CVT gearbox: Why the hype?

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By Ahmad Muto

Automakers like Nissan, Toyota, BMW, VW, Audi, and Jeep, sedans, pickups, combustion engines and hybrid cars have embraced the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox.

Those who have experienced it firsthand say its gear-shifting ability is better than that of a traditional automatic transmission because it is seamless, delivering the right ratio for particular situations on the road. 

Jole Katongole, a mechanic, explains that, unlike the traditional automatic gearboxes, CVT has a smooth transition of gears compared to the former, whose shifting is sharply felt by the motorist. 

However, lack of knowledge of CVT operation or its presence in vehicles, has ruined the driving experience of some motorists who are quick to assume their gearboxes are faulty. 

The CVT transmission uses CVT oil that is manufacturer-recommended, and not the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) because they work differently.

While the CVT fluid is manufactured to deliver an ample quantity of friction to enable effective transmission, ATF summons hydraulic pressure and reduces friction to perform. 

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is powered by a CVT engine that alternates with the electric motor.

CFAO Uganda fronts it as one of the areas of strength of the vehicle for its smooth operation. A

lbert Besigye from CFAO says, “It means the engine manages the drive power to give great performance for the driving condition. The technology guarantees the best in fuel efficiency, power and torque.”

Proper maintenance discipline, like following the recommended maintenance schedule and using the correct transmission fluid of the right viscosity, should keep the gearbox performance at optimum. The recommendation for servicing a CVT gearbox is after every 40,000 – 50,000 km. 

Challenges of CVT

Katongole observes that servicing a CVT vehicle is expensive compared to a traditional automatic one.

“A motorist must spend sh240,000 on a four-litre jerrycan of CVT fluid, while a traditional automatic transmission only costs sh20,000 for a litre.” 

Emmanuel Mujuzi, another mechanic, invokes the practice of odometer reversals that is common with used cars that give motorists wrong mileage. In effect, one becomes unable to calculate the correct maintenance schedule.

 “Odometer reversal is costly because one can miss critical maintenance schedules. If you have a CVT gearbox, you must change its oil every 50,000km. But if the vehicle was at 145,000km, (5,000km less from the oil change), and it is reversed to 5,000km, a motorist will unknowingly add 45,000km only to end up with a faulty gearbox,” explains Mujuzi. 

Meanwhile, Sam Hooper, an automotive technician, observes that outside Kampala, CVT fluid difficult to access, largely for logistical reasons.