Automatic Transmission in Cars, Know the Functions and Types
As a person who has high mobility, are you planning to buy a car ? If so, you need to understand some terms related to cars first, for example automatic transmission.
The cars that have been produced lately are actually supported with automatic or automatic transmissions , although some are still manual. The reason is, the driver will find it easier to drive a car with an automatic transmission.
However, what is an automatic transmission and how does it work in today's cars? What are the types and functions? To know the answer, you need to read this article to the end.
What Is a Car Automatic Transmission?
Transmission in a car is a system that functions to change torque and speed from the engine to the final drive.
What is an automatic transmission in a car? For those of you who are still new, automatic car transmission is a method of shifting the transmission gear while the vehicle is being driven.
In general, the vehicle that is being run will adjust the speed and engine load. In cars with manual transmissions, to shift gears the driver requires the clutch pedal and shift lever.
Cars with automatic transmissions are also known as automatic cars. The term automatic transmission is sometimes written with the abbreviation A/T.
Basically, the function of this automatic transmission is to shift the transmission gear when the car is running in an automatic way, namely by adjusting the engine load and vehicle speed.
Advantages of Automatic Transmission
Because drivers can drive cars more simply with automatic transmissions, it's no wonder that automatic transmission cars are in great demand.
Here are a number of advantages of automatic transmission over manual.
- The operation of the vehicle is easier because it does not rely on the clutch pedal to shift gears.
- The transfer of acceleration on the automatic transmission is softer than the manual.
- There is no pounding when shifting gears, making it more comfortable for everyday use.
Know the Types of Automatic Transmissions and Their Functions
The automatic transmission function can also be classified by type. The full hydraulic type transmission has the function to adjust the gear shift moment, as well as full lock up with a hydraulic mechanism.
While the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) type transmission functions to regulate the gearshift moment and full lock-up using the electronic method.
Not only based on input from the shift and lock pattern as a controller, PCM also functions as a diagnosis and fail-safe.
Although the function of the two types of transmission systems is the same to perform automatic gear shifts, they both apply different systems, so the aspects of maintenance carried out are different.
Automatic cars depend on the condition and quality of the transmission oil that is relied on to drive the components of the transmission system. While the PCM type, which as the name suggests, is a module containing more sophisticated electronic components.
Of course, the maintenance carried out must refer to the vehicle owner's manual and cannot be carried out, so that the automatic car transmission system remains durable and reliable at all times.
Meanwhile, citing Kompas.com. in general, cars in Indonesia have four types of known automatic transmissions.
The four transmissions include conventional AT transmission or Hydraulic Automatic Transmission. Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), and Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
Here are the types and how the automatic transmission works for each type.
1. at (Hydraulic Automatic Transmission)
For conventional automatic transmission or AT, the way it works is using a torque converter which converts mechanical energy from the engine into kinetic energy and transmits it to the driveshaft.
This type of transmission is the most commonly used. One of them is like the MPV of a million people, namely the Toyota Avanza and Daihatsu Xenia.
2. Continuously Variable Transmission (Cvt)
While the type of CVT transmission, the transfer process results from a change in the diameter of a pair of pulleys or known as the drive and driven pulley which follows the rotation of the car engine, then is connected to a belt or steel belt.
The CVT transmission has an advantage over the AT, which is a smooth shift without bumping.
In addition, because the transmission ratio is constantly changing, the CVT is able to adjust to make the engine work more swiftly and lightly. For this reason, the CVT is claimed to be better in fuel efficiency.
In general, cars with CVT transmissions have a higher selling price than conventional automatics. CVT transmissions can be found in cars, such as the Toyota Yaris, Honda Brio, Honda Jazz, and so on.
3. Dual Clutch Transmission (Dct)
The DCT transmission is a manual transmission whose mechanical clutch pedal is changed to automatic. DCT is also arguably an automated manual transmission.
So, DCT works by using two double clutches which are controlled by a computer. The dual clutch functions on different transmission gears, namely even and odd.
4. Automated Manual Transmission (Amt)
AMT transmissions are actually manual and automatic whose manual work has been controlled automatically through actuators.
Not many car brands that use this type of transmission. Because, many users feel uncomfortable due to the shock that is quite felt when using it.
One of the cars that is still applying this transmission is the Auto Ignis.
What Type of Car Is Right for You?
After knowing more about cars with automatic transmissions, you may be wondering what type of car is right for you. You don't need to be confused, you can use the following calculator to find out:
Don't forget to also provide protection for your car with the best car insurance. Considering the cost of maintenance and repairs at the workshop is not small, with car insurance you will get financial protection, so that your savings and investment funds are safe.
To find out what type of car insurance is right for you, you can find out by filling out this quiz:
