What is more reliable - a variator or an automatic machine. CVT, mechanics or automatic

07.10.2021

A variator (CVT) or an automatic transmission (automatic transmission) - which is better as a transmission? According to the statistics of car sales without mileage, "classic" automatic machines are popular. At the same time, variator boxes are closer to technical perfection. Comparison of units in terms of design, reliability and efficiency will help make an informed choice.

Gearbox types: automatic and variator

When choosing a transmission, you need to take into account the conditions in which the machine will be used. A variator and an automatic transmission are varieties of an automatic transmission that requires regular maintenance and a gentle driving style:

without sudden starts and braking by the “pedal to the floor” method;
without towing heavy trailers or cars;
without slipping on ice, in snow and mud;
without overheating and starting off "cold".

Both units need good lubrication and cooling.

A car with both automatic and CVT is equipped with a selector and pedals: gas and brake. In both boxes, solenoids, valve body, electronics are responsible for control. The driver does not switch gears manually, does not operate the clutch. Only after a test drive can we conclude how the stepless variator differs from the "classic" automatic machine, and what is better in dynamics.

To determine which is more reliable, a variator or an automatic machine, a brief overview of their work will help.

Machine

The main thing that structurally differs from the automatic transmission from the variator is the presence of a gear shift mechanism. An additional unit requires more oil consumption, complexity of design and electronics, repair and maintenance costs. When changing gear, the driver feels light jolts and hears the "roar" of the engine.

How does automatic transmission work?

The work of an automatic transmission can be divided into units: clutch, hydraulic system, gear shifting, electronic control.

To improve the convenience of driving, automakers began to install automatic transmissions instead of classical mechanics. Such a checkpoint allows the driver not to be distracted from the traffic situation by changing gears.

Hydromechanical and continuously variable transmissions are the most popular automatic transmissions. There is a competitive struggle between them, and the question, a variator or an automatic machine - which is better, is still relevant for them. Both automatic and CVT transmissions have their own advantages and disadvantages, so neither type of transmission can completely supplant a competitor.

The device of the variator gearbox and the principle of its operation

The principle of operation of the variator gearbox is based on a smooth change in the gear ratio depending on external conditions. The device of the variator of the V-belt design involves a change in the diameter of the pulleys. Structurally, this is realized by the convergence and divergence of two cones mounted on the shaft. The main factors that determine the diameter of the pulley at the point of contact are load and speed.

A variator with a V-belt design includes several main parts:

Clutch system. In the first continuously variable transmissions, a torque converter similar to that used in automatic transmissions was used to connect to the power unit. Subsequently, automakers began experimenting with centrifugal and electromagnetic clutches to improve transmission efficiency.
Shafts with fitted cones of variable diameter. They work under high load, therefore they are made of high-strength steel.

Rice. - "V-belt transmission"

Belt or chain. Serves to transfer force between the pulleys. It is made of metal strips connected with special fittings.
Transmission fluid. Automotive manufacturers do not recommend using conventional oil for automatic transmissions. For cars with a variator, special lubricants are produced (for example, DiaQueen CVT, used for Mitsubishi).

Rice. - "Original oil in CVT"

Hydroblock. Serves to direct the oil supply to the required channel. Grease is pumped by an oil pump.
Filters. As a rule, there are several of them: coarse and fine oil cleaning, as well as a couple of magnets that catch small metal crumbs. Filters can be installed both inside the variator and outside its housing.

Rice. - "Filters for fine oil purification"

Radiator. The variator box works with more heat than the automatic one. Therefore, to prevent thermal degradation of the oil and its additives, cooling with a radiator is required.
Electronic control unit. The algorithms for choosing the optimal gear ratio and sending commands to control the variator are assigned to the electronics of the continuously variable transmission. It maintains constant communication with the main ECU module, processes information from the sensors. The variator control unit can be located both in the variator housing and outside it.

Types of variators

According to their design, the following types of variators are distinguished:

V-belt, which is the most widespread;
chain, which is analogous to the above type, but with a chain instead of a belt;

Rice. - "Chain variator"

toroidal, which, due to a complex device, occupies no more than 5-7% of the continuously variable transmission market.

