transfer the torque between the shafts. Therefore, the "oil starvation" of the gearbox must not be allowed, otherwise the chain or belt will slip over the surfaces of the shafts, which will lead to their rapid wear.

What elements in the variator are prone to malfunctions

This device requires quality maintenance. Oil must be changed every 80 thousand kilometers, as indicated in the manufacturers' regulations. This must not be forgotten, otherwise problems arise that will require a large investment of money.

The oil pump, valve body may become dirty.
As a result, the shafts are not able to normally open and clamp the belt that slips.
If the belt slips, there is a lot of wear. With increased wear, it will quickly break, which will create big problems in the box.
Seizures appear on the polished sections of the shafts, which negatively affects the belt.
The CVT has a serious disadvantage in the presence of a large amount of electronics, reaching 50%.

Service life of the variator box

Here it is necessary to remember the need for timely replacement of the lubricant, otherwise the service life will be significantly reduced. However, if you service the gearbox in a timely manner, then after 150 thousand kilometers it is recommended to replace the belt so that it does not break and cause harm to the mechanism. Therefore, the CVT is a more problematic mechanism, unlike other types, and its service life cannot reach 300 thousand km.

Advantages of the variator:

Good acceleration dynamics, better than on the machine.
Low fuel consumption, lower than on the machine.
There are no gears, which means there is no jerking when switching, which provides additional advantages in terms of dynamism and smoothness of movement.
Increased efficiency, more by 10% than the automatic transmission.
Simple vehicle control, novice drivers do not need to learn how to drive a car with a CVT, shift gears and start off.
A car with a CVT does not emit many environmentally harmful substances due to lower gasoline consumption.
Gentle mode of action. The selection of working conditions is carried out electronic system, which selects the best operating modes in order to reduce wear on the elements and increase their service life.

Disadvantages of the CVT:

A complex repair method that has not yet been fully mastered by specialists, so only authorized dealers can repair it, which costs big money. Find good master on the CVT is very difficult, especially in small towns.
Sophisticated electronic system, if it malfunctions, a visit is required official dealer and big money investment.
The cost of replacing belts is an expensive procedure; not all car services carry it out.
Special CVT oil is expensive and not easy to find. The brand of oil also plays a big role, if you fill in another oil, then the box will not work.
The CVT cannot be mounted on cars with powerful engines, more than 220 hp, since powerful motors exert a lot of force on the drive belt and the variator roller.
It is forbidden to tow another car or trailer on a car with a CVT, and it is forbidden to tow the car itself with an idle engine.

This mechanism appeared primarily in shipbuilding at the beginning of the 20th century. Its inventor is the German professor Fettinger. He developed a hydrodynamic transmission that separated the ship's engine and propeller. This is how the hydraulic clutch appeared, which is the most important element of automatic transmissions. Subsequently, in 1940 in America, engineers began to install the first automatic transmissions on cars.

Their device has not changed much until today. An automatic transmission has two main elements - a gearbox and a torque converter that works instead of a clutch. Its principle of operation is smooth switching of speeds. The gearbox is designed so that the gears are in continuous mesh with each other. This makes it possible to obtain a single small-sized mechanism with several steps.

From the very beginning, cars did not have front-wheel drive, they all had rear drive, and with this design, automatic boxes were equipped with only three gears, which was enough. Today the situation is different, and cars have front-wheel drive, there are more speeds, there are up to six speeds.

Today, this design has been worked out for years, at present its device has been brought to perfection (main types). The design of this box is quite reliable and durable. The torque from the motor is transmitted through the torque converter device, as we have considered, there is no mechanical engagement in it, it acts due to oil pressure. If there is no rigid clutch, then the reliability of the mechanism is high, but the design has a planetary gear and shafts, as well as clutches with discs.

The clutches work as a clutch and, when they are unclenched and compressed, the necessary clutches come into operation at the appropriate speeds.

Important elements are the valve body and the high pressure pump. These are the most important details.

