What is faster robot or machine. Mechanics, robot, CVT or automatic: what to choose? How acp works

Transmission - important knot transmission of any car. Without it, it is impossible to imagine a car. He could move around, but it would be inefficient, costly and monotonous. Using the box allows you to flexibly change the mode of movement, speed. This is a great way to increase efficiency and save fuel. The manual transmission has been replaced robotic box and automatic box. There is controversy among drivers, disputes - which gearbox is better, and also what is the difference between a robotic gearbox and an automatic one. The purchase of a car often depends on the principle of its operation and design. For experienced drivers what matters is which box is in the car and how you will have to manage it later.

Its history of development began a hundred years ago. An automatic transmission has two main components - a gearbox and a hydraulic transformer. The latter provides a very smooth, without noticeable jerks gear shifting. The torque converter does not directly participate in gear changes. It only gives the value of the torque on input shaft gearboxes and softens shocks when shifting gears. We can say that it replaces the clutch that cars with mechanical box gears. The gearbox of an automatic gearbox has from four to eight sets of gears in its design. Getting into engagement, they form gear stages.

Automatic transmission

This box shifts gears in automatic mode, which is regulated not by the action of the driver, but by the number of revolutions crankshaft and oil pressure, which independently switches steps, providing optimal mode vehicle movement. Electronics, in this case, used minimally.

robotic box

The robot box is a manual gearbox on which a control unit is installed. It includes hydraulic drive and an electronic assembly (servo). This unit, without the participation of the driver, controls the gear shifting and clutch. The principle of operation is similar to mechanics. Only instead of a person, the process is controlled by electronics and hydraulics. Servo drives control the closing and opening of the clutch and the selection of gears in a robotic box. Another name is actuators. Usually it is a stepper motor with a gearbox and an actuator.

AMG Speedshift - the robotic gearbox used in the SL 63 AMG

There are also hydraulic actuators. The actuators are controlled by an electronic unit. On a specific command, it causes the servo to depress the clutch and engage the required gear. The command to change gear comes from car computer, which takes into account the speed, the number of revolutions of the crankshaft, the data of ABS, ESP and other machine systems. In manual driving mode, the driver gives commands using the gearbox selector and paddles under the steering wheel.

Features of operation of automatic and robotic boxes

Performance characteristics will help you figure out which box is better and more convenient. The automatic transmission significantly reduced the load on the driver when driving. Especially in urban difficult conditions. Each driver has his own manner and style of driving. The automatic gearbox has the ability to "adjust" to the type of driving. The machine is characterized by a soft, barely noticeable gear shift. But a significant disadvantage of this box is high flow fuel, which is especially evident in urban areas. It will cost a lot to repair this unit.

The robotic box is close to mechanical. Repair and Maintenance will be significantly lower. Fuel consumption can also be equated with mechanics, especially in urban driving. Significantly less consumption engine oil, and this is also a savings. The efficiency of torque transmission from the motor to the drive wheels is also higher than that of the machine. A huge advantage of the robot can be considered the ability to make manual switching speeds, and this is not the case with an automatic transmission. After all, it can come in handy in a difficult situation. The bad moments can be considered slow gear shifting and jerks in the operation of the box itself. Especially if the driver at this moment strongly presses on the accelerator pedal. In urban areas, when parking, it is required to put the selector lever in the neutral position.

Video about robotic and automatic transmission

conclusions

All of the above will allow us to summarize and clearly identify the differences between a robotic gearbox and an automatic one.

The main differences are:

• The robot has the ability to manually shift gears, and the machine is deprived of this possibility.
• The robot is structurally similar to mechanics, the automatic gearbox has its own design.
• A robotic box consumes less oil and fuel than an automatic box.
• The machine outperforms the robotic box with its smoothness and efficiency in operation.
• Repair work and maintenance of the robot is easier and cheaper than that of the machine.
• The machine is considered more reliable in operation.