The main difference between the toroidal continuously variable transmission is the absence of a V-belt or chain transmission. The torque in such a variator is transmitted using special rollers and tapered discs. Changing the position of the rollers leads to a change in the gear ratio.

The advantage that a toroidal CVT transmission has is more torque than a V-belt design can handle. This is possible only when using steel of the highest strength and wear resistance, which affects the price of the unit, increasing it.

What is the difference between a variator and an automatic transmission?

The main thing that distinguishes the variator from the classic automatic transmission is the absence of jerks when picking up speed. This is due to the fact that the CVT transmits torque during acceleration without stages, which are characteristic of the machine.

The differences between the variator and the automatic transmission are due to the fact that the hydromechanical transmission takes time to switch a pair of working gears. Because of this, the dynamic performance of the speed gain turns out to be worse. The absence of a break in the kinematic connection during acceleration of a car with a CVT allows the continuously variable transmission to carry out faster acceleration.

The engine, if the machine with a variator, works in a more gentle mode. This is due to the even maintenance of the crankshaft speed, since the acceleration of the car occurs mainly due to the change in the gear ratio of the transmission. As a result, drivers who have changed from automatic machines and mechanics, at first, have a poor sense of the speed of the car.

Pros and cons of the variator box

The advantages that cars with CVTs have include the following:

low fuel consumption - continuously variable transmission has a higher efficiency;
smooth ride, not accompanied by jerks that occur in the automatic transmission when changing the gear ratio;
gentle engine operation.

Despite all the advantages of the variator, its design is not without its drawbacks. Because of this, the continuously variable transmission never took a leading position in the auto industry. The disadvantages of the variator are as follows:

complex repairs, which are not undertaken in many car services;
limited resource of the belt, the cost of which is quite high;
sophisticated electronics and high sensitivity to control unit errors;
high oil cost.

The pros and cons of the CVT allow them to remain in demand in a narrow circle of motorists. As a general rule, driving with a CVT is rarely dynamic. The variator does not like abrupt starts from traffic lights and slippage.

Pros and cons of an automatic transmission

An automatic transmission has the following advantages over a continuously variable transmission:

high reliability;
lower repair cost compared to a variator;
ease of repair.

The disadvantages of automatic transmission are as follows:

gear shifting leads to jerks;
speed gains slower;
The efficiency is lower, which leads to higher fuel consumption.

It is impossible to say unequivocally which of the transmissions is better. It all depends on the preferences of a particular motorist. If smoothness and optimal fuel consumption are more important for the driver, then the choice should be made in favor of the variator. If the key criteria are durability and higher maintainability of the transmission, then it is necessary to choose an automatic transmission.

Driving a car with a manual transmission requires care, and a modern person is always in a hurry somewhere. An automatic transmission is much simpler in this regard. Electronics itself will think for the driver and perform all the necessary actions - you can not be distracted from the road. But the device is much more complicated than the manual transmission. And the more complex the design, the lower its reliability. In the history of the automotive industry there are a lot of unsuccessful torque converter boxes, variator systems are still poorly understood. Let's try to find out which is more reliable - a variator or "automatic".

Automatic transmission: history

The first appeared in 1903, but it was used not in cars, but in the shipbuilding industry. The inventor of the design is the German professor Fettinger. It was this man who first showed and proposed a hydrodynamic transmission that could untie the propeller and the power unit of ships. This is how the hydraulic clutch was born, which is a very important unit for any automatic transmission.

Later, already in 1940, the Americans began to use the automatic transmission "Hydromatic" on Oldsmobile cars. It must be said that the design of the automatic transmission has remained practically unchanged since that time. The automatic transmission consists of two main units. This is a torque converter and gearbox. The first acts as a clutch, and the purpose of its work is smooth shifting without jerking. The gearbox is a pair of meshing gears. This makes it possible to obtain a one-piece, rather compact mechanism that has several stages at once.

Automatic transmission: technical part

Let's see how the "automaton" works. This system has been worked out along and across. Over the years, this design has been perfected. In general, the technical part is quite robust and reliable.

In torque converter boxes, the torque from the power unit is transmitted to the drive wheels through a "donut".

