How to distinguish a variator from an automatic machine: description, principles of operation, pros and cons

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

As you know, at the time of 2019, the automatic gearbox on passenger cars is very popular, and exists on almost every car model. When a car enthusiast has a choice between a CVT and an automatic, he chooses the latter option. After all, this is the most reliable transmission that has been proven over the years. Why take a variation? In general, against the backdrop of such popularity, automatic transmissions are just the sea, and finding a suitable and comfortable one for yourself is not a problem.

However, if you didn't know, the words "automatic transmission" in fact include not only the automatic transmission itself, but also robotic and variable. Each of them is different, but they have a very similar structure. That is why, in order to understand the ordinary question of how to distinguish a variator from an automatic machine, this article was created. Let's get started.

How to distinguish?

Before you buy yourself a newmodel of the car, you must first decide which transmission it will be with. When the choice falls on an automatic transmission, the motorist immediately thinks about the shortcomings: such a transmission has them, and not a few. However, it is the most reliable and proven. But still, maybe you should choose, for example, variable? And here is the most important question, how to distinguish the variator from the machine. The first way is by leverage. This method will now be parsed.

On the lever

How to distinguish an automatic transmission from a CVT visually? You should pay attention to the gear lever. It is worth noting that the variable is very different from the lever on an automatic transmission. However, there is one caveat: if you purchase a model that has already been used by another owner, then there is a chance that you will not find differences. After all, he can alter this handle so that it will be completely incomprehensible what kind of transmission it is. The owners of the selector make it completely different, and this is all for the sake of beauty in the salon.

How can you tell the difference? Instruction

How to distinguish a CVT from an automatic? According to the selector alone, as it became clear above in the material of the article, it is completely impossible to do this. Therefore, you need to take advantage of several factors and features of the difference between these two transmissions at once in order to still understand whether you have a variable gearbox or an automatic one. It is worth using the following methods of recommendations.

You should learn all types and modifications of gearboxes on a car. If you find thata variable gearbox for a potential car has never been developed at all, then there is no need to try to distinguish. And to find out whether a manual gearbox or an automatic one is easier than ever. They are too different.

Next, when buying a car, be sure to look at the technical documents of transport. After all, it is there that the transmission is indicated: variable, automatic, robotic or mechanical. If you are not presented with such an opportunity, then proceed to the next paragraph. It is worth emphasizing that notation can also be written. AT - automatic, A - also automatic transmission. But CVT is variable.

When you visually try to distinguish a variator from an automatic, how evil everything is spoiled by the fact that there are no AT, CVT and other designations on the car. After all, it is they who give out which transmission is on the car. Pay attention to this, and if, nevertheless, these nameplates are not there, proceed to the next point of difference.

If there is a conventional automatic, then in addition to standard driving modes, such as P-R-N-D, there are also gears L, 2 and 3. And the variators do not have these steps with gears. Variable gearboxes can only have L gear and others.

Demand

Yes, of course the automatic transmission is the most common. After all, the variable, nevertheless, is liked only by a small percentage of motorists. Many prefer the classic, proven transmission. However, it is worth noting that although the popularity of a robotic and variable gearbox as such does not exist, however, they have one main advantage: the prices for such a transmission are significantly lower than their counterparts.

Basically, this plays into the hands of scammers who shove a car with a variable, cheap gearbox like an automatic car. And this is a big premium to the price, which really plays a big role, and goes into the hands of the reseller. In general, you need to know how to distinguish an automatic transmission from a CVT, otherwise you will stumble upon a deceiver.

Acceleration

So, how to distinguish an automatic from a variator? Photos of these mechanisms are presented in the article. You need to compare two pictures of the lever, and then you can understand what the transmission is on the car. There are no gears 2 and 3 on the variable gearbox. But how can you still distinguish the gearbox when driving around the city? The first thing you will need to do when you get into the car is to switch the stage to gear D. Both the variable transmission and the automatic have it. Next, you need to press the gas. If during operation there is no feeling that the car “kicks” a little, that is, there is no gear shift, then the gearbox is variable.

And if they are, then it is robotic or automatic. How to distinguish an automatic from a variator? Also, during the movement, the revolutions go monotonously, without falling down. This is also a sign that you are driving an automatic transmission. With an automatic, everything is different: you accelerate to a certain moment of torsion, then the transmissionswitches to high and the set of revolutions drops by several thousand. In general, this is the most important and easy way to distinguish the transmission.

Conclusion

As it became clear from the material of the article, there are many ways in which you can distinguish a variable gearbox from an automatic one. This can be done both visually during normal inspection, and when driving around the city. In general, if you apply all the factors at once and do a full test drive of the transmission, then it will become clear to you exactly what type your car has. It is worth recalling that the variator is designated CVT, and the automatic is AT.

How to externally distinguish a CVT from an automatic? These signs are the first and easiest method. If there are no such letters, then try other methods. In any case, any way will help you. Do not doubt! After all, a machine does not have the ability to be completely different and not comply with all the laws of physics. Therefore, one of the methods, especially the operating method, will accurately help you determine the checkpoint. Have a good trip!