Drivers have different opinions. Despite clear benefits robot, many motorists prefer automatic. They believe that it is more predictable in work and does not give "unpleasant surprises." Modern designs automatic machines are more and more economical, approaching the level of service to robots, being able to adapt to the style of the driver.

All modern engines internal combustion not powerful enough and not adapted for significant changes in loads with direct drive. For adaptation tractive effort use gearboxes that allow you to change the speed of rotation in the desired range. Everything is currently more cars equipped with an automatic transmission, and if the differences between mechanics and automatic are clear to everyone, then the difference between automatic and robot baffles many.

Differences between an automatic box and a robot

The fundamental differences between an automatic transmission and a robotic one are in the following design features:

1. The main difference is in the clutch design: the automatic uses a torque converter, while the robot uses a dry clutch. friction clutch with one or two disks.
2. The machines are used planetary gearboxes with complex operation and control, the choice of gear ratio is determined by the control unit. In a robot, like a mechanical box, the gears are constantly engaged, and are switched on by special clutches, using synchronizers to equalize the angular velocities.
3. The efficiency indicator of the robot is much higher, since the torque converter has higher mechanical losses than dry clutch.
4. The automatic has a smoother ride and higher ride comfort, but the transmission is too expensive to repair, which can only be done by trained specialists in service center. Repair of a robotic box is comparable in cost and complexity to a mechanical one.

Features and principle of operation of the automatic transmission

The main feature of an automatic transmission is the presence of a torque converter that performs the function smooth switching speeds for which the gearbox is responsible. If we draw an analogy with a manual transmission, then the torque converter performs actions similar to clutch release, ensuring smooth shifting of gear ratios. The gearbox of the machine also has steps - 4, 5 or 6, while boxes with a different number of steps will have different possibilities.

The principle of operation of the automatic transmission is as follows:

1. The engine turns with the drive turbine rigidly fixed to it, it moves the fluid in the crankcase, driving the driven one. There is no mechanical connection between them, which allows them to rotate at different frequencies. At high speeds, the torque converter remains locked up to save energy.
2. The force is transferred to input shaft boxes, where with the help of gears they change gear ratios. Couplings engage the correct sections to ensure optimum engine performance. Shock loads and jerks compensate for overrunning clutches slipping in reverse.
3. The clutches are controlled by a hydraulic system. The hydraulic actuator compresses certain clutches, setting the gears connected to it.
4. Oil pressure is provided by a special hydraulic pump. The hydraulic actuators are controlled by spools that move the solenoids.

Advantages and disadvantages of automatic transmission

Automatic transmission effect design features has certain advantages:

1. Security easy control vehicle without the need for depressing the clutch, shifting gears, and soft start procedures. This is provided by automation, allowing the driver to concentrate on the road.
2. The torque converter cannot be quickly disabled due to the inexperience of the driver, as can happen with a clutch on a manual box.
3. The machine does not create heavy loads on the engine, as with mechanics. Gear ratios change without unnecessary increase in speed, thereby extending engine life.
4. When using a torque converter, the load on undercarriage lower in comparison with other types of transmissions.
5. Availability passive system safety, in which a vehicle standing on a slope cannot roll.
6. At the automatic six-speed box fuel consumption is lower.

Automatic transmission has the following weaknesses:

1. In comparison with a mechanical or robotic gearbox, there is no high acceleration dynamics.
2. Significant fuel consumption, especially on a four-speed box.
3. Reduced efficiency due to significant power losses that go to the operation of the torque converter.
4. The high cost of the unit and its maintenance, which negatively affects the cost of the entire car.
5. Possible rolling back when starting from a stop on a slope.
6. when used incorrectly.

Features and principle of operation of the robotic box

The robotic gearbox (robot) installed on ordinary cars is a manual gearbox with automatic (electric or hydraulic) control. Switching speeds in such a device occurs using automation. The car does not have a traditional clutch pedal, as it is automatically disengaged at the moment of gear shifting. In some cars, along with automatic, manual mode gear shifting.

