What means about the manual transmission, automatic transmission, and manual automatic transmission? Let's learn about the classification of transmissions
  
The gearbox is one of the most important components in a car. The quality of the gearbox largely determines the driving experience and riding comfort of a car, and also has an impact on fuel economy. It is best to understand the type of gearbox used in the selected model before buying a car. Today we will talk about the classification of gearboxes, which are some of the most basic knowledge.
        
 In terms of control form, cars can be divided into two categories: automatic transmission and manual transmission. The manual gear is easy to identify, with the shift lever indicating 1-5 gears. The driver is required to shift each gear, and most people learn manual gear when learning their driver's license. Except for manual transmission, all other gears are automatic. Anything that requires the driver to select a gear is a manual gear, and anything that can automatically change gears is called an automatic transmission, regardless of the transmission used. Nowadays, many cars are equipped with automatic transmissions. In addition to automatic shifting, there is an additional feature that allows for manual shifting. However, it is not certain which type of automatic transmission it is. Regardless of which type of transmission it is, as long as it can shift automatically or manually, it is called an automatic transmission.

 
The manual transmission must be equipped with a manual transmission, and all manual transmissions have the same structure. The gearbox is connected to the engine through a clutch, which disengages, disconnects power, engages the clutch, and connects power. Inside the gearbox, there are several sets of gears, large and small, which can be adjusted by changing the gear ratio through the use of a large gear with a small gear or a small gear with a large gear. It transmits power through gear meshing, with very high transmission efficiency and almost no loss in the middle. The structure is also very simple, just a few sets of gears without electronic control components, with a low failure rate and cheap maintenance. The only drawback is that driving requires frequent manual gear changes and clutch control, which can be a bit cumbersome to operate.
        
There are many types of transmissions used in automatic transmission, including AMT, AT, CVT, and DCT, all of which are called automatic transmissions. Below is a brief introduction to each type.
 
 The AMT, also known as an electronically controlled mechanical automatic transmission, has a mechanical structure similar to a manual transmission, with several sets of gears meshing and a clutch inside. On this basis, a set of electronic control shifting system has been installed, which automatically controls the engagement and disconnection of the clutch and selects the gear position. In this way, its transmission efficiency is the same as that of a manual gearbox, and there is no need for the driver to shift gears. However, in practical use, many problems may arise due to electronic control technology and the characteristics of manual transmissions. The biggest problem is uneven shifting, significant jerkiness, and uncomfortable driving experience. Therefore, there are very few cars using AMT. Due to its low cost, it is generally used on relatively inexpensive household cars to switch from manual transmission to automatic transmission.

        
AT is a common hydraulic automatic transmission, consisting of several components such as hydraulic torque converter, planetary gear set, transmission computer, solenoid valve, brake band, clutch plate, etc. The transmission of power relies on transmission oil, which shifts and transmits power through oil pressure. There are 4AT, 6AT, 9AT, and so on, and the number represents the number of gears. 4 indicates that the transmission only has 4 forward gears, and 9 indicates that the transmission has 9 forward gears. The AT gearbox has a history of several years, is widely used, and the technology is relatively mature. Nowadays, the shifting smoothness is also good, so many cars use an AT gearbox.

        
CVT, also known as a continuously variable transmission, has a conical structure with both the driving and driven wheels connected by steel strips and no fixed gears. It can be said that there are countless gears, making it the smoothest transmission. Nowadays, many CVT cars also say they have several gears, which are actually simulated to make the driver feel that the vehicle is shifting gears and improve driving pleasure. Its main advantages are smooth shifting and low fuel consumption, but due to the structural characteristics of the gearbox, it is not suitable for frequent high torque output. It is not suitable for intense driving, heavy lifting, racing, etc. It is most suitable for daily household commuting.

     DCT, also known as a dual clutch transmission, is an improvement of manual transmission, which also includes gear engagement and clutch, as well as an electronic shift system. However, it has two clutches. When shifting gears, one clutch gradually disengages and the other clutch gradually engages, achieving uninterrupted power output and smoother operation. The electronic control system is also relatively advanced and intelligent, able to roughly determine the driver's intentions and the driving conditions at that time. However, there may still be jerks at low speeds, especially when slowing down and about to stop. The jerks are quite severe, and the gearbox is also prone to overheating when driving continuously in traffic congestion. The overall technical maturity is average, with high transmission efficiency and fuel efficiency as its biggest advantages.

From: WONDEE Autoparts 2023-8-16