How to warm up the variator in winter? Moment review
This article is about how. The procedure is necessary, especially for Russian drivers. In principle, if the frost is not severe, some drivers argue that you can do without it. The main thing is not to accelerate sharply, not to make jerks, etc. When there are severe frosts, warming up the variator is a mandatory and useful operation, which guarantees a long and uptime gearboxes.
How to warm up the variator in winter is of interest to many drivers today. Should it be done or not? Learn important points. You can, but we'll talk about that later.
Necessary information
The Russian winter forces drivers of cars with automatic transmission and CVT to be extremely careful. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the coverage of the roads on which you have to travel. In addition, tires must be of no small importance.
The variator is similar in almost everything to the automatic transmission. The same modes of operation, the same switching, the same neutral. In addition, the variator has a function that will allow you to shift gears manually. The CVT is so similar to the automatic transmission that these boxes are often confused.
All of the above is given for a reason: like an automatic transmission, the variator needs warming up during the cold months of the year. It is necessary to avoid slipping, and press the accelerator and brake pedals smoothly. To slow down the engine, it is better to use manual mode step switching.
It is noteworthy that in the process of driving on a road covered with snow, cars with a CVT will not dig in when driving slowly in snowdrifts, even in Drive mode. With automatic transmission - the complete opposite.
How to warm up?
So, experienced drivers cars with a CVT are advised:
- If you leave the shift lever in position D, after setting all the modes in turn, the oil in the variator will begin to warm up. After some time has passed (5-10 minutes), you need to switch the mode to R and leave the engine running a little;
- As mentioned above, the warm-up time depends directly on the temperature. environment. The colder it is outside the windows, the longer it takes to warm up the car;
- It is not recommended to start abruptly from a place, even after a thorough warm-up. First you will need to hold the brake a little (a few seconds will be enough), then slowly release it. It is not necessary to press the accelerator pedal immediately. The car starts from a place smoothly and without jerks;
- Change the oil in the variator in winter period time, as some drivers mistakenly believe, is highly discouraged. In some cases, such a replacement will lead to an instant failure of the entire box;
- As you know, there are automatic transmissions of the CVT type. For them, warming up on those days that are not too cold is not so necessary, but in winter you need to use NS2 fluid first;
- Warming up is very important, because if this is not done, the life of the variator is significantly reduced. It will fail and you will have to say goodbye to the money to repair such a box.
A car is not only an engine, but also a transmission, as well as other important knots and aggregates. Therefore, for correct operation In winter, it is not enough to start the engine and drive. It is important to follow the rules for using the gearbox, otherwise breakdowns cannot be avoided. Indeed, sometimes the algorithms for warming up one transmission are contraindicated for another. How to be?
Reliability is a merit of time
The manual transmission has been known for a long time. Since Karl Benz started his first three-wheeled jalopy in Mannheim, manual transmission goes side by side with the car. Over its 120-year history, mechanics have evolved so much that they are not afraid of either heat or cold. This is the most reliable transmission of all, able to digest 55-degree frosts and the same heat. Synthetic oil is poured there for complex or even extreme conditions operation, designed for the entire period of life. It thickens a little in the cold, although after -25 degrees some viscosity is felt. To be convinced of this, it is enough to pull the handle and feel the increased effort. After starting the engine, manufacturers recommend not to wait for a full warm-up and immediately hit the road, without strong regassing and drifting. Let the shafts spin, scatter the oil a little, and then you can increase the pace. The box will fill with heat.
planetary system
The hydromechanical machine in terms of reliability argues with manual box. This complex and expensive unit with planetary gear sets and a torque converter appeared through the efforts General Motors in the early 40s and became widespread in the 50s in the United States. The torque from the motor in the torque converter is transmitted through the impellers in the oil. There are no moving parts. Therefore, the machines are warmed up in the old-fashioned way. After a few minutes of engine operation, the driver turns on mode D and holds the car with the brake. The thickened oil begins to walk along the oil lines of the box. Then the lever is transferred to R, and the mechanics spray oil on the other gears of the planetary wheels. Thus, the cycle "N-D-R-N" is repeated several times.
You can safely keep the car on the brake, as this is one of the operating modes, and it is even useful for an oil torque converter. True, warming up the car in the parking lot is not worth it for a long time because of environmental regulations.
But what should not be done in any case is to leave the car on the "Drive" with the handbrake tightened. Some manage to get out of the car with this combination and brush the snow off the windows. At this point, the electronics decides that the car has hit an obstacle, the wheels hit the rocks, and increases the engine speed to give heavy load to the hydrotransformer. The control unit is trying with all its might to move the car from its place. Eventually it starts increased wear technical node.
