They might be maligned by some car enthusiasts who prefer a traditional automatic or manual transmission, but do continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) really deserve their bad rap? Once reserved for budget-friendly models, CVTs have found their way into an increasing number of luxury and performance vehicles over the last decade. From the Acura Integra and Subaru WRX to the Infiniti QX55, CVTs have come to grace even some of the most exciting models on today’s market.
They might not be the right choice for every driver, but for those who value affordability, a CVT offers a few key advantages that are difficult to ignore. Join us as we discuss what a CVT is, separate truth from fiction by examining some of the key pros and cons, and review a few simple maintenance tips that’ll keep you from having to frantically search for “transmission shop near me” when things go awry.
What Is a CVT?
Before we get into the pros and cons and review some basic maintenance tips, we should probably take a second to address a rather obvious question: what exactly is a CVT? At its most basic, a CVT is just an automatic transmission that swaps out the traditional fixed gears for a system of pulleys and a steel or composite belt. These belts and pulleys are wrapped around a cone that can adjust to either increase or decrease the belt diameter, seamlessly adapting to changing conditions and allowing for a smooth, consistent ride free of any of the abrupt shifts you’d find in a normal automatic. This approach gives CVTs an infinite number of gear ratios as opposed to a typical automatic transmission, which is typically designed with six to 10 specific gears. CVTs typically work better with smaller engines and are generally found in many of the more affordable, efficiency-minded vehicles on the market.
A CVT might sound like a bit of modern automotive wizardry, but the concept actually predates the gas engine itself. In fact, Leonardo da Vinci described a CVT-like invention as early as the 16th century, and an early prototype of the CVT was used in one of the world’s first automobiles all the way back in 1886. While CVTs have only recently become a fixture in today’s vehicles, the technology has been used in drill presses, lathes, and other industrial applications for over 100 years. Snowmobiles and ATVs have been using CVTs for years. Subaru was the first brand to bring the modern CVT to the market with the 1989 Justy, and the transmission’s market share has only grown since then. It’s easy to see why CVTs have gained such a loyal following. Offering improved fuel economy and a smooth ride, they’re the perfect solution for drivers who value efficiency.
Pros
Cost: When building a car, increased complexity usually means increased cost. A CVT might be a marvel of modern engineering, but compared to the average automatic transmission, it’s a relatively simple machine. This simplicity means that CVTs are cheaper to produce than traditional automatics, leading to a more affordable vehicle in general.
Low Maintenance: Between its hydraulic components, gear sets, and assorted gizmos, a normal automatic transmission has enough moving parts to give a watchmaker a panic attack. The same can’t be said for a CVT. In fact, aside from the belt and two pulleys, there’s really not that much going on within a CVT. The fewer moving parts a machine has, the fewer things that can go wrong, which is why CVTs are generally renowned for their low maintenance.
Efficiency: A CVT’s ability to continually adjust to changing conditions offers some real advantages in terms of fuel economy. By keeping the engine RPMs low and consistent, a CVT is able to maximize efficiency. That’s not the only attribute that gives drivers an edge at the pump. CVTs also tend to be lighter than normal automatic transmission, which is always a plus as far as fuel economy is concerned.
Smooth Ride: A CVT’s ability to offer infinite gears means no abrupt shifts that might interrupt the driving experience. This can be a welcomed change of pace from a normal automatic, allowing drivers to enjoy a smooth, serene ride every time they step behind the wheel.
Cons
Acceleration: A CVT will get you where you’re going, but it might not provide the most thrilling journey from Point A to Point B. The design of a CVT often causes a slight delay when you step on the accelerator. It’s a small price to pay for the sort of efficiency a CVT can offer, but if you’re looking for a dynamic driving experience, a CVT might not be for you.
Sound/Responsiveness: CVTs tend to produce a monotonous, droning engine sound that won’t exactly give you goosebumps when you’re behind the wheel. The lack of individual gears can also impact the connection between the driver and the vehicle, as there’s no tell-tale shifting sound or feeling that comes with a traditional automatic transmission. This shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most drivers, especially those who have grown up in the CVT era, but some purists might miss the feedback.