There is no rigid engagement in it. This system works thanks to oil that circulates under pressure. When there is no hard engagement, then there is nothing special to break. But in the design there are also shafts with planetary gears and friction discs. The clutch packs in the automatic transmission replace the clutch. When they are compressed or unclenched, the clutches corresponding to the specific gear are engaged.

The automatic transmission device has such components as a high-pressure pump, as well as a valve body. This is the backbone of any automatic transmission.

What usually breaks in an automatic transmission

If you look at the statistics of breakdowns of automatic transmissions, you can see that most of them happen due to untimely maintenance. Not all owners change operating oil even after long runs. As a result, the valve body, the automatic transmission radiator becomes clogged, filters are clogged. All this leads to the fact that the pump cannot create the required working pressure. Because of this, the clutches are scrolled, the gears stop turning on. Jerking and jerking appear.

Automatic transmission resource

It is difficult to say which is more reliable - a variator or "automatic". At first glance, it seems that the variator, since it has a slightly different device, without hydraulic equipment. But with high-quality and timely service, the resource of a classic automatic transmission can be very large.

There have been cases when, in the event of an oil change every 40 thousand kilometers, the box works more than 400 thousand without breakdowns. Experts believe that the most reliable "automatic machines" are the old Japanese four-stage gearboxes.

To increase the resource of an automatic transmission, certain rules must be observed:

It is required to change the oil according to the regulations. If the manufacturer recommends changing the oil every 60 thousand, you should not ignore this period. This also applies to the so-called maintenance-free "automatic machines", where the liquid filled by the manufacturer is designed for the entire service life. This does not happen - the oil needs to be changed. The best option is a complete replacement with flushing at the stand. This will provide the transmissions with reliable and long-lasting performance.
Together with the ATP fluid, the oil filter is also changed. Its timely replacement can extend the resource of the box by 20 percent.
It is also necessary to periodically remove the radiator. It is purged and washed. Then they clean the bottom of the case from debris - there may be shavings, carbon deposits and much more.

By the way, the chips accumulate on special magnets. What this phenomenon looks like can be seen in the photo below.

If you follow these rules, the automatic transmission resource will increase significantly. The box will be able to pass from 300 thousand or more. Because of this, many people choose this transmission.

Automatic box: advantages and disadvantages

Consider the main advantages of automatic transmission:

The process of driving a car with an automatic transmission is greatly simplified - you no longer need to think about how to move the car, how slowly to release the clutch, which gear is better to engage. The computer will do everything by itself.
Also, automatic transmission is chosen for its reliability. With proper care, automatic transmissions can walk more than 300,000 km. Another advantage is also high maintainability. The design is well studied, and a large number of specialists can repair the automatic transmission.
Oil is also a plus of an automatic transmission. For automatic transmissions, a special fluid is required, but the requirements for it are much lower than for a variator. And its price is less.
Jerks and the number of passes are also a plus. Today there are already multistage boxes. There are even 12-speed models. They have a higher maximum speed threshold - the engine will not roar in fourth gear. The gears shift smoothly and imperceptibly for the driver.
Another significant advantage is the small amount of electronics. This is the question of which is more reliable - a variator or "automatic". Yes, the automatic transmission works together with the ECU, but the electronics in the design are not more than 30%.

Now let's move on to the disadvantages:

The automatic transmission cannot boast of such dynamics as a variator or "mechanics". The box also has a lower efficiency. In an automatic transmission, the engine and transmission do not have a rigid clutch - everything is taken over by the torque converter. Therefore, part of the energy is spent on the transmission of torque. When switching, tangible jolts occur, which cannot be said about the variator. We will consider the pros and cons of it below.
Also, more oil must be poured into the automatic transmission - about 8-9 liters. At the same time, the variator requires no more than 6 liters. Another disadvantage is increased fuel consumption. On cars with it is the same as on "mechanics".

To summarize, the high reliability covers all the disadvantages of these units. With proper operation and regular fluid changes, the box easily departs more than 300 thousand km, which cannot be said about its opponent.

