What Are CVT Transmissions and How Do You Repair Them?

August 5, 2019 | By Mister Transmission

transmission technicians

Pretty much everybody has heard of manual and automatic transmissions. And most of us understand the basic differences between the two. But have you heard of CVT transmissions? Do you know what they are? Do you know how to repair a CVT transmission? Or, more to the point, do you know how transmission technicians repair CVT transmissions?

CVT Transmissions

“CVT” stands for “Continuously Variable Transmission”. So, before we go any further, let us admit that “CVT transmission” is redundant; just like “ATM machine”. But it is how people often refer to CVTs. CVTs are a newer type of transmission, though the concept is old. In the name of fuel efficiency, CVTs are becoming ever more popular, so if you own or are looking at purchasing a newer vehicle, you have a higher chance of getting a CVT.

A CVT is a type of automatic transmission, but it’s different than traditional automatic transmissions. CVTs provide a smoother driving experience because they have optimized the shifting process. When driving a CVT, you might well notice that the transition between gears becomes near seamless. But there are other advantages to CVTs, too. CVTs can provide better fuel economy and more efficient power usage because they permit the engine to operate at optimum power, regardless of how fast the vehicle is traveling. This all boils down to CVTs being “continuously variable”. It means that instead of actual gear “stages”, the CVT allows for a continuous variation within the engine so that you can’t even notice the transition between gears.

Different Types Of Cvt Transmissions

There are several types of CVTs, many of which are now available from major auto manufacturers. These different types include:

  • Pulley-Based – The most common type of CVT. Pulley-based CVTs use a complex pulley system, as opposed to gears, in order to provide seamless gear transitions.
  • Toroidal CVT – This type of CVT system utilizes rotating discs and power rollers to achieve the function of the pulley system from a pulley-based CVT.

Cvt Transmission Repair

CVTs represent a general improvement on the traditional automatic transmission. CVTs generally feel smoother than other transmissions. However, CVTs will idle in any gear and, because the sounds of regulation are often similar to that of a slipping or clunking transmission, people can get confused. Sometimes CVT transmission repair consists of simply reassuring new drivers of CVT vehicles that their transmission doesn’t need to be repaired at all. Though, at Mister Transmission, we always conduct our Multi-Check Inspection, just to make sure.

At Mister Transmission, we expect to see more and more CVTs in the future, both near and far. The benefits are simply too great to prevent wider adoption of CVTs. And we are prepared for all the increasing CVT transmission repairs with which we will be tasked. CVT repair can be tricky because of the pulleys, but it’s nothing the technicians at Mister Transmission can’t handle.

Contact Us

Whether you need an automatic, manual, or CVT transmission repaired, please contact Mister Transmission to get the job done right.

 

Mister Transmission Team

The Mister Transmission team consists of certified transmission specialists with decades of combined experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining automatic and manual transmissions.

With over 60 years of service across Canada, our experts provide trusted, accurate, and up-to-date automotive advice to help drivers make informed decisions about their vehicles.

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Customer Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really happy with...
Epic
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really happy with the service! They repaired my Hyundai Elantra's transmission and did a fantastic job. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and provided excellent customer service. The repair was done smoothly, and the car is running great now. Definitely recommend them for anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable transmission work!
Date: November 1, 2026
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent service and highly...
Mansidak Singh
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent service and highly professional! They fixed my 2017 Honda Civic's transmission, and I'm very satisfied with the overall experience. The team was knowledgeable, honest, and efficient. They explained everything clearly and got the job done properly. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable transmission repair and great customer service!
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It was great. they took...
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It was great. they took time to deliver my tire rotation. and did assessment on the car pointing out potential issues I need to keep an eye on.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great service! They fixed...
Palak Nanda
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great service! They fixed my Lexus transmission quickly and professionally. Very happy with the results. Highly recommend!
Date: November 1, 2026
Website: Google
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really happy with...
Epic
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really happy with the service! They repaired my Hyundai Elantra's transmission and did a fantastic job. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and provided excellent customer service. The repair was done smoothly, and the car is running great now. Definitely recommend them for anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable transmission work!
Date: November 1, 2026
Website: Google
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great experience with...
Mansidak Singh
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great experience with this transmission company! They did an excellent job fixing my Hyundai Creta. The service was professional, reliable, and hassle-free. Highly satisfied with their work and would definitely recommend them to anyone needing transmission repairs!
Date: November 1, 2026
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Mr Transmission on weber in...
Sunny Kordic
Mr Transmission on weber in kitchener went above and beyond for me! Vivian at the front desk is absolutely great at communication and the team did an amazing job! Im very happy thank you! 😊
Date: October 31, 2026
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Great people and good service.Will...
Jim Chapman
Great people and good service.Will recomend them.
Date: October 31, 2026
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I needed to get Winter...
Sarah Ohu
I needed to get Winter tires and I was amazed at the service I got at Mister Transmission. From the purchase of the tires and rims to getting them fixed on my car, the service I received was nothing short of excellent! The staff were all so friendly, Cody was so super helpful and the manager as well. I also needed my windshield replaced and they helped with that as well. I highly recommend Mister Transmission for all your car repairs, oil changes and getting your cars ready for the winter season. Thank you to the team at Mister Transmission!
Date: October 31, 2026
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Every time I use this...
Craig
Every time I use this company the experience is incredible. They took in my vehicle on short notice and helped me out of a tough spot. Great talking to the desk, as they always kept me informed. I greatly recommend them and will continue to choose their help.
Date: October 31, 2026
Website: Google
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