The box operation algorithm is as follows: after starting the engine with the brake depressed, the selector is moved to the desired position. The drive on the clutch disengages the transmission, and the box mechanism engages desired gear. The driver releases the brake pedal and smoothly presses the accelerator pedal, the car starts off, and further shifts are made automatically. The box is controlled by the processor according to the selected algorithm. The driver can interfere with the operation of the box.

On sports cars participating in races, a more advanced version of the robot is installed. Its design provides for the presence of two clutch systems, each of which is responsible for its own gears.

Thanks to the double clutch, the speed of gear shifting is maximum, which is very important for sports racing.

Advantages and disadvantages of the robotic box

Compared to an automatic transmission, a robotic gearbox has fewer advantages due to the fact that the system is still quite crude and not perfected. Strengths robots are manifested in the following:

1. Better fuel economy compared to automatic transmissions.
2. High reliability of the gear mechanism.
3. The robot is cheaper to manufacture and maintain, consumes less oil (half on average) than an automatic machine.
4. Double the clutch life compared to a manual transmission.
5. Less weight of the box in comparison with the automatic one, its high maintainability.
6. Higher dynamics, the ability to manually shift gears to semi-automatic mode, which is important on off-road, climbing, or in traffic.

Weaknesses of the robotic gearbox:

1. When shifting gears, jerks are possible.
2. There is a noticeable delay between the inclusion of the transmission and the start of its use.
3. Unlike the machine, when you stop the car, you need to switch the lever to the neutral position.
4. Each slip while driving heavily consumes the resource of the box. The operation of vehicles with this type of transmission is desirable only on hard surfaces.
5. At the beginning of the movement there is a rollback.

Growing every day. More recently, motorists around the world learned that there is standard automatic transmission with hydrotransformer. Later, cars began to be equipped with stepless variators. And now there are robotic checkpoints. Many still do not trust this fresh technical solution. So which is better - "automatic" or "robot"? What are the differences between these boxes, what should an ordinary motorist choose?

Robotic checkpoint

Such a checkpoint or “robot box” is not an automatic machine.

In fact, this is a mechanical transmission, where the functions of disengaging the clutch and run in automatic mode. The name of such a system suggests that the driver of the car and road conditions form only input data. And all work inside the checkpoint is carried out using electronic block according to certain algorithms. This is the main difference between the box: the “robot” differs from the “machine” in the first place.

"Robot" is the comfort of automatic transmission, high reliability, as well as fuel economy - after all, it is mechanics. At the same time, a robotic box is often much cheaper than classic automatic solutions. Today, many popular and even unknown car brands equip their cars with just such installations. There are already manufacturers who have installed such boxes for the entire line: from budget models to premium class.

How does a robotic gearbox

What is the difference between "robot" and "machine"? At least with your device. "Robots" can also differ from each other. However, these nodes have something in common. This is a manual transmission, where the shifting and clutch are controlled by electronics. In such solutions, a friction clutch system is used.

It can be either single-disk or multi-disk. Modern gearboxes usually use a double clutch. This avoids losses in power and dynamics. At the heart of "robots" is the usual mechanics. Already used in production turnkey solutions. For example, in robotic systems SpeedShift uses the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission base from Mercedes. Here, instead of a torque converter, clutch discs were installed.

The SMG model from BMW is a six-speed manual transmission with electrohydraulic clutch. So, on the technical side, the difference between a “robot” and an “automatic” is the absence of a torque converter and other electronics. That's all the differences.

Robotic gearbox drive

Gearbox robots are either hydraulic or electric. If the model has the last drive, then servomotors and mechanisms are used as it. If it is hydraulic, then work is carried out using hydraulic cylinders, which are controlled by solenoid valves. Specialists and marketers call this system an electro-hydraulic drive. Some of these boxes are Opel models and Ford. A hydromechanical unit can also be used in conjunction with electric motor. The motor in this case serves to move the main clutch cylinder.

The electric drive is slower. average speed switching is about 0.3-0.5 s. And the energy consumption is much less. Hydro-actuated systems provide constant pressure, which means that energy costs will be higher. However, hydraulics are much faster. Similar solutions are installed on sports cars due to high speed.