All malfunctions of the automatic transmission, as well as the mechanical box, arise from untimely repair and maintenance, oil changes. Usually, many drivers do not change the oil in an automatic transmission even with a significant mileage, which leads to contamination of the cooling radiator, valve body, and filter. As a result, the oil pump is unable to supply operating pressure. In view of this situation, the clutches on the metal discs scroll, by analogy with how the clutch disc slips on mechanical transmission. At the same time, the speeds turn on poorly, the car twitches when shifting gears.

For this reason, when purchasing, it is recommended to check the automatic transmission oil for smell, since burnt liquid means that the clutches are worn or burnt. If there is such a smell, then it is not recommended to purchase such a machine. Of course, if the automatic transmission is “started”, then there may be more malfunctions: wear of the gears of the planetary mechanism, the friction lining of the torque converter, and many other parts.

Under normal maintenance, the resource can be very large. Sometimes there are cars when timely replacement oils, an automatic transmission serves up to 400 thousand kilometers, and this is on a conventional four-speed automatic. It is the four-speed automatic gearboxes of the old versions that are considered the most reliable, especially those made in Japan.

To make the transmission work longer, you need to follow some recommendations:

Change the oil according to the plan, if you need to change after 70 thousand, then you need to do so. If you replace earlier, it will be even better. You also need to know that there are no unattended boxes.
Along with the oil, it is also necessary to change the filter, which will significantly increase the resource.
It is recommended to remove the radiator from the box and clean it, then rinse it.
Clean the bottom of the box from various contaminants, clean the magnets.

Such rules are necessary, the service life will increase significantly, and can reach 300 thousand kilometers. In view of such reliability, many people choose automatic transmission.

Automatic transmission advantages:

Easy driving, no need to decide how to move off and what gear to turn on, the machine will work by itself.
Reliability. This type of transmission, with the necessary maintenance, can work for a long time, compared to other types.
Maintainability. Automatic transmissions are well mastered, and can be repaired in many car services.
Oil type. For automatic transmissions, it is necessary to fill in special oil, but the parameters of this oil are lower compared to other boxes, and the cost is less.
A small number of electronic elements, automatic boxes operate in conjunction with the electronic unit, but the content of electronics is not more than 30%, the rest of the parts are mechanical.
Possible jerking and passing. To date, there are already six-speed transmissions, they already have a significantly higher maximum speed threshold, the car will not hum much in fourth gear, they have soft gear shifts, barely noticeable.

Disadvantages of automatic transmission:

It does not have dynamics, as on a CVT or mechanical box.
Less ratio useful action, which means that the automatic transmission does not have a rigid engagement of the transmission with the motor. Everything is carried out by means of a torque converter, and high oil pressure. This engagement consumes some of the useful work.
Jerks when shifting gears, as there are gears that other types of boxes do not have.
The oil volume in the transmission is larger compared to other transmissions, reaching up to 10 liters. The variator has a volume of 8 liters, on the mechanics - about 3 liters.
Significant fuel consumption, higher than the variator, but due to lower efficiency.

As a result, we can say that the reliability of this mechanism covers the existing shortcomings - low efficiency, jerks when switching, increased consumption fuel, bad momentum. But with a timely oil change, the box can work for a long time.

Features of automatic transmission

There are several interesting features, which will help car owners decide on the choice of the type of transmission on the car.

