The World of Gearboxes: Friends of Speed and Comfort
If the car's engine is an athlete, the gearbox is the athlete's best 👟shoes. The main job of the gearbox is to deliver power and speed to the wheels accurately according to each situation. Let's get to know the important gearboxes in today's cars.
1️⃣ Manual Transmission (MT) - The Driver's Companion
Anyone who learns to drive a car is the first to get acquainted with this gearbox. This is the method of changing gears manually by depressing the clutch and using the gear lever. Many people like this the most because it gives the driver complete control over the vehicle.
🔵Invented: The first form of the modern manual gearbox was developed in the 1890s by Frenchmen Louis-René Panard and Emile Levasseur.
🔧Maintenance: The maintenance cost is very low compared to others. The main cost is changing the clutch.
2️⃣. IMT (iMT - Intelligent Manual Transmission) - Manual without a clutch
iMT is for those who want the fun of a manual gearbox and the convenience of an automatic. There is no clutch pedal in this, but you have to change the gear yourself. The sensors will recognize it as soon as you touch the gear lever and operate the clutch automatically. You can avoid having to step on the clutch in city traffic.
🟢Invented/Popularized: This technology was recently popularized in India by Hyundai and Kia.
🛠Maintenance: It also costs the same maintenance as a regular manual gearbox.
3️⃣. AMT (AMT - Automated Manual Transmission) - Automatic for the common man
As the name suggests, this is an automated form of a manual gearbox. Clutch actuation and gear shifting are done by an electronic unit and motors. Therefore, the manufacturing cost is low. AMT has helped in making automatic cars affordable to the common man. One of its limitations is that a slight jerk is felt while changing gears.
🟣Invented/Popularized:
Although this technology first came in supercars like Ferrari, Maruti Suzuki made it widespread in regular cars in India under the name "Auto Gear Shift" (AGS).
🪛🔩Maintenance: Costs less. Only slightly more than manual.
4️⃣ Torque Converter - The King of Comfort
This is the oldest and most reliable automatic gearbox. Instead of a clutch, it transfers engine power to the gearbox through a fluid coupling. So the gear change will be very smooth. This is the best for city trips.
🟡Invented:
It was popularized by the American company General Motors (GM) in the 1940s under the name "Hydra-Matic".
🗜🔧Maintenance: Very reliable. Since the possibility of major breakdowns is low, the maintenance cost can be said to be medium.
5️⃣. CVT (CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission) - The companion of mileage
CVT is called a 'gearless gearbox'. It works using a belt that moves between two corners. Therefore, there are no jerks or gaps during gear shifts. It is characterized by a very smooth ride and good mileage.
🟤Invented: It was first used in cars by the Dutch car manufacturer DAF in the 1950s. Today, it is widely used by Japanese companies such as Honda, Nissan, and Toyota.
🔧🔨Maintenance: Usually low cost. But if there is a major breakdown, the cost of replacement will increase.
6️⃣. DCT/DSG/DCA - the last word in speed
This is a high-speed gearbox with dual clutches. One clutch controls the odd-numbered gears (1,3,5) and the other clutch controls the even-numbered gears (2,4,6). When you drive in one gear, the next gear is always ready. So gear changes can be made at lightning speed. This is the best for those who want sporty performance.
🔴Invented: It was popularized in Porsche race cars and later in regular cars by the Volkswagen Group (under the name DSG).
🔩⚒🪛Maintenance: This is the most complex technology in this group. Therefore, maintenance is likely to be expensive.
🗞In short, you can choose the best one according to your needs: manual to enjoy driving, iMT for a little convenience along with the fun of manual, AMT for a pocket-friendly automatic, torque converter for a comfortable ride, CVT for better mileage, and DCT for sporty performance.
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