Repair Cost: A CVT’s simple design can be a double-edged sword when it ends up in the shop. While they are relatively cheap to produce, they can also be expensive to repair due to the price of the individual parts and specialized training. In truth, this isn’t as much of an issue as it once was in the early days of the CVT, but it can still represent a significant investment in some cases.
CVT Maintenance
In order to head off a pricey repair, it’s important to keep your CVT in good working order. This is true of any component or system in your vehicle, but given the cost associated with CVT repair and replacement, it’s particularly important in this case. Luckily, CVT maintenance is a pretty simple task, as it really just means regularly checking the condition of your CVT fluid and performing a flush and replacement as needed. Designed to reduce the wear and tear on the belts and pulleys, this fluid is basically just a specialized lubricant that allows drivers to get the most out of their CVT. Let’s go over a few tips related to CVT fluid and learn how easy it is to stay on top of CVT maintenance.
Check Fluid
Some vehicles have a dipstick that allows drivers to inspect the condition of their CVT fluid regularly. If the fluid is black, dark brown, or has a noticeable burnt smell, you’ll probably need to make an appointment with your local transmission shop to have it replaced and checked for potential damage.
Replace Fluid
Regularly checking and replacing your CVT fluid is one of the simplest ways to keep your vehicle in good working order. That said, the exact schedule depends on your usage and the recommended maintenance interval outlined in your owner’s manual. Most experts recommend replacing CVT fluid every 60,000 miles, while others claim that the lubricant should last for the life of the transmission itself. While the exact answer depends on the specific make and model, there is one guideline to keep in mind. If you’re the type of driver who regularly subjects your vehicle to “severe” use, which includes regular towing, driving in dusty or hot conditions, or if the vast majority of your trips are five miles or less, you might want to adhere to an accelerated maintenance schedule as outlined in the owner’s manual.
Use the Right Fluid
Every CVT is unique, with different brands employing slightly different designs. These differences mean it’s particularly important to use the correct CVT fluid whenever you perform a flush and replacement. Again, this should all be outlined in your service manual, so don’t try to save a few bucks by opting for a cheaper alternative that might lead to a big-ticket repair or premature failure.
Practice Good Driving Habits
Sometimes, automotive maintenance is simply a matter of practicing good habits when you’re behind the wheel. If you want to keep your CVT in good working order, it’s important to steer clear of aggressive driving. Sudden acceleration and deceleration can do a number on a CVT, so try to take a softer approach and use cruise control whenever possible. You’ll also want to avoid towing with your CVT-equipped vehicle, as it’s one of the easiest ways to induce wear and overheating.
Keep an Eye on Things
Sticking to a routine maintenance schedule, practicing good driving habits, and using the correct CVT fluid are all important parts of ensuring a CVT’s longevity. However, they’re still no guarantee for long-term success. If you notice any warning signs commonly associated with CVT failure, including strange noises, hesitation when accelerating, strange shifting, or any other transmission problem, try to get the system inspected as soon as possible.
Ultimately, choosing between a CVT and a normal automatic transmission all comes down to a matter of personal preference. If you’re the type of driver who values a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat driving experience, a CVT might not be for you. A CVT-powered model is never going to be the speediest vehicle off the line and might not provide the crisp, satisfying shifts of a manual or traditional automatic. Still, it’s hard to beat when it comes to pure efficiency. A CVT also provides a smooth, predictable ride and doesn’t usually require much maintenance. The transmission’s simple design also offers some real benefits in terms of a vehicle’s total cost, which makes CVT-powered vehicles a great option for those trying to stick to their budget. They might be a little pricey to repair if something goes wrong, but when well cared for, avoiding expensive repairs shouldn’t be that tough. Find a reputable mechanic or transmission shop, stick to the maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual, and your CVT should keep your vehicle humming along for years to come.