CVTs Vs. Automatic Transmissions

March 28, 2022 | By Mister Transmission

Looking at buying or leasing a vehicle and want to know if you should opt for one with an automatic transmission or a CVT? Do you have a CVT and aren’t sure how to care for it? This article will help.

“Automatic Transmission? Manual Transmission? And Now CVT? What?”

It’s OK to feel overwhelmed when first researching transmission types. Afterall, transmissions are complicated sets of machinery and, nowadays, computer technology, too. You don’t need to know how a transmission works to be a good driver. But knowing how a transmission works can help you decide on what the best vehicle is for you and decide what maintenance you need to perform on your vehicle.

Most of us are familiar with the difference between manual and automatic transmissions. If you drive a manual transmission vehicle, also known as “standard” or “driving stick”, you have to manually change gears yourself using the gear shifter. Automatic transmissions, however, automatically change the gear ratio as your automobile moves. The upshot for you the driver is that you do not have to shift gears manually. Automatic transmissions permit the engine to deliver a range of speed and torque outputs while the engine itself maintains a relatively high rotational speed. Many people find driving an automatic transmission easier, but some prefer driving manual because it gives them more control over their vehicle. Furthermore, automatic transmissions are heavier and less fuel-efficient than manual transmission vehicles, but the difference isn’t particularly sizable.

“I Understand The Manual-Automatic Transmission Dynamic, But What On Earth Is A CVT?”

First, let’s state that technically, CVTs are a kind of automatic transmission. CVT stands for “continuously variable transmission”. You will often see and hear “CVT transmission”, which is redundant, but many people say it, much like “ATM machine”. CVTs shift imperceptibly through a continuous range of gear ratios. While other automatic transmissions offer only a narrow number of gear ratios in fixed steps, CVTs are flexible enough to allow the engine to operate at a constant RPM even while moving at varying speeds.

“So . . . Are CVTs Good Or Bad?”

Overall, a CVT vehicle is better than the average automatic transmission vehicle. CVTs operate more smoothly than other automatic transmissions and we can expect to see more vehicles utilise CVTs.

Mister Transmission

If you suspect there is something amiss with your CVT or your automatic transmission, please bring it in and we will run our Multi-Check Inspection process to pinpoint any problems. To learn more about CVTs or our services, please contact us.

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Customer Reviews
My CVT transmission died. Spoke...
Andrea Casale
My CVT transmission died. Spoke to Dave on phone and told me get in for a free analysis. When I got there Frank went through all the possible solutions to attack the job and how to fix it giving me different price structures. Ultimately however I decided to scrap the vehicle because of the many kilometers it had. Thanks again gentlemen
Date: March 12, 2024
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Great service as always, Dan
Dan Macinnis
Great service as always, Dan
Date: March 12, 2024
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Really great and professional service....
Viv Naidoo
Really great and professional service. Aki does well to explain what's wrong and they had my vehicle sorted out on time and professionally. Highly recommend
Date: March 10, 2024
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I just wanted to write...
Richard Mintah
I just wanted to write something for everyone to know, there is still good peoples out there, but it took God direction to meet them. I met Aki and his team, this guy's are awesome, infact they are doing a great job. I would recommend mister transmission Dixie road to everyone who need to fixed their car and you will never regret.
Date: March 10, 2024
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Very reliable and helpful place...
-Courteney -
Very reliable and helpful place to go get your transmission work done. They stay within the quote they give you before tax. 10/10 recommend these gentleman helping you out.
Date: March 9, 2024
Website: Google
These guys are great!!! I...
Paul Poirier
These guys are great!!! I had an issue with my transmission called them and they got me in the same day. They had the issue diagnosed in minutes. Solved the problem and got me out in the same day. Really impressed and will go to them first if I ever have a transmission issue again. Thank you!!!
Date: March 9, 2024
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There is customer service and...
Pam Shere
There is customer service and then there is amazing customer service. These guys have the amazing. I can't say enough good things. I can always rely on staff to give me an honest assessment, and show me what is going on, and treat me well during the experience. I never feel like a woman being taken advantage of. The staff makes me feel welcome, almost like a part of their own family. The prices are fair, the shop is clean, and the location is easy to access. Even if you just need to come in for an assessment or to investigate what is going on, these guys have you covered. I highly recommend.
Date: March 8, 2024
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Had a great experience here...
Brooke Berkech
Had a great experience here at mister transmission. great customer service and kind gentleman. highly recommended for any transmission issues you have:)
Date: March 8, 2024
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Friendly, professional staff from start...
Rhonda Holland
Friendly, professional staff from start to finish. On time and very knowledgeable. Knew what the issue with my Acura was and fixed it.
Date: March 7, 2024
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best transmission shop around
Jordan Leslie
best transmission shop around
Date: March 7, 2024
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