Variators: a short history

Many believe that the CVT transmission was invented later than the automatic transmission. But this is not the case. The principle of operation was invented by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1490. But he could not introduce the unit, since then there was no internal combustion engine. Then the system was forgotten and remembered only at the beginning of the 19th century on industrial machines. CVTs began to be used in cars in 58 when Hubert van Doorn created the Variomatic. Then it was installed on DAF vehicles.

Device and principle of operation

This is one of the types of automatic transmission. CVT and "automatic" - what's the difference? It consists in the absence of gears on the CVT transmission. The design consists of two pulleys on which the belt is stretched (now, of course, it is metal). The cones are not a one-piece construction, as before, but of sliding halves. If the drive pulley is not connected, the belt rotates over the small diameter of the cone. When the pulley is shifted, a small gear ratio is formed, which corresponds to the lower gears of an automatic transmission.

By moving the pulleys, you can very smoothly reduce the gear ratios, that is, change gears (although there are none). These numbers fully correspond to the steps in the automatic transmission. If you choose an automatic transmission or a variator, the latter is more efficient. Here is the maximum efficiency, since the transmission of torque is rigid.

What's breaking?

The design is very fond of quality service. The oil should be changed every 60-80 thousand km. They always change the liquid. If you don't replace it, problems will arise and it will be very expensive to refurbish the box.

Problems include clogged valve bodies and oil pumps. Because of this, the shafts cannot pinch or unclench the belt. As a result, it slips. This negatively affects its resource. The material wears out faster, and at one point the belt simply breaks off. And then literally everything inside will collapse. Also, the working surfaces of the shafts are lifted up, which does not in the best way affect the condition and "automatic" - what's the difference? In a large, simply huge amount of electronics, which can be up to 50% of the design.

CVT resource

Here, just like in the automatic transmission, it is necessary to change the oil clearly according to the regulations. If this is not done, then the box will fail after 100 thousand. Also, every 120 thousand you need to change the belt. What is more reliable - a variator or "automatic"? It turns out that the "machine". You won't be able to drive 300 thousand on the variator, even if you regularly change the oil.

Advantages and disadvantages

Here, more dynamic acceleration, reduced fuel consumption pleases. There are no jerks, the efficiency is 10% higher than that of the automatic transmission. The car is easy to drive. But this is where all the benefits end.

We continue to consider the variator, the pros and cons of the design. It is very difficult to repair such boxes - the design is poorly understood, and there are still few specialists in this industry. Periodic belt replacement is required. It is expensive, and not every service station undertakes such work. The design contains sophisticated electronics. And, finally, one more significant disadvantage is oil. It is expensive and difficult to find.

What's better?

So, we've covered both transmissions. It's time to decide which gearbox is better - automatic or CVT. The variator is better than the automatic transmission in terms of dynamics and consumption. But in the event of a breakdown, the repair will be very expensive, and not everywhere this checkpoint can be restored or at least serviced. Also, the belt requires regular replacement, and the design itself needs high-quality oil. The automatic transmission wins here more than completely.

Conclusion

We examined the variator, the pros and cons of it. The verdict is this: if you buy a new car, for which there will be a guarantee, then you can buy a CVT. If this is a car with a range of more than 100 thousand kilometers, then it is better to pay attention to the "automatic".

Buying a new one is associated with the need to find answers to a whole scattering of questions. To begin with, future car owners look at a suitable body type, manufacturer, and a specific model. Further, the nuances of the configuration and technical characteristics are taken into account.

You won't surprise anyone with classical mechanics. Everyone knows that this is the simplest, cheapest, but at the same time the most reliable transmission option. Previously, machines were treated very carefully due to their low level of reliability and high maintenance costs. But modern automatic transmissions have reached a completely new level of quality and durability. New varieties of boxes have appeared. Therefore, more and more motorists are interested in what is better: a variator or an automatic machine.

Features of automatic transmission

When a variator or an automatic transmission is offered to choose from, objectively, without studying the issue in more detail, it is impossible to say which is better. To do this, you need to understand the essence of each type of transmission, study its features, design and principle of operation.

It is worth noting right away that the comparison will be between a classic automatic and a variator, which is actually a kind of automatic transmission.

The machine is controlled using a special selector or switch knob. It is usually installed in the area of the central tunnel, but on some cars, mainly American manufacturers, it is located on the steering column.