Drive and application

Electric "robots" are used more often on budget car models.

Among the popular boxes are: Allshift - Mitsubishi, Dualogic - Fiat, 2-Tronic - Peugeot. Hydraulics are installed on more expensive models.

Control

Operates a special robo-checkpoint electronic system. It includes various sensors, ECU, as well as executive systems. Sensors monitor key parameters. It also monitors pressure and temperature. Sensors give information to the control unit. Based on the received signals, the block generates control pulses to the executive part according to certain algorithms. The control unit is in constant interaction with many nodes in the car.

IN hydraulic systems in addition to all this, the control unit also includes hydraulic element which controls the operation of hydraulics. This is another difference between a “robot” and an “automatic”.

Dual Clutch Robot

The main disadvantage of such solutions is for a long time triggering. This leads to jerks and dips in dynamics.

All this in the complex reduces the comfort of control. But that was before. Now this problem has been solved with two clutches, which ensured fast shifting without loss of power. Another difference between a “robot” and an “automatic” is the following: with one gear engaged, the driver can select another and, if necessary, turn it on without any interruptions. Such systems are called switchboxes. none automatic solution so far can't offer it.

Another advantage of systems with double clutch- high speed of work. It here depends only on the speed of switching clutches. This is used in the popular DSG from Volkswagen. What is the difference between "robot" and "machine"? Worth mentioning about compact dimensions first and light weight. This is very important for small subcompact models auto. In addition to compactness, note the high power consumption. High speed operation with constant torque output makes it possible to obtain good acceleration dynamics and fuel economy.

How does a "robot" work?

As for operation, two modes are available here - automatic and semi-automatic. In the first case, the ECU implements the embedded algorithms using sensors. Every robotic box has a manual mode. It is similar to the operation of Tiptronic on most "machines". This mode allows you to sequentially move from the lowest gear to the highest using the selector.

Box "robot" and "machine": the difference

If you look at both systems in terms of operation, there are few differences. In the case of the "automatic" there is no clutch control. The robot controls it, but completely automatically. “Robot” is mechanics, automatic is a hydromechanical system. This is the difference between it and the "machine".

It is important to take into account overclocking with a delay. Fluid in automatic transmission cannot immediately cope with the impact of the driven shaft. They are not very tightly coupled - this is a kind of "fuse". The transformer will rotate freely even when something is jammed. the torque converter is small, so part of the power is lost. If the engine is off, the “automatic” cannot work.

Advantages and disadvantages

What is the difference between "robot" and "machine"? At least the price. Among the advantages can be identified a reliable design.

It is based on mechanics, which have already been sufficiently studied and tested. In terms of its reliability, the manual transmission is significantly superior to both the variator and the “automatic”. It is also believed that the use of manual transmission can contribute to lower fuel consumption. So, some owners claim savings of up to 30%. consumes less oil. So, 2-3 liters are enough here, and the variator will eat 7. The number of gears is equal to the number on a manual transmission.

The mechanics are much easier and cheaper to repair, although motorists write on the forums that maintenance is quite expensive. But most of the breakdowns can be done with your own hands, having the necessary experience. The resource of clutch discs has also been increased. In urban conditions, the driver is often stuck in traffic jams, and on the slopes, the manual control function will be very useful. Among the shortcomings is the lack of the possibility of flashing the unit.

The speed of work is lower than on the machine. In the city, you need to switch to semi-automatic mode. On climbs, the clutch disengages.

Visual differences

If motorists do not know how to distinguish "automatic" from "robot", then when choosing a car, you should look at the selector. If there is a P sign, then it is an automaton. If there are only N and R, then it is a "robot".

Which transmission to choose?

If we compare the pros and cons, then no transmission has any advantages. Otherwise, manufacturers would already be releasing the most The best decision. The choice is more down to personal preference. It is difficult to say which is better: "automatic" or "robot". It should be noted that automatic transmission is smoothness, manual transmission is dynamics. So, we found out how the "robot" differs from the "machine".

