This particular article will talk about the different types of gearboxes that come with cars nowadays. There are normally five different types of gearboxes that you can find in cars available in Pakistan. These include manual transmission, automatic transmission, automated-manual transmission (AMT), CVT, and DSG (DCT). Before buying a car, you must have a general idea about all these transmissions so that you can make an informed decision. In order to transmit the power produced by the engine to the wheels, a vehicle needs a gearbox.
Manual Transmission
Manual transmission is the simplest gearbox among the five gearboxes being discussed in this article. In a manual transmission, there can be four, five, or six gears. In order to change gears, you need to make use of the clutch pedal and the gear lever. Manual transmission is generally considered to be fuel efficient when compared with other transmissions.
Moreover, the price tag and weight of this transmission are lower than other transmissions. Maintenance costs are also economical, and the gear oil gets replaced after around 80,000 km. Driving with a manual transmission is more tiresome; however, parts for a manual transmission are cheaper to buy.
Automatic Transmission
An automatic transmission uses a hydraulic system to change gears automatically. There is no clutch in an automatic transmission. Instead of a clutch, there is a torque converter that does the job of a clutch in an automatic transmission. Compared to a manual transmission, a vehicle with an automatic transmission is more comfortable to drive, especially in urban areas. An automatic transmission is less fuel-efficient and carries more weight than a manual transmission. This gearbox requires an oil change after around 40,000 km. Spare parts for an automatic transmission are expensive, and the general maintenance will also cost you more than a manual transmission.
Automated-Manual Transmission (AMT)
There are two modes in this transmission – a drive mode and a manual mode. In the drive mode, the transmission is automatic. In manual mode, the driver has to change gears manually; however, there is no clutch like in a pure manual transmission. Compared to a simple automatic transmission, the fuel efficiency of this gearbox is better. It is easier to drive a vehicle that comes fitted with an AMT. The weight of this transmission is more than that of an automatic transmission. The oil change for this transmission is recommended after 40,000 km. The AMT has a great deal of gear lag at times.
See the video to get more information on these transmissions:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
A CVT is also called a shiftless transmission, and due to this reason, the changes of gears are seamless and provide a comfortable ride. The ride is smoother for a CVT compared to a simple automatic transmission. A CVT is lighter in weight compared to an automatic transmission. The fuel efficiency returned by a CVT is better than that of an automatic transmission. The oil for a CVT must be changed after 40,000 km, and the oil for a simple automatic transmission must not be added to a CVT. A CVT also produces low emission figures as it controls the vehicle’s speed range in a better way.
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
There are two types of clutch in a Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). For odd and even gears, there are two different clutches. This transmission resembles more with a manual transmission. The clutches in a DCT are made to operate independently. The fuel efficiency of a DCT is better than that of a CVT. The acceleration that results from a DCT is more significant than that from an automatic transmission.
That’s it from our side, drop your thoughts in the comments section below.