Volume special oil in the box, the automatic is larger, although not by much, depending on the brand of the car. This usually does not affect the cost of the machine, since the cost of the original CVT lubricant is usually even higher.
Changing filters and oil for the CVT should be done more often. During operation, it is necessary to control that the oil does not darken and does not lose its properties, since its quality is important for this mechanism.
Most often, car manufacturers advise changing the oil in the CVT every 60 thousand kilometers, but, according to the reviews of car owners with a CVT, it is better to do this earlier (by 50 thousand). In this case, it is necessary to replace both the oil itself and filters, which are cheap.
On a car with a variator box, you can not abruptly move off. The principle of its operation is to the best speed and torque, so that the device operates in a gentle mode. If you want to go fast, then this type of transmission is not suitable for you. Do not skid and carry trailers or other vehicles on the variator.
For a variator box, it is not recommended to drive at too low or very high speed. In such modes, the belt experiences large mechanical loads, which contributes to rapid wear. Also, the temperature of the oil increases. Auxiliary cooling must be taken care of. If you live in a city and often get stuck in traffic jams, then you should think about whether to buy a car with a CVT.
When driving a car with a CVT in severe frost, it is imperative to warm up the engine in order to reduce the viscosity of the gear oil, otherwise the CVT belt will begin to slip, and additional wear will appear on the surface of the belt and pulleys.
It is not advisable to purchase a used car with a CVT. There is a big risk that there will be problems with this mechanism. Checking the condition of the box belt is quite easy. All you need to do is drive your car flat road at a slow speed of about 1 km. If you feel tremors while driving, then it is better to refuse to purchase this vehicle.
It is necessary to monitor the performance of the speed sensor. If it fails, the electronic system switches the variator to emergency work. If such a situation occurs while driving, then the engine is braked, which has a negative effect on the machine.
Advance oil change in a gearbox with a variator is an important factor. If the oil does not have the necessary operational properties, then the valve body of the box will slowly become clogged, which means that the oil pump will not create the required level of working pressure. Therefore, the shafts will not be able to unclench or compress the belt, as a result of which it will slip and wear out quickly. In the worst case, the belt will break, which will damage all the internal elements of the device.
The gearbox belt should be replaced every 150 thousand kilometers, regardless of the condition of the mechanism.

Despite the existing shortcomings of the variator, today they have become the most advanced mechanism in the transmission. Their merits are appreciated by many drivers in different countries. If we consider the shortcomings, then manufacturers are constantly improving the design of variators, we can say for sure that over time, variators will displace the automatic gearbox and manual gearbox from the car market.

Features of the CVT

Lastly, we will acquaint you with data that will help drivers understand what nuances the CVT transmission hides.

Driving style. If you want to drive a car dynamically, then the CVT transmission will be for you. the best option. And if it doesn't work for you extreme riding, then it is better to buy an automatic.
It is not necessary for the CVT to move for a long time at high or low speed.
When using the variator at too low or high temperatures, special conditions must be created.
A car with a CVT must not be towed with an idle engine (it can be transported with the drive wheels suspended). It is also forbidden for the car itself to tow other cars or trailers.
You only need to drive good roads, otherwise drive belt boxes will break due to heavy loads.
Change the oil and drive belt in advance.

Before purchasing a car with a CVT-based transmission, you need to be prepared for the conditions of subsequent operation. This is most relevant if you previously had a car with a manual transmission. But over time, you will quickly get used to it and, most likely, will be satisfied with the purchase. Don't forget to produce on time. Maintenance transmission, comply with the rules for driving a vehicle, which we discussed earlier.

Which is better - automatic or CVT

Given all the information reviewed, it is impossible to give unequivocal advice on which transmission is better. These two devices differ significantly from each other, and each mechanism has individual characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to choose based on the operating conditions of the car. It should also be remembered that today in Russian automotive market there are variators that have not yet been finalized. Manufacturers Vehicle constantly working on their improvement, and there are all prerequisites that someday they will take a high place in the market.

Here are some criteria by which you can choose a car:

Driving style: CVT for fast driving, automatic for more moderate driving.
Technical specifications. If you need a car with a smooth gear shift, then take a variator, if this is not important for you, but you want there to be no clutch pedal, then both transmission versions are suitable.
The service life of the gearbox. Of course, the CVT version will work much longer with proper maintenance, unlike automatic transmission.
Carrying out repairs. The variator is not yet very common as an automatic one, so not every car workshop can repair it, unlike an automatic transmission, which can be done for you in any workshop.
Operating mode. Modern gearshift transmissions have different gear shifting modes. Three modes can be distinguished: economical, comfortable and sporty. At the first of them, the system automatically selects the best mode of operation of the motor, trying to switch to high speed. sporty look mode, compared to economical, switches the motor to a lower speed, thereby guaranteeing the presence of a reserve of power from the motor. Comfort mode guarantees the smoothest switching operation.
Gear change method. In new modern models automatic transmission has the option of manual gear shifting. This is a convenient feature for drivers who want to keep the car under control and change gears themselves. This type is usually used on those brands of cars on which a manual box is not provided from the very beginning.