Young is green
The robotic box is one of the youngest and was born along with the era of cheap electronics. It is created on the basis of a mechanical manual transmission by adding executive mechanisms activation of the wings and control unit. Such devices are produced by the German ZF, japanese aisin and others. One of the electric drives replaces the clutch pedal. Well, electronics manages the whole economy. The design turns out to be relatively reliable, but in frosts over twenty, an unheated box sometimes goes crazy. Electric drive rods freeze and failures begin. How to avoid it? Only additional heating of the machine. On a robot, it’s better not to hit the road right away, as on mechanics, but to allow the sensors and electric drives to thaw a little. You can not stand in the "D" mode. Otherwise on dashboard errors will appear and the transmission will go into emergency mode i.e. neutral. And you won't get far with it. In addition, it is better to stock up on a special cover for the radiator to avoid excessive cooling. In general, the robotic transmission is the most capricious of all.
robot machine
The preselective box with a double clutch package is the most complex and effective option among all automatic boxes. It requires high precision in production, expensive to buy, but a lot of fun to use. Preselective robots are fundamentally different from conventional ones and were developed for participation in track races. There are two types of them: with oil and dry clutch. Most widespread they got in Volkswagen Group under the acronym DSG. One has 7 steps and the other 6, but they warm up in different ways.
"Dry" "seven-step" can be operated as a mechanic. That is, wait for the initial warm-up of the engine in neutral for several minutes. The engine will slow down and the tachometer needle will drop to 800 rpm. After that, you can put the box in D mode and immediately hit the road. Dry clutch is better not to spoil the long stand on the brake. The discs rub and wear out quickly, especially after a cold start. And if you hit a traffic jam immediately upon leaving, then you need to switch the box to “N” for the first time.
If there is a robot with an oil clutch in the car, then it needs to be warmed up longer. Otherwise, when starting off, jolts will be felt due to oil thickened at minus 25 degrees. A "wet" clutch can be warmed up by briefly standing in "D". Under load, the oil in the preselective robot circulates faster. Therefore, you can crawl for some time in a traffic jam and in the mode of a hydromechanical machine. But it's still not worth it to be zealous. It is impossible for an unheated robot to stand on the “Drive” for a long time, since it does not have a torque converter.
What is contraindicated for both boxes in the cold? Active driving immediately after the start of movement.
stepless heating
The variator is the most tender of all automatic transmissions. It is impossible to warm it up without movement, but it is also impossible to go fast. Structurally, it consists of two cone-shaped pulleys, a metal belt thrown between them, and control electronics. After warming up the engine, it is better to put the box in D and immediately hit the road. The variator has a torque converter, and you should not be afraid of traffic jams. In the best way, the variator gains heat in slow motion. At temperatures below -25 gr. electronics does not allow the car to accelerate quickly. The motor spins up to 2.5 thousand revolutions and hangs on them. The variator hums strongly and tries not to switch to extreme provisions pulleys. There is a feeling that the car is moving in third gear. So the box slows itself down for about 5-7 minutes, and then, having gained emotions, it proceeds to the usual work algorithm. The engine speed drops and the hum disappears. Typically, this order is characteristic of Nissan transmissions.
In no case should you fight the variator and try to accelerate the car faster than the electronics allow. If this is permissible on a conventional machine, then for continuously variable transmission it is death. The belt begins to wear heavily and scuffs appear on the pulleys. After a cold start, it is better to wait a little and, having traveled at city speeds, wait for the temperature in the transmission to rise to operating values.
With the onset of the cold season and the approach of frost, owners of cars with a CVT gearbox or those who are just thinking about buying such a car begin to think about operating the CVT in winter.
The minus temperature imposes increased requirements on all vehicle units, and the variator is no exception.
What happens to the variator in the cold?
Variator is enough complex mechanism. It contains several dozen metal, plastic and rubber components. About 5-7 liters are poured inside the variator special liquid. All this mechanism is controlled by a microcomputer.
Read more about what a variator is in ours.
So what happens to the CVT when the thermometer drops below zero?
- All rubber components are “tanned”, and this leads to their less elasticity. Gaskets and seals perform the role of sealing worse. In extreme frosts, this leads to the extrusion of oil seals.
- The metal shrinks in the cold, which in some cases can change the adjusting gaps and other precisely specified parameters.
The fluid poured into the variator thickens. However, this is only observed when low temperatures. This worsens the lubricating properties and increases the load on all the variator assembly.
All of the above manifests itself the stronger, the lower the temperature outside. Already at minus 15 degrees, the owner of a car with a CVT may notice the appearance of jolts when switching the gearbox to the “Drive" mode until the box has warmed up.
At a temperature of minus 35 and below, it is generally extremely undesirable to operate the variator. The exceptions are those cars that are stored in the garage (where the temperature is usually higher than outside), and those that are equipped with a starting heater.
We recommend warming up the variator. How to do it right?