The selector provides the ability for the driver to select one of the available operating modes, including Drive, Parking and R, which is required for reversing by moving the switch. As automatic transmissions improved, the number of modes increased significantly. More and more often, on modern cars, even with not the most expensive models, automatic machines provide for the presence of special driving modes necessary for winter movement, sports driving or maximum fuel economy.

A classic automatic machine structurally consists of a planetary gearbox, a torque converter and a special control system. Automatic transmissions can be used on cars, trucks, buses and even on special wheeled vehicles.

The converter includes a turbine and an impeller, between which the reactor is located. The pump wheel is directly connected to the crankshaft of the motor, and the turbine wheel is connected to the gearbox shaft. Depending on the mode in which the reactor is operating, it can be blocked by an overrunning clutch or be in a state of free rotation.

The torque from the motor to the gearbox is transmitted due to the flow of fluid, which it acts as. It is fed by the impeller blades to the turbine-type impeller blades. There are minimal clearances between the wheels of the torque converter, and the blades themselves are specially shaped to create a continuous circle for the circulation of the working fluid. This ensures that there is a rigid connection between the motor and the gearbox, which is necessary for smooth transmission of tractive effort.

The torque converter is capable of converting rotational speed and delivering torque within a strictly limited range. Because of this, a planetary multistage gearbox is connected to it, which also allows you to drive a car with an automatic transmission in reverse.

Gears are shifted by creating high oil pressure. Friction clutches play an important role in this process. The pressure arising between them is distributed by a control system consisting of a control unit and solenoid valves.

The conditional disadvantage of the automatic transmission is that it is quite expensive and also consumes more fuel. But these are rather controversial disadvantages, since modern machines have reached a new level of efficiency. Many of them are at least not inferior to the classic manual transmissions, and sometimes even surpass in terms of fuel economy.

The study of the features that the automatic transmission possesses does not make it possible to say which is better if the variator is a competitor. First you need to consider the characteristics of the variator transmission itself.

The essence and meaning of the variator box, which is referred to as CVT, is no different from any other transmission. The essence of the device is to convert the torque that comes from the power unit to the wheels.

But a distinctive feature of the variator is that the torque is transmitted continuously. A certain regulation range is provided here. It is this characteristic that significantly differs the classic automatic machine from the variator.

As for the abbreviation CVT, it stands for Continuosly Variable Transmission. This name can be translated as transmission or gearbox with continuously changing torque.

You have already roughly understood how variators differ from automatic machines and what is the main difference between them. But this is objectively not enough to give preference to any of the two options.

Also, the difference between the variator and the classic machine lies in its design features. There are 3 main types of CVTs, which are:

chain;
V-belt;
toroidal.

If we talk about light automobile transport, then here the most popular and widespread were the V-belt varieties of the variator gearbox.

The V-belt variator includes a V-belt. It is located directly between two sliding pulleys. While the vehicle is in motion, these pulleys are constantly compressed and unclenched, thereby providing changes in the gear ratio. The main task of the variator is to create a smooth and stepless change in torque. Such systems are actively used in passenger cars, as part of snowmobiles, two-wheeled vehicles, etc.
The next type of CVT is chain CVT. Power transmission is carried out here due to the beveled ends of the axle of the chain links. And the pulling force itself is transmitted using a special chain. Such variators are not widely used, although they are sometimes found.
Toroidal variators replaced the pulleys with tapered discs. And instead of a belt, special rollers were used here. They are characterized by the fact that they can transmit a sufficiently large torque. But in order to create such details for the layout of the variator box, it is imperative to use high-strength steel grades. This negatively affects the cost, which has led many automakers to abandon the idea of installing similar CVTs on their vehicles.

Given the obvious differences in design and principle of operation, it is easy to understand what is the difference between the two types of gearboxes under consideration. At the same time, the automatic transmission and the variator are a worthy solution, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses.

If we talk about the advantages characteristic of CVT or continuously variable transmissions, then the main advantage here is the provision of a continuous change in torque. There is no delay moment, which is typical for automatic transmissions, where there is a transition from one gear to another. The steplessness and continuity of the variator contributes to other benefits in the form of more efficient fuel consumption and improved dynamic performance of the engine. Cars with CVT consume less fuel and provide better acceleration dynamics.

