“What Transmission Do I Have?”

October 5, 2020 | By Mister Transmission

"What Transmission Do I Have?"

On this site you will see terms like “transmission overhaul”, “solenoid pack”, “throttle linkage”, and more. If you have no idea what any of those terms mean, that’s OK. We’re here to help with more basic question too, such as…

What Transmission Do I Have?

Let’s start at the beginning. A lot of new drivers, and even some experienced ones, don’t actually know what kind of transmission they drive. If you’re one of these people, that’s OK. We all must start somewhere. But you really should know so you can take care of it better. So, let’s figure it out. What transmission do you have?

First, Let’s Describe What A Transmission Is.

The engine powers your vehicle. The wheels spin, propelling your vehicle forward. But how does that power get from the engine to the axles that then spin the wheels? That’s what the transmission does. The engine operates at a different RPM (revolutions per minute) than the wheels actually turn, so we need something to make the two compatible. The transmission is part of the drivetrain that delivers power from the engine to the wheels. But sometimes you want your wheels to turn forward, other times you want them to turn backwards, and other times you want them to turn from momentum, not via power from the engine. By changing gears, the transmission allows for all three and more. And this is where we get into the different types of transmissions.

Do I Have An Automatic Transmission?

If you own a vehicle sold in Canada, you probably have an automatic transmission. An automatic transmission automatically changes the gear ratio as the vehicle moves so that the driver does not have to shift the gears manually. Automatic transmission vehicles don’t have a clutch pedal, reducing the amount of work the driver has to do. This is an advantage for many, because an automatic transmission requires less work than a manual one.

Do I Have A Manual Transmission?

If you have to use a clutch pedal, then your vehicle has a manual transmission. Manual transmissions are generally more fuel efficient than automatic transmissions. They also allow the driver to have more control over how the vehicle operates. Manual transmission vehicles are more popular in Europe than North America, though both kinds are plentiful on both continents.

Do I have A CVT?

CVT stands for continuously variable transmission. The CVT is a type of automatic transmission that changes seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios. CVTs are flexible and allow the engine to operate at a constant RPM while moving at different speeds.

Mister Transmission

Do you have more questions about the transmission you have? Please contact us!

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Customer Reviews
Franck and his team are...
Suzie Villeneuve
Franck and his team are simply amazing, with excellent customer service and a friendly atmosphere. Nothing but good things to say about this place.
Date: May 15, 2025
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Very comfortable experience!!! From asking...
Betty Ann
Very comfortable experience!!! From asking questions to having a service done on my transmission, the staff were so very helpful and friendly!!! Highly recommended this business!!!
Date: May 15, 2025
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Had my 1982 Pontiac trans...
Nelson B.
Had my 1982 Pontiac trans am transmission re-built at their former Langley city location. Still running perfect after 26 years.
Date: May 15, 2025
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Quick & easy.Friendly and professional...
Vikas Sukhija
Quick & easy.Friendly and professional staff.
Date: May 14, 2025
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Hard for me to give...
Nimirr Assid
Hard for me to give anyone a 5 stars... but solid 4+ star! Sanjay and staff had good customer service and friendly. They did a good job doing service maintenance on my 2018 F150 5.0 4x4. Did all my lube and oil changes at a reasonable price and better than dealer price for same work. I have used this location for my other vehicle with success and used them again. Thanks again.
Date: May 14, 2025
Website: Google
Parking brake works fine now.
Greig Larsen
Parking brake works fine now.
Date: May 14, 2025
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Amazing service friendly efficient i...
Andrea Hansen
Amazing service friendly efficient i will be sending people ur way
Date: May 14, 2025
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Don’t even think about bringing...
Leo B
Don’t even think about bringing your vehicle to your regular mechanic if you suspect anything transmission/drive train-related.Casey and Cory are the Transmission Whisperers and know this stuff like no other.This is where other shops and even dealerships send their work.Excellent service at a fair price. Highly recommend!
Date: May 14, 2025
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Very friendly staff and very...
Ian Kittmer
Very friendly staff and very knowledgeable.
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Old school guys with a...
Philipp Kamtchatnov
Old school guys with a lot of experience
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