“How Can I Tell What Kind Of Transmission I Have?”

July 7, 2021 | By Mister Transmission

"How Can I Tell What Kind Of Transmission I Have?"

“What transmission do I have?” It’s a question we hear a lot at Mister Transmission. The question can be fairly easy to answer or it can be somewhat complex, depending on what you mean by the question.

“What Transmission Do I Have? Manual Or Automatic?”

Many people asking us or themselves, “What transmission do I have?”, want to know what type of transmission it is, i.e., manual or automatic. This is a basic question and it might seem obvious to many of you reading, but for new drivers, the transmission is often a mysterious and confounding component of their vehicle. It’s natural to be confused about these things when you first start driving. Especially since here in Canada, the vast majority of drivers drive an automatic transmission. (Manual transmissions account for only an estimated 9% of cars.)

When you see it in practice, it’s pretty easy to discern an automatic from a manual transmission. A manual transmission vehicle requires the driver to use the gear shift stick and the clutch pedal to shift gears based on the vehicle’s speed. A vehicle with an automatic transmission does not require the driver to shift of gears in this way. Usually, when driving an automatic transmission, one only needs to shift gears from park, to reverse, to drive, and so on. Automatic transmissions are easier to drive, and they allow the driver to focus on the road, while manual transmissions allow drivers to have more control over their vehicle and they don’t use as much gasoline.

“What Transmission Do I Have? A CVT?”

CVT stands for “continuously variable transmission”. The difference between a CVT and an automatic transmission is not as easy to identify because, in practice, there is very little difference to notice as a driver. Indeed, a CVT is actually a kind of automatic transmission. A CVT seamlessly changes through a limitless range of gear ratios while other automatic transmissions offer a fixed number of gear ratios and can have hard shifts between these ratios. In many ways, the CVT is an improvement on the traditional automatic transmission, so they’re becoming more common in newer vehicles.

“What Transmission Do I Have? Which Make And Model?”

To know the specific make and model of transmission you have might have to have a transmission technician look at it. If you drive a Nissan, you probably have a Nissan transmission. But which make? And it can get complicated when car companies combine on transmissions, as with the GM-Ford 6-speed automatic transmission.

Mister Transmission

Mister Transmission can help you identify the make and model of your transmission, as well as offer full transmission maintenance and repair services. To learn more, please contact us. We also have a comprehensive COVID-19 policy to keep everybody safe.

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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
Website: Google
Great service as always, Dan
Dan Macinnis
Great service as always, Dan
Date: March 12, 2024
Website: Google
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
Website: Google
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
Website: Google
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
Website: Google
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
Website: Google
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
Website: Google
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
Website: Google
best transmission shop around
Jordan Leslie
best transmission shop around
Date: March 7, 2024
Website: Google
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