The mechanisms that transmit power from the engine to the wheels.
Powertrain system: This includes the engine, transmission, differential and other components that work together to transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
Gear ratios: Understanding gear ratios is essential to understanding how the transmission works. This involves understanding how different gear ratios affect the speed and torque of the vehicle.
Clutch system: A clutch system is used to control the transfer of power from the engine to the transmission. It consists of a clutch pedal, clutch disk, pressure plate, and flywheel.
Automatic vs. manual transmission: This involves understanding the key differences between these two types of transmissions, including their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Torque converter: This is a key component of automatic transmissions, and understanding how it works is important when learning about transmissions.
Transmission fluid: Understanding the properties and importance of transmission fluid is essential to maintaining a healthy transmission.
Transmission coolers: This is a component that helps keep the transmission fluid cool, which is important to prevent overheating and avoid transmission damage.
Shift solenoids: These are electronically controlled valves that help control the movements of the transmission.
Overdrive: Overdrive is a feature found in some modern transmissions that allows the engine to run at lower RPMs, thereby saving fuel and reducing noise.
Transmission service intervals: Knowing when to perform maintenance on your transmission is essential to keeping it running smoothly and preventing damage.
Manual Transmission: This is the simplest type of transmission, where the driver manually shifts gears using a clutch and gearshift. Often known as a "stick shift.".
Automatic Transmission: In this type of transmission, the gears shift automatically, based on the vehicle's speed, throttle input, and other factors.
Dual-Clutch Transmission: This type of transmission uses two clutches to shift gears automatically, providing a smooth, seamless driving experience.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): CVT uses a belt or pulley system to continuously adjust the gear ratio, allowing for a smoother acceleration than traditional transmissions.
Automated Manual Transmission (AMT): This is a hybrid of manual and automatic transmissions, where the gears are shifted automatically, but the driver must still operate the clutch.
Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG): Similar to a dual-clutch transmission, providing the driver with the best of both automatic and manual gearboxes.
Tiptronic Transmission: A variant of the automatic transmission, allowing the driver to manually shift gears with the gearshift or paddle shifters.
Hydrostatic Transmission: Rather than using gears, hydrostatic transmission uses hydraulic fluid and pumps to change the torque and speed of the vehicle.
Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT): Similar to CVT, but with an electric motor driving the transmission, rather than an internal combustion engine.
Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT): A variant of the traditional manual transmission, allowing the driver to shift gears sequentially with paddle shifters or a gearshift.