It is impossible to unequivocally determine which transmission is optimal, each person chooses for himself what suits him. If you yourself cannot figure out which type of this mechanism you should choose for reliability and other factors, then it is better to turn to professionals. At different service stations there are masters who will help you in this matter. They are well versed in all the disadvantages and advantages. different types transmissions.

Cars are equipped with a gearbox, which affects the change in speed and direction of movement. Initially, the "mechanics" became widespread, later the version of the car, where there is an automatic transmission, began to gain popularity. In the modern Japanese and American market, more and more cars are being produced where a CVT is installed, for example, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Teana, Ford Mondeo.

It is necessary to resolve such a question that worries many potential car owners:

what better variator or automatic;
which box has a longer working life;
what is the difference between a variator and an automatic transmission;
which type is more reliable?

Distinctive features of the variator and machine

How to distinguish an automatic transmission from a variator:

driving feature. With a variator, jerks will not be felt when the speeds are switched;
modern car brands behind have the name of the model itself + the designation of the type of transmission CVT / AT (A);
there are fewer modes on the selector inside the car if there is a stepless mechanism;
documents accompanying the machine include information about which box is on the vehicle.

Technical components

What is the difference between a variator and an automatic? The automatic transmission includes a gearbox and a torque converter. The gearbox includes pairs of gears, the torque converter provides clutch. Their interaction guarantees fast switching of speeds.

Automatic transmission in the context

The variator works without switching speeds. It is a type of automatic transmission. It consists of two pulleys (slave and lead), pulled together by a belt. Auto mechanics note: this device is controlled by the selector lever.

Scheme of a variator gearbox

The difference between the variator and the automatic machine lies in the fact that in the first case, the dynamics of the acceleration of the vehicle is faster.

CVT and automatic which is better? In terms of the quality of the oil being poured, cars with an automatic transmission are less demanding when compared. Difference between variator and automatic:

less fuel is spent (when compared with automatic transmission);
the CVT does not have jerks when switching speeds (because there are no gears);
a machine with a continuously variable transmission has a high level of safety when maneuvering on an icy road. Simplified driving is noted. This advantage also has an automatic transmission.

What is more reliable CVT or automatic transmission?

Choosing a CVT or automatic is an individual matter. The main thing in this matter is to take into account all the pros and cons of each device. When choosing a car, many are guided by the service life of these types of transmissions.

Performance drove demand for automatic transmission cars in the early 2000s. The resource of automatic transmissions can exceed 300,000 km, which is almost 2 times more than that of the variator. However, automatic transmission efficiency is lower.

Due to the long working period, many decide to purchase a car where there is an "automatic". Her technical part recognized as reliable. Professionally executed high pressure pump and hydraulic unit. As a rule, breakdowns occur as a result of untimely maintenance of this system by a motorist, for example, a trip took place for a long time with a clogged filter or valve body. This is the cause of the characteristic twitches between gears.

Both options are difficult to restore in the event of a breakdown. However, in this case, the advantage remains on the side of the automatic transmission. In addition, restoration work at the machine will be cheaper. At 50,000 km, an excellent quality transmission oil needs to be replaced. It should be noted that not everyone service center repair and restoration work that is associated with the CVT gearbox is taken. In some cases, auto repair shop workers may offer to replace the box itself. It takes a lot of time to restore technology. With a run of 100,000 km, it may be necessary to install a new belt between the pulleys. This consumable has a considerable cost. In addition, CVTs cannot be overloaded with high power. It is because of this that this option is not found on sports cars. How to determine the visual difference is quite possible. The design of the variators is somewhat different than that of the automatic transmission.

Automatic transmission variator and classic machine provides easy control of the machine. Thanks to independent gear shifting on automatic transmission, power unit does not experience overload. Travelers out of town prefer automatic transmission. Those who often operate vehicles around the city choose a CVT gearbox.

Thus, the characteristics of both types of transmissions are well studied by auto experts. CVT differs from automatic transmission technical features, the general specifics of the work. You can visually find out whether there is a continuously variable transmission or not on a car during a test drive. A car with such a mechanism smoothly accelerates and picks up speed.