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How Does a Transmission Work?

Mr. Transmission • March 28, 2023

Have you ever wondered how your car moves forward or backward? How does the power from the engine reach the wheels? The answer lies in the transmission. In this article, we will explain how a transmission works to the average person.

Mechanic working on a car’s transmission near Sharonville, Ohio (OH)

What is a Transmission?

Simply put, a transmission is a mechanism that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It is located between the engine and the wheels, and it is responsible for controlling the amount of power that reaches the wheels. The transmission is a critical component of any vehicle, and it allows the car to operate efficiently and smoothly.

There are two main types of transmissions: manual and automatic. In a manual transmission, the driver uses a clutch pedal to engage or disengage the engine from the transmission. The driver then manually shifts gears using a gear lever or stick. In an automatic transmission, the car’s computer controls the gears, and the driver only needs to shift from “park” to “drive” or “reverse” using the gear selector.

Some More Specifics

Regardless of the type of transmission, the basic principles are the same. The engine produces power, which is then transmitted to the transmission. Inside the transmission, there are a series of gears that control the speed and torque of the wheels.

The gears in a transmission are arranged in a series of concentric shafts. Each shaft has several gears that are mounted on it, and these gears can be engaged or disengaged by the driver or the car’s computer. The gears on one shaft can mesh with the gears on another shaft, which allows the transmission to change the speed and torque of the wheels.

Automatic transmissions are by far the most common transmissions in cars today. They use a fluid coupling called a torque converter instead of a clutch to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. The torque converter allows the engine to continue running while the car is stopped, and it also provides a smoother ride by allowing the engine to operate at lower RPMs.

In an automatic transmission, the car’s computer uses a series of sensors to determine the optimal gear ratio for the current driving conditions. The computer can shift gears automatically, which allows the driver to focus on steering and braking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, transmission is a critical component of any vehicle, and it allows the car to operate efficiently and smoothly. Whether you have a manual or automatic transmission, the basic principles are the same. The transmission controls the amount of power that reaches the wheels, and it allows the car to move at different speeds.

The transmission is a critically important part of your car, and keeping it in working order will keep your car running smoothly. The better your transmission works, the less headache you’ll have. That's why we here at Mr. Tranmission are here to make sure that your car is in the best working order possible. We are here to provide you with reliable transmission repair and maintenance, so schedule your appointment today! We are located at 11724 Lebanon Rd

Cincinnati, OH. Call us at (513) 769-3111 or get in touch with us online.

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