So the operation of a cold variator, especially at very low temperatures, is harmful. It is desirable to warm it up. But among the owners of cars with a CVT there is no consensus on how to properly warm up a car with such a box. On specialized forums, there are constantly disputes about methods of warming up. At the same time, many car owners are trying to apply the rules of warming up classic automatic transmission to the variators, and this is fundamentally wrong.
Warm up in motion
One of the options for warming up is warming up in motion. The point is that you immediately start moving without warming up, but for a certain time you do not “rape” the car. That is, you move carefully, without sudden acceleration and braking, press the gas pedal smoothly, until high speed do not accelerate the engine high speed don't move. Some people drive like this all the time. 🙂
In this case, both the engine and the variator warm up gradually as it moves, and the gentle “cold” mode does not allow the mechanisms to wear out much.
Warm up in the parking lot
This method requires an additional 5-20 minutes from you before check-out. We leave early, start the car and sit and wait until everything warms up.
Classic warm-up and start moving only after the car engine has warmed up. And along with the engine, the variator also heats up, since they are assembled together.
This method is actually used by everyone who has the engine autostart installed from the alarm panel. True, the variator warms up worse, because it only receives heat from the engine. The variator itself does not emit heat in the absence of movement. In fact, the variator will warm up to the end only after the start of movement.
Incorrect warming up by analogy with an automatic transmission
Many people are accustomed to warming up the automatic transmission in the parking lot by switching it to the "Drive" mode, or alternately switching the "P-R-N-D" modes and back. And by analogy, and sometimes on someone's advice, they also begin to warm up the variator. Yes, for a classic automatic transmission this is The right way, since it allows, when switching modes, to “disperse” the oil through all channels of the “machine”. But the device of the variator is fundamentally different from classic slot machine, so switching modes practically does not change anything and does not improve warm-up. Unless, before starting to move in frost, you can stick the “ N ” (neutral) to slightly stir up the starting fluid coupling (variator clutch). Thus, there is no point in pulling the box modes back and forth, it is better to just wait for the warm-up.
Proper warming up is a complex warming up in the parking lot and then in motion.
Such warming up during the cold period will be the key to a long and reliable service of your variator.
The warm-up time should depend on the outside temperature. Here is a summary table proper warm-up CVT gearbox:
|
Air temperature |
Parking preheating |
Warm up in motion |
|
Above 0 degrees |
Not required |
Not required |
|
0 to -5 degrees |
Not required |
3-4 minutes |
|
-5 to -10 degrees |
||
|
-10 to -15 degrees |
10-15 minutes |
|
|
-15 to -23 degrees |
10-15 minutes |
15-20 minutes |
|
-23 to -30 degrees |
15-20 minutes |
20-30 minutes |
|
-30 to -35 degrees |
20-30 minutes. Operation only when necessary. |
30-40 minutes. It is desirable to operate in a gentle mode all the way. |
|
Below -35 degrees |
The operation of the variator is at your own risk. |
|
The table shows approximate times, since the duration of warm-up depends very much on the power and design of the engine. But based on these numbers, you can draw up your warm-up plan based on the current temperature of your car's engine and your feelings.
In any case, no matter which heating method you choose, in severe frosts below -28 degrees, we recommend avoiding trips as much as possible, or at least operate the variator in a gentle mode. And residents of regions where such frosts are not uncommon, we recommend getting warm garages and starting heaters.
Then your variator will only please you with its merits.
Write about your experience of operating the variator in cold weather.
To prolong the life of the unit.
Read in this article
What is a variator
A CVT or CVT is a continuously variable transmission. It allows you to smoothly change the speed of rotation of the master and slave discs.
This, in turn, improves driving comfort. Such a box has power limitations and is usually installed on cars with engines up to 200 hp.
CVT has both advantages and disadvantages. For beginners or just drivers who operate the car within the metropolis, the CVT is convenient because the gears change automatically, there are only two control pedals in the car (no need to depress the clutch).
- Unlike a manual transmission, the engine will not stall when driving uphill, in case of errors when choosing a gear, etc.
- CVT provides fuel economy;
- Optimization (due to computer control) of the engine operation, which does not allow it to be overloaded and significantly extends the service life, as well as reduces repair costs.
Meanwhile, there are a number of disadvantages:
Box operation CVT variator: features of driving a car with a variator, maintenance of the variator box. Helpful Hints and recommendations.
Russian drivers got acquainted with the rules of driving cars with CVTs relatively recently. Many people managed to get used to the absence of the third pedal in the car (usual automatic transmission). But those who put an equal sign between an automatic transmission and a continuously variable transmission are mistaken. The nuances of the operation of the variator require the most careful consideration. How to ride a variator?