In this case, the variator also has some obvious disadvantages. To begin with, CVTs are not meant to be used. Installation on a car with increased power does not allow using the potential of the box. It will quickly deteriorate and wear out.

CVT can be considered a relatively new development in the field of automotive transmissions. Therefore, engineers have not yet figured out how to increase the resistance of the variator to high loads, towing and active driving at high speeds. In such conditions, the variator belt wears out quickly, and the entire transmission breaks down. Repairing and restoring a CVT is quite an expensive pleasure, often exceeding the cost of repairing a classic machine.

Comparison of two gearboxes

To determine the favorite of this pair, an objective comparative characteristic should be carried out. It will also make it clear how you can visually distinguish the variator from the machine.

Initially, the main focus of comparison should be on performance. Consumers are rightly interested in the question of which is more reliable: an automatic machine or a variator. Also, many people want to know who will be the favorite in such an indicator as economy.

Let's start with the efficiency indicator. Here, several parameters should be taken into account at the same time so that the assessment is as objective and fair as possible.

Transmission lubricating oil. In every gearbox, including automatic and variator, a lubricant is necessarily used. It is periodically required to change the oil in the box. Although the manual for some machines with automatic transmissions indicates that oil is filled for the entire service life and cannot be replaced. This is a rather controversial issue, largely depending on the specific operating conditions, the state of the box and the service life of the machine itself. If we compare the variator and the classic automatic transmission, the transmission lubricant in the CVT box needs to be changed more often. At the same time, the fluid for variator gearboxes itself is more expensive than ATF lubricant intended for an automatic machine.
Fuel consumption indicators. Having studied the pros and cons that characterize the automatic machine and the variator, you probably noticed that among the advantages of the CVT is high fuel efficiency. Therefore, at this point, the preponderance is on the side of the variator. Even the most modern automatic transmissions cannot demonstrate the same efficiency as cars with a CVT.
Repair and service. There are no eternal and immortal gearboxes. It is a fact. Each transmission at some point requires repairs, maintenance and preventive maintenance. From the point of view of operating costs, the variator turned out to be much cheaper. The thing is that the structure of the CVT includes complex, expensive and sensitive mechanisms. They fail more often, and therefore require more money from the car owner.

One amendment needs to be made regarding the last point. The cost of the CVT box itself is lower when compared with a competitor in the face of an automatic transmission. But it is cheaper to service a classic machine.

The operating costs for repairs and maintenance largely depend on how the car owner will treat the car and monitor the condition of the transmission. Even with a variator, in the case of correct operation, no overloads and aggressive driving, the CVT will last a very long time and will not require large financial investments for a long service life. But if we talk purely about maintainability and maintenance cost, the advantage will still be on the side of the classic automatic transmission.

Now you should compare the candidates for their reliability. In many ways, the reliability of the transmission is manifested in its ability to maintain its performance in harsh operating conditions. These include:

towing;
off-road driving;
aggressive driving style.

There is an obvious advantage on the side of the classic machine. It is ordinary automatic transmissions that are much better at coping with such difficult operating conditions. Of course, they are inferior to mechanics, but in comparison with a variator, they turn out to be preferable.

It is important to understand that the weak point of the variator is its belt. Its current reliability is low enough for tough and challenging CVT driving conditions. In such presented conditions, it does not withstand for a long time, there is a breakage and breakdown. CVTs are suitable for those who prefer to drive smoothly, accurately, without sudden acceleration or braking, except in an emergency.

Having understood the difference between variators and automatic machines, certain conclusions can be drawn. Moreover, each motorist perceives the information presented in his own way.

Additionally, many are interested in how to find out if there is an automatic machine on the car, or a variator. There are several ways to identify the type of transmission used. The visually presented boxes are really similar to each other.

