What to choose: variator or mechanics
Content
More recently, when it came to choosing a gearbox for a car, a motorist had only two options: an automatic or a mechanic. Globally, nothing has changed at the moment, but the word “automatic” can mean at least four types of automatic transmissions, which are fundamentally different in design from each other. And the most common of these is the variator or CVT. So what should a car enthusiast choose: a variator or a mechanic? In the article we will analyze their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages and compare with each other. The article will help you make a decision when choosing a car, and also, if you have already purchased a car with a variator, it is better to understand the structure of your vehicle for its further operation. The material is aimed at helping both a novice car enthusiast and an experienced driver.
Manual Transmission
The device and principle of operation of a manual transmission
A manual gearbox is an element of a car's transmission and is designed to change the torque from the engine both in magnitude and in direction (reverse). The manual transmission is considered classic and is distinguished by its reliability and simplicity.
The mechanical transmission includes:
- housing (crankcase);
- shafts and gears (there are 2 and 3-shaft);
- reverse gear;
- switching mechanism;
- synchronizers;
- electronic sensors.
The body is made from various materials. In most cases, it is an aluminum alloy, but it happens that a magnesium alloy is taken as a basis. The magnesium alloy crankcase is lightweight and durable.
All elements of the gearbox are located in the housing, except for the shift lever installed in the cabin. The crankcase is filled with transmission oil, which is necessary to maintain all components in good condition under any load.
The primary shaft is connected to the engine by means of a clutch, and the secondary shaft is connected to the cardan or differential and the drive of the driving wheels of the car. The shafts are connected to each other using pairs of gears.
When you press the clutch pedal and engage the required gear, the input shaft is disconnected from the engine and the gears rotate freely relative to each other. When the driver releases the clutch pedal, the input shaft picks up torque from the engine and transmits it to the output shaft, thereby transferring the force to the drive wheels.
For smooth and shockless gear shifting, the gearbox is equipped with synchronizers that equalize the speed of rotation of the gears. The life cycle of the gear depends on the quality of the synchronizer and its correct operation, and, accordingly, the entire gearbox as a whole.
The operation of a manual transmission is clear and simple, which made it popular and reliable in car operation. Mechanics have existed unchanged for a long period of time. A worthy alternative to mechanics in all respects, especially in terms of price / quality ratio, has not yet been observed.
Advantages and disadvantages of a manual transmission
A manual transmission has both advantages and disadvantages.
The main positive aspects of mechanics are:
- Low cost and weight of the box in comparison with other gearboxes.
- Relatively inexpensive service.
- Possibility of permanent trailer towing.
- Simple design and maintainability.
- Ensuring efficient operation of the vehicle in off-road conditions and in harsh conditions.
- High efficiency and, accordingly, fuel economy and acceleration dynamics.
- Towing a car to any distance.
The disadvantages of a mechanical box include:
- Complexity of management.
- Graduated gear shifting (less driving comfort).
- The need for periodic replacement of the clutch.
The mechanics are suitable for almost all vehicles. It has proven itself to be excellent in the operation of the machine in off-road conditions, when transporting goods, as well as when driving with a trailer.
If in some cases mechanics are indispensable, then there are situations when it is installed in cars only in order to save money for its purchase and maintenance. In small or inexpensive cars operated in light conditions, an automatic transmission or a variator is preferable, but, due to their high cost, mechanics has priority.
More details about the manual transmission can be found in our article at the link.
CVT as a type of automatic transmission
A variator, like any gearbox, is a device that transfers torque from the engine to the wheels and changes it within certain limits. The transmission is carried out steplessly within the specified control range. In English, the variator is called CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which can be translated as "transmission with a continuously changing gear ratio."
The main difference between a variator and a manual transmission, where each gear depends on a specially sized gear, is an absolutely stepless change in the gear ratio. Moreover, the gear change takes place in an automatic mode, that is, there is no need to constantly change gears with your hands and use the clutch.
The stepless variator allows for smooth acceleration without jerking. The car accelerates faster than mechanics. Engine speed does not vary, but is almost always constant.
Depending on the constituent elements, there are three main types of variator:
- V-belt, the basis of which is a belt stretched between two pulleys;
- chain - the same V-belt, but the chain plays the role of a belt;
- toroidal, consisting of discs and rollers.
The task of the variator is to ensure smooth operation of the engine by continuously changing the torque. This feature determines the main advantages of the variator, which include:
- Maximum use of engine power.
- Economical fuel consumption.
- Continuous stepless acceleration.
The smoothness of movement and the absence of jerks allows the driver to enjoy the ride, especially in urban conditions.
The variator is not devoid of disadvantages, which include:
- Difficulty installing on powerful cars.
- High loads when driving off-road.
- Unsuitable for towing, constant movement at high speeds and movement with sudden accelerations.
- A variety of sensors are used to operate the variator. The absence of a signal from any sensor can lead to incorrect operation of the transmission.
- Low belt life and frequent replacement of expensive specialty hydraulic fluid.
- Expensive and often impossible to repair. Sometimes it is easier to replace a variator than to repair it.
More details about the variator (CVT) can be found in our article at the link.
Draw conclusions
Time does not stand still. CVT developers are doing everything possible to achieve improvements, increased reliability and ability to operate in difficult road conditions. The variator is a fairly promising gearbox, and the mechanics are the gearbox that will always be used, despite some inconveniences when driving.