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When buying a car, the future car owner is faced with the problem of choice. It can be the most diverse: engine size, equipment, body,. Nowadays, gearboxes are very different: mechanical, automatic, robotic and CVT. Most of all, car owners are concerned about the choice of "automatic" or "robot", since not everyone knows how they differ and which is better. Below we will try to tell you what are the differences between these two types of automatic transmission, and what to choose.

How the machine works

The automatic transmission is remarkable in that it can shift gear ratios on its own. But this is done almost without the use of electronics on "bare" mechanics.

The main role here is played by the gearbox and torque converter. The latter ensures that the switching is carried out without jerks and the riders do not shake when moving from one stage to another. It is noteworthy that in automatic transmission 5, 6, and even 8 speeds can be set. Such a large number of them is due to the fact that the car can more smoothly and flexibly change steps depending on the driving speed.

Switching occurs during an increase or decrease in speed. The faster the engine spins, the more the oil pressure in the torque converter increases. The more pressure, the higher the speed. The scheme is simple and uncomplicated. Also, a similar approach, as mentioned above, allows you to assemble functional automatic transmissions almost without the use of electronics.

How the robot works

Here everything is arranged completely differently. If in the previous case the control was carried out using a gearbox, and the switching was carried out under oil pressure, then here the work of monitoring the speed was assigned to electronic device, and the shift is made as in a mechanical (manual) gearbox.

The whole difference lies only in the presence of the control unit.

When a certain speed is reached, the microcomputer decides that it is time to switch to a more high speed and drives the rods that block the gears. In fact, because of such a symbiosis of mechanics and electronic brains, this gearbox was called a "robot".

Pros and cons of the machine

Let's start the "debriefing" with the pros:

1. Gear shifting in an automatic transmission is smoother and smoother.
2. Automatic boxes can be equipped with 8 steps. This allows you to choose the most optimal speed engine to switch. That is, working speed shaft rotation can be in the range of 2-3 thousand revolutions. Thus, the machine will always move with the optimum flow rate, power or speed.
3. An automaton is more reliable than a robot.

And cons:

1. The machine consumes a little more fuel.
2. gear is produced, although not so often, but it costs more.
3. requires periodic oil changes, which also affects the owner's wallet.

Pros and cons of a robot

And here, too, let's start with finding out what a robot is better machine A:

1. There is less fuel consumption.
2. Given that it is similar to a mechanical one, the cost of its repair is much cheaper.

And cons:

1. Considering that here the gear shifting occurs due to the rigid coupling of the gears, jerks can be observed when switching. This is especially noticeable by the time when the robotic gearbox is already in need of repair.
2. The following point emerges from the previous one: gearbox parts wear out faster. That is, here all the gears are connected "dry" without the use of oil. Accordingly, if your driving style is aggressive, then soon chips and scuffs will appear on the metal, and chips will fill the gearbox, further rendering its elements unusable.

Based on the foregoing, the following conclusions can be drawn:

1. If your priority is reliability and time uninterrupted operation, then the automatic transmission clearly outperforms the robotic one, since all parts are constantly lubricated with oil and shift more smoothly, further increasing the life of the parts.
2. Robotic gearbox consumes less fuel.
3. In turn, for exotic lovers, a robotic gearbox, unlike automatic transmission, can offer an interesting option: manual gear shifting. That is, the control knob can be translated into special provision when the driver can choose whether to upshift or downshift.
4. While driving, the robot, in comparison with the automatic transmission, “freezes”, the switching occurs with some delay.
5. However, the robotic gearbox is structurally simpler, and, accordingly, its repair will cost much less, and even carry out this repair you can do it yourself or trust the "garage experts" - they can handle it!

Conclusion

As you can see, both there and there have their positive and negative sides regarding the checkpoint. And each of the candidates for the purchase can oppose a significant difference to its competitor. But most motorists from our country prefer automatic transmission, even despite its expense and the high cost of repairs. Why? The decisive factor is the following difference: automatic transmission is more reliable robotic gearbox. And this is the decisive factor.