Visual method. The first step is to start from external features. But this is one of the most unobvious ways to determine the use of an automatic machine or variator on a car. Some CVTs have a corresponding marking on the selector, therefore it is recommended to carefully study the gear lever. On classic machines, not only the designations P, R, N and D are used, but also type 2, 3 and L markings are often found. For variators, only mode L is used. Although much depends on the specific box, and this method of determination will not always be correct.
Technical documentation. If you do not know how to distinguish the CVT box from the automatic machine, purely by the lever, then the easiest way is to look into the documents for the car. Open the section with the gearbox. If you have a machine gun, then you will see the corresponding AT marking. CVT designation is always used for variators.
Real operating conditions. Simply put, a test drive. On CVT gearboxes, the gear shifting process is not felt. Therefore, the box is called continuously variable. In the case of a machine gun, you can feel or notice from the tachometer needle how the revolutions change with a certain delay at the moment of transition from one gear to another. Although the new CVTs began to be equipped with a special mode, which is designed to simulate gear changes.
Hill test. Another way to quickly determine which box is at your disposal. To do this, you need to drive onto a section of the road with a slight rise, and stop the car completely there. Then release the brake pedal and do not step on the gas. The selector remains in the Drive position (D or Drive). If the car gradually moves uphill, you definitely have an automatic machine. In the case of a variator, the machine will first roll back a little and then stop. But such a test is relevant for those variator boxes where there is no anti-rollback system.

In the most difficult situation, when there are no documents, no designations on the selector are provided, and you yourself cannot accurately determine the box by testing, go to the service station or to the nearest car service, where a qualified technician will answer all your questions.

Summarizing

Summing up, you can try to answer the question about which is better: a variator or an automatic machine.

If we start purely from the indicators of popularity and prevalence, then the machine will be the undisputed favorite in this confrontation. But we must not forget that the history of CVT boxes is actually just beginning. This is a relatively new type of transmission, which has yet to undergo numerous modifications, upgrades and improvements. It is difficult to say what the variator will be literally in 3-5 years. Its potential is enormous, and therefore at some point the CVT can really surpass the classic machine gun.

Which transmission is best depends on the specific situation. It is worth choosing a variator with measured and calm city driving without unnecessary loads. And the machine is suitable for those who buy a car with high power and require towing trailers.

If we talk about efficiency, then there is an advantage on the side of the variator box. For the time being, the machine wins in terms of reliability.

Everyone decides for himself what to choose and. Both the automatic machine and the variator have their own strengths and weaknesses. For certain operating conditions, the appropriate type of transmission is suitable.

In addition to the variator and automatic transmission, the future car owner should take a closer look at other transmission options. On these two boxes, the choice is not limited, but in fact is just beginning. If you want to get maximum reliability and keep everything in your hands, then you should completely abandon the considered gearboxes and take the good old mechanics. You decide.

A gearbox with continuously variable gears - this phrase is guaranteed to cause fear among many motorists today, who previously believed that there was no better mechanical or classic automatic transmission. But the world is changing. The auto industry is also changing. As a result, other types of transmissions have become widespread in the auto world, which frighten many motorists. The most widely used today are variators. Unfortunately, many people do not want to buy cars with such boxes, believing that they are unreliable and very moody. But in most cases, these fears are based on myths. Although, of course, like any type of transmission, CVTs have their pros and cons. Why, then, are many people afraid to buy cars with CVTs? What scares them, and how do these gearboxes function? Read the answers to these and other questions in our review.

Recall that the variator device is based on the principle of a belt drive (or chain) transmission of torque to the drive. Essentially, the CVT uses the same torque transmission principle as multi-speed bicycles.

If a planetary gearshift mechanism is used on conventional gearboxes, then the variator has no physical gears at all. Instead, the variator uses a belt (or chain) and tapered pulleys, between which a belt drive (chain) rotates.

As a result, the variator provides the car with an infinite number of coefficients of transmission of torque from the engine to the wheels.

Unfortunately, early CVTs were extremely unreliable. That is why these transmissions have a bad reputation, which frightens many motorists today. Most often, the owners of cars equipped with the first generations of CVTs complained about improper operation of the gearbox, gear slippage, as well as strange nasty noise. Including many were dissatisfied with the fact that, due to the fact that the variator is tuned for optimal operation only at maximum engine speed, even at low speed, the car engine roars due to high revolutions.

