Lada
The traction characteristics of an internal combustion engine are poorly adapted to actual operation. So, when starting off, high torque is required at low speeds, and when driving at high speed - at high speeds. The motor is not capable of such flexibility - the gearbox helps out, changing the moment in accordance with the current need.
In addition to the main function, automatic boxes, as a rule, have additional ones. As a rule, these are winter (early inclusion of a higher stage) and sports (switching at high revs) modes. Almost everyone offers the ability to manually switch, but this is more of a marketing ploy. After all, by moving the selector, the driver simply communicates its wishes to the control unit - the operation still occurs according to an automatic circuit. Yes, and why overpay 30-50 thousand rubles for a machine, if you are going to ride "on a stick"?
MECHANICAL
Mechanical
The most simple, reliable and inexpensive design. Allows you to fully enjoy the process of driving, especially a trained driver. From the point of view of the buyer, such boxes differ from each other only in the number of steps. The increase in their number, which has been especially noticeable recently, is not due at all to caring for the driver - he doesn’t need extra body movements. It's all about the current small-sized engines with their narrow operating range. However, the choice here is small - we take the one that they give.
+ Low price, reliability, the ability to use the potential of the car to the fullest.
- Continuous use of the clutch pedal and gear lever tires the driver.
ROBOTIZED
Robotic
Low cost option for automatic transmission. Conventional mechanics are equipped with an actuator - a robot that squeezes the clutch and shifts gears instead of the driver. Alas, it was not possible to completely replace the person: no matter how much the brains of the electronic control system were adjusted, they could achieve smooth operation only with a leisurely ride.
2
+ Low price, low labor input.
- Jerks when driving energetically.
DSG
ROBOTIZED DSG
Another way required some intervention in the design. The so-called preselective (with preliminary selection) automatic transmission has two clutches and two input shafts: while one set is working, the other is waiting at the ready with the next gear already engaged. It’s worth moving the fork that controls the clutches (and this happens almost instantly), and the job is done. Today, one of the most promising ways of automation.
3
+ Excellent speed for smooth operation and low fuel consumption.
- High price with a considerable innovative component, high cost of maintenance and repair.
HYDROMECHANICAL
HYDROMECHANICAL
This unit is the oldest representative of the glorious tribe of automatic transmissions. The mechanical part here is represented by a set of planetary gears controlled by belt brakes through the mediation of hydraulic valves. There is no clutch, but in some cases (when shifting gears, stopping with a running engine, etc.), the box must be disconnected from the engine. The torque converter successfully copes with the task.
The transmission of torque through the fluid using the pump and turbine wheels just provides a non-rigid connection between these components. The machine works quickly and smoothly, although light shocks when switching are still noticeable. The main disadvantage is increased fuel consumption due to serious losses in the hydraulic system. Repair and maintenance are also not cheap, but there are enough workshops with specialists and necessary spare parts.
four
+ Finished, easy to use, time-tested design.
- Increased fuel consumption, complex diagnostics, a number of limitations in operation, shorter service life compared to mechanics and extremely expensive repairs.
VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE
VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE
A return to the long-known design at a new technological level was successful - cars with CVTs are now very popular. The main advantage of the unit is its ideal adaptability to traffic conditions, because the gear ratio here changes smoothly, and therefore, the number of gears is infinite. The filling in general terms is a pair of conical pulleys connected by a steel plate chain. Pulleys - of two halves, which can come together and diverge, because of which the chain either falls through a small diameter or is pushed out onto a large one.
These movements and provide a change in the gear ratio. There are two significant drawbacks: restrictions on the magnitude of the transformed moment and a tendency to overheat in severe driving conditions - the device works due to friction! Yes, and without automatic clutch or the same torque converter you can not do, do not turn off the engine at every stop. Maintenance of the unit, which is reduced to changing the fluid, is not very burdensome, which cannot be said about the repair.
five
+ Excellent dynamics, high smoothness.
- Expensive repairs, a tendency to overheat in difficult operating conditions.
