Your car’s transmission is responsible for moving power from the engine to the wheels and regulating their speed. Your transmission has differently sized gears to make the wheels move at varying speeds relative to the engine, and a mechanism for switching between them. There are several kinds of transmissions—here’s what auto repair professionals want you to know about each one.

What Are the Different Types of Car Transmissions?

1. Automatic

This is the most common type of transmission in modern cars. The system’s sensors monitor your engine and wheel speeds, shifting automatically between gears at the appropriate time.

Because this system has more components and electronics than a manual transmission, it needs transmission service more often. However, it’s also much easier to drive, as you don’t need to decide when to shift gears or know how to work a clutch.

2. Manual

Manual transmissions are older than automatic ones and can often be found in dated vehicles. They’re also found in high-performance cars, off-road vehicles, and heavy machinery when the driver may want fine control over the gears.

They’re more complicated to drive than a car with an automatic transmission due to the use of the clutch—however, when they break down, the auto repairs are simple.

3. Semi-Automatic

The semi-automatic transmission is a newer invention that seeks to give drivers manual control while being easy to use. Instead of a stick shift and a clutch pedal, there are buttons on the steering wheel to control the gears.

When the driver presses the button, the car automatically goes through the clutch and gear shift sequence to change to a higher or lower gear. This combines fine control and ease of use, but auto repairs are more complicated.

4. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

This is another new type of transmission mostly found in small vehicles. It’s the only system that uses belts and pulleys instead of gears. Because there are no set gear sizes, it transitions smoothly, with pulleys shrinking and expanding to whatever size is most efficient for your current speed.

This makes this type of transmission fuel-efficient. While the delicate system isn’t appropriate for off-road driving, it’s well suited for changing road conditions.

If you have questions about your car’s transmission, visit Hayworth Auto Repair Inc. in High Point, NC. Serving the Triad Area for over a decade, their ASE-Certified mechanics have over 60 years of combined experience and are happy to explain your car’s operation and any needed repairs or auto maintenance. They also offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on most parts and labor. Call (336) 869-3056 or reach out online to make an appointment.