Modern CVTs have practically got rid of many of the problems faced by car owners of cars equipped with the first continuously variable transmissions. As a result, new cars with CVTs are quieter and transmissions are more efficient. Nevertheless, even today, CVTs are not perfect. But there are also pluses. Here's a quick overview of the main advantages and disadvantages.

Pros and cons of CVT boxes (variators)

CVT advantages

Optimum transmission of torque and power. If your car is equipped with a CVT, this type of transmission allows the car to use fuel more efficiently. The thing is that a car equipped with a variator always moves in the ideal gear (correct), unlike a car with an automatic or manual transmission. Did you know that the CVT is programmed to deliver torque to the wheels in the optimal power range, instead of going from zero to the red line when accelerating? As a result, using a CVT not only helps save fuel but also provides the vehicle with better performance in certain situations. Especially when overtaking other vehicles.

Fuel economy. Since the CVT allows for more efficient transmission to the wheels, this saves fuel while driving. As a result, the CVT is more efficient than traditional transmissions. Even when driving at highway speeds, vehicles with a continuously variable transmission consume less fuel than those with automatic or manual transmissions.

Simple variator design. The total number of mechanical parts of the CVT gearbox is less compared to gearboxes equipped with planetary gears. Indeed, inside the variator, ordinary gears are used, bevel pulleys, which are connected to each other by a chain or belt, depending on the make and model of the car.

When the vehicle is moving, the pulleys move in relation to each other depending on the vehicle speed. Thus, the gear ratio changes. This mechanical simplicity of the variator device allowed to provide cars with optimal acceleration dynamics. Indeed, in fact, there are no gear changes during acceleration, respectively, there is no loss of speed when changing gears.

Lighter box weight. Due to its design, the CVT (variator) box is often lighter and more compact than its traditional competitors (a particular advantage of the variator is noticeable when comparing the weight of a transmission with a classic automatic transmission).

The transmission has several advantages. But the main advantage is, of course, the fuel economy achieved thanks to a simple formula: the lighter the car's weight, the lower the fuel consumption.

Smooth gear shifting and dynamic acceleration. Anyone who has driven a manual transmission car knows that when you squeeze the clutch pedal to change gears, the car briefly loses its acceleration dynamics, and also crouches or even jerks. As a result, the acceleration of a car with a manual transmission does not seem smooth and comfortable. The variator, due to the lack of gears, easily accelerates the car without various losses that are inevitable when physically changing gears in conventional gearboxes.

Cons of variators

Sounds not very good. CVTs have one natural drawback from the very beginning. This is a terrible sound of the box itself due to the belt or chain moving inside. Including the box works perfectly at high engine speeds. Therefore, many drivers, hearing such a sound, begin to believe that their box is faulty. But this is not the case. This is a feature of the work of any variator. It just takes some getting used to.

When accelerating, the engine runs at maximum speed... Many people complain about high engine speed stuck even when driving at low speed. For example, it often happens that after acceleration, they remain even with a decrease in speed. This is also a feature of the operation of all variators. But this is normal and is not, as many drivers believe, some kind of flaw and imperfection of the design.

The variator is boring. Many drivers, despite the lack of gears, dislike CVTs for their boring nature. Still, the CVT is more suitable for those for whom fuel economy is important, but not power, acceleration dynamics and speed. That is why car manufacturers try not to put CVTs in sports cars. Many drivers compare the variators to the toasters we use to toast bread. After all, this process does not cause any emotions in us. Also, cars with CVTs are more likely to be boring compared to those cars that are equipped with other types of transmission.

Reliability. Have you noticed that CVTs are usually found in small modern cars? Often these are compact cars or compact crossovers that are designed more for practicality than sportiness or cargo transportation. And this is not an accident. This is because CVTs are not capable of handling high torque without damaging the transmission design.

Expensive maintenance. This is one of the main disadvantages of CVTs. The repair costs for CVT gearboxes are enormous. The fact is that the parts for the variator are very expensive. In addition, to repair the variator, you will need a narrow specialist who understands this type of transmission. Unfortunately, there are few good CVT specialists. As a rule, despite the simplicity of the variator design, the cost of repairing this box can be even more than the cost of restoring an automatic and manual transmission.

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