One enthusiast even did a study and found that the amount saved on fuel and cheaper repairs is less than that saved on the rarity of breakdowns. As a result, the automatic transmission costs the owner simply cheaper than a robotic gearbox. And that is why the automatic gearbox is better suited for our conditions.

But, at the same time, almost all of Europe and America have already moved to "robots". Why is that? What makes Westerners think that a robot is better? It's all about the national problem, whose name is "roads". When driving on normal roads without pits, bumps and potholes, the robot is a really reliable and economical thing. And with the driving style that is popular with us: “accelerated, slowed down,” switching occurs so often that parts wear out and break quickly.

More recently, domestic motorists did not have the pangs of choice - not only transmissions, but even car models. Now the market is rich and oversaturated not only with classes and models of cars - the variety of types of gearboxes alone can plunge into bewilderment. We decided to resolve this issue.

HANDMADE

The good old manual transmission is losing its relevance and adherents more and more every day - especially in big cities. The choice of mechanics is truly rational only if you drive mainly outside the city, especially on long distance: so far, most variants of cars with manual transmission are more economical than their counterparts with the same engines, but automatic transmissions.

Although there are more and more exceptions here: for example, Kia Sportage with 2 liter gasoline engine consumes less fuel in the version with a gun. Undoubtedly, those who believe that it is such a transmission that allows you to fully control the car and get more emotional feedback from it will prefer a manual transmission.

In fairness, it should be noted that almost all modern automatic transmissions have long got rid of excessive thoughtfulness, and with the choice of a mode that is optimal for both dynamics and economy, they cope better than most drivers.

Another thing is that the mechanics will easily endure harsh driving manners and heavy loads(for example, off-road or when towing a heavy trailer), as opposed to much more gentle automatic transmissions.

Finally, mechanics are cheaper than all other types of gearboxes, not only in acquisition, but also in maintenance. The clutch of neat and skillful drivers, even in a metropolis, can last 120 thousand km or more, and oil for manual transmission, if you suddenly have to change it someday, is cheaper than for automatic transmissions.

FOR LAZY AND WORKWORKERS

If the presence of three pedals with two legs generates cognitive dissonance, then the choice is better to stop on the transmission, which will courageously take on the hard work of establishing the connection between the motor and the wheels. The automatic machine is definitely more convenient and, most importantly, safer in a big city.

The most common option is the traditional hydromechanical box gears: planetary box with the number of steps from four to seven and a torque converter instead of a clutch. It is also the most robust construction: even French-made machines, previously considered capricious, have long been healed of childhood illnesses and regularly nurse the resource allotted to them with minimal maintenance costs.

Almost all hydraulic machines today are equipped with a function manual selection gears, which is useful, for example, for engine braking on long mountain descents. Easier and cheaper steel modern machines and maintenance: a significant part of these boxes do not require topping up or changing the oil during the entire service life.

Another proprietary drawback of such transmissions is becoming a thing of the past - increased consumption fuel. The main disadvantage of both a hydraulic machine, and generally any automated transmission– the need for careful, thrifty operation.

Automatic machines do not like a sharp, ragged pace of driving, they do not tolerate towing. When switching modes (e.g. from parking P to driving mode D or from D to reverse R) it is better to make at least a two-second pause before starting off - this will significantly increase the resource of the block hydraulic valves and extend the life of the transmission. You should never turn on neutral on the go - this destroys the machine! And in winter, it will not be superfluous to warm the box by turning on mode D for a couple of minutes before driving.

BETWEEN ANGEL AND DEMON

At the devilish instigation of marketers and economists, forced engineering genius spawned a kind of machine for the poor - a robotic manual gearbox. In essence, this is the same mechanics, but the gear shift and clutch in it is controlled by an automatic drive with an electric or hydraulic actuator.

