Transmission Types for Your Vehicle

Discover Which Transmission Type Fits Your Driving Style

Of the many factors you need to consider when buying a car, the transmission is not something you want to overlook. While performance, safety, technology, and comfort are important elements, you need to feel confident with the transmission. This is the method that delivers power from the engine to the wheels so the car can drive.

Four different types of transmission are available in vehicles today: manual, automatic, continuously variable, and semi-automatic. There are key differences between each transmission, so it’s critical to understand how they function.

This article will walk you through the four transmission types. You will learn about each one and how it works so you can choose one that makes the most sense for your needs and preferences.

Manual Transmission

Manual transmission is so named because it requires direct involvement and intervention from the driver to operate. To shift from one gear to the next as the car speeds up or slows down, the driver must use the stick shift. Many drivers enjoy this hands-on driving style. Manual transmission, however, is not as common as it once was, making them a special sight on the road.

You can enjoy the following benefits from manual transmission:

Manual transmission allows the driver to be in control of shifting.
It is typically cheaper to repair manual transmissions.
Cars with manual transmission have better fuel economy.
Models with manual transmission cost less on average than those with other transmission types.

Automatic Transmission

The most common type of transmission available today is the automatic transmission. It is the opposite of manual transmission, as it requires no intervention from the driver. The car will automatically shift gears as you speed up or slow down. Thus, there is no stick shift or clutch pedal to use.

Advantages of having an automatic transmission:

Because the transmission process happens automatically, there is nothing additional for new drivers to learn. An automatic transmission is seamless and smooth. An automatic transmission works well if you are driving in city traffic. It can be safer to operate an automatic transmission, as the driver does not have to take their hands off the wheel or go from one task to another while driving.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

While manual and automatic transmissions rely on a system of gears, a continuous variable transmission works differently. Instead, it uses belts and pulleys to take power from the engine to the wheels. It also has an infinite number of gear ratios. There are fewer parts with CVT as well. This transmission occurs automatically, so there is no clutch pedal or stick shift.

Here are some benefits of using a CVT:

A CVT gives the driver satisfactory control of the vehicle.
Because there are fewer components with a CVT, the vehicles are lighter, and there are fewer parts to repair or replace when there are problems.
CVT vehicles enjoy excellent fuel economy.
A CVT delivers smooth acceleration and provides a good driving experience in any condition.

Semi-Automatic Transmission

The fourth type of transmission is a semi-automatic transmission, which gives drivers a combination of manual and automatic transmission. While there is no traditional stick shift and no clutch pedal, the driver can shift gears but does so with paddles or buttons on the wheel. Drivers who like to have input over shifting gears but don’t want to worry about using a clutch prefer this type. Other benefits include the following:

Changing gears with a semi-automatic transmission is easier to manage than with a manual transmission.
The driver has quality, direct control over the vehicle.
A semi-automatic transmission is ideal for high-performance vehicles.
Because there is no clutch pedal, a semi-automatic transmission is not as hard to learn and use as a manual transmission.

Shop Your Next Vehicle at Tempe Kia

You don’t have to stress out about what type of transmission comes with the car you want. As you understand how each type works and its benefits, you can feel prepared when you visit the dealership. The team at Tempe Kia in Tempe, AZ, is ready to put you into the right vehicle with a transmission type that feels comfortable to you. Visit us today, and we’ll ensure that you feel good about your purchase.