The driver has almost the same selector as on cars with classic slot machines, but in the behavior of the machine with the robot is noticeably different. And, alas, not better side. Even the most successful modern robotic boxes annoy with thoughtfulness, "nods" and unpredictable switching moments with long pauses.

In the city, this is not only inconvenient, but sometimes dangerous: while the box “thinks”, changing gear, the car stops accelerating. Someone cunning will think to squeeze in before you, and just at that moment the robot turns on next gear- your car with a jerk rushes forward again ...

Many robotic boxes turned out to be very unreliable - and at the same time very expensive to repair. And even their regular maintenance often costs a pretty penny: robots wear out the clutch many times faster than the most inept drivers - in conditions of intensive urban use, the clutches of some robotic boxes can withstand only 20 thousand km. The advantage of the robot is only one: it is noticeably more economical than any automatic machines, as well as mechanics.

GIVE A BELT

Since the mid-90s, another interesting unit has received great development - stepless variator. Its design is as follows: two pulleys with a variable diameter are interconnected by a chain or a metal V-belt. By changing their diameter, the pulleys regulate the gear ratio, and they are able to do this smoothly, without fixed steps - therefore, the first variators surprised the owners of the cars they equipped with the fact that the engine kept constant speed when accelerating at least up to 100 km / h.

The uniform itching of the engine was unusual and did not cause bright emotions among motorists - therefore, soon the manufacturers began to program the operation of the variators so that they simulate gear changes with a slight change in speed and, accordingly, the sound of the engine. All modern variators, like hydraulic machines, have a manual gear selection mode - only in this case, gears should be understood as a set of fixed gear ratios between pulleys.

The CVT boasts a very cheerful responsiveness to the accelerator pedal - it is more lively than a hydraulic machine. And in terms of efficiency, it is the same - after all, instead of a clutch, it also has an inert torque converter, which eats up a significant share of the power flow.

Maintenance continuously variable transmission more expensive than a hydraulic automatic: modern CVTs, as a rule, no longer require periodic replacement of the chain or belt, but the oil in them needs to be changed - usually every 90 thousand km. In addition, the variator is considered by mechanics to be a rather delicate design - driving on serious off-road with slipping is especially undesirable for him.

CLUTCH? GIVE TWO!

Another alternative to a hydraulic automatic is a preselective robotic gearbox with two clutches. This design became famous thanks to Volkswagen Group, who was the first to master the production of such gearboxes called DSG - today almost all cars in model lines all brands of the concern, with a few exceptions, are equipped with these boxes.

And more powerful motors equipped with six-speed DSG, and less powerful - seven-speed. At the same time, the concern has almost three lines of these boxes, which differ slightly from each other structurally: these are DSG, S-tronik and PDK. The idea was also picked up by other manufacturers, including the Chinese.

The main advantage of a preselective box over a hydraulic machine is cardinally best indicator efficiency: a dual-clutch robot can reduce fuel consumption by 15-20% compared to a traditional automatic transmission.

The behavior of the transmission resembles a hydraulic automatic: the preselective robot is also not devoid of thoughtfulness, so for a confident overtaking, it is better to switch the box to either sports or manual mode.

Unlike a conventional automatic, this robot does not keep the car uphill when the brake pedal is released: the car rolls back just like with a manual transmission. There are also questions about the reliability of these transmissions: for example, problems with seven-speed DSGs are widely known.

The manufacturer basically solves them under warranty, but if the latter runs out, then the owner will not find it a little: the cost of a clutch kit, for example, exceeds $ 1,000.

OUR SUMMARY

So, if everything is more or less clear with the mechanics, then in terms of automatic boxes we recommend the following. Choose a traditional hydraulic machine - you will not lose in any situation: this is the most reliable, well-studied and practical transmission in operation.

For those who usually do not leave the asphalt (and if they do, they do not go into all serious trouble on muddy roads and off-road), a good alternative is a variator. It will please you with better responsiveness, although maintenance will cost a little more.

Well, experiments with robots of any type - so far the lottery "lucky - not lucky": perhaps these types of boxes still need to ripen.

Yuri VERKHOVTSEV