Variable speed driving rules
CVT is a Latin abbreviation that means the type of box we are interested in. Functionally, it does not differ from other types of gearboxes, but it radically differs in the principle of operation. The gear shift goes smoothly, without jerks, thanks to the correction of the diametral plane of the disks (slave / master). The car accelerates "without jerking". Sitting behind the wheel is not distracted by gear shifting. The operation of automation reduces acceleration time, saves fuel, selects optimal mode engine operation.
Regardless of the degree of motor load, the noise level power plant indistinguishable. The rolling sound of a sports car on such cars will never be heard, even if the accelerator is “drowned” to failure. "Smart" electronics compensate for a sharp change in the parameters of the operating unit, removing excess load.
More about the benefits
A vehicle equipped with CVT has a number of positive aspects that distinguish it favorably from cars with "mechanics" and automatic transmission. The benefits clearly include:
- gaining speed well;
- more economical fuel consumption;
- critical loads on the engine are optimized;
- the period of scheduled maintenance and repair work is increased;
- increased class of environmental safety.
Matter of oil
Monitoring the level and quality of oil in the gearbox is the responsibility of the car owner. In the case of a continuously variable transmission, you need to be especially careful about this. Absolutely all CVTs "painfully" react to an inattentive attitude to the specifications and the working volume of the filled oil. It will need to be changed frequently.
CVT oil is a separate category. A feature of the material is the antagonism of the function (providing lubrication of rubbing surfaces while preventing their slippage). exoticism transmission oil does not affect its value, it will not ruin motorists.
Changing fluid in a box with characteristics that are not identical to specifications is a big risk. The technical documentation of the car contains accurate information about the type and parameters of the gearbox oil. Ignoring this aspect a high degree probability will lead to unplanned expenses, their size can greatly upset the owner of the car. If you yourself clarify information about consumable failed, contact your dealer or an authorized technical Center where cars of the desired brand are serviced.
It is recommended to completely replace the fluid on the variator at marks that are multiples of 60 thousand kilometers, depending on the manufacturer, these data may differ up or down. Russian realities significantly adjust this indicator downward (about 30 thousand km).
Operation of the variator (quick instruction)
Latin letters, instead of numbers on the manual transmission shift knob, mean the following:
- "P" - parking mode. Parking for a long time, the control system is blocked. When igniting, make sure that the lever is set to the same mark;
- "D" - the car is in motion. The car drives forward with a characteristic smooth change of steps;
- "N" - analogue of "neutral". In the stepless version, the gearbox is used when parking with an inclination.
The algorithm of the driver’s actions is as follows: depress the brake pedal to a complete stop → set the box handle opposite “N” → lock the car on the handbrake → sharply release and press the brake again → switch to the “P” parking mode. The unusual order of manipulations is due to the specifics of the interaction of mechanical units during a stop: the shaft in the CVT is blocked by a rod of small thickness, which is easy to deform (finally ruin) during careless parking “at speed”.
- "L" - over-revving and engine braking effect. Recommended when driving off-road, downhill, towing a trailer (similar to 1st stage on the "mechanics").
Many automakers add two more positions:
- "S" - sports. The engine is brought to full power;
- "E" - economical. Fuel consumption is minimized.
Do not load hard
For machines with CVTs, sharply increasing loads are contraindicated. They become the culprits of extraordinary visits to the service station and subsequent repairs. This is a drawback of CVT-boxes, the designers have not yet decided.
Warming up the variator is required at low temperatures. Cold oil in the transmission is poorly distributed inside the system, some elements and parts remain without lubrication. It is not recommended to warm up by type by switching the “P-R-N-D” modes and vice versa, as this does not improve warm-up. Remember the variator is designed completely differently than other gearboxes. Alternatively, you can turn on neutral - “N” for a few seconds, this will warm up the fluid coupling (clutch) a little.
You need to move off after making sure that the car has warmed up to the required limit. After the start of the movement, adhere to a calm driving style for at least a kilometer, this will completely warm up all the elements of the box. The cost of excess fuel will save the cost of installing a new gearbox.
The lower the ambient temperature, the longer it takes to warm up the box. At a temperature of -35 °C, it is better not to operate a car with CVT. If you decide to travel to hard frost, then it is recommended to warm up for at least 30 minutes and adhere to a very gentle driving mode all the way.
In Europe (Finland) found an alternative idling engine to warm up. Cars are supplied with an electrical support system operating temperature. The machine is powered from the mains through a conventional plug. Cars with such equipment are easily recognizable by the characteristic cutouts on the bumper.
Off-road does not steer
It is not advisable to drive cars with a CVT off-road. Let not mislead motorists worldwide well-known manufacturers crossovers. SUVs with CVT are automatically credited to SUVs.
CVT owners are better off sticking to towns and paved highways.
Damage stepless box you can run into a ledge, bump, when the wheels get into pits and potholes and other roughness of the roadway. Such adventures are not safe for manual transmission, and in the case of a CVT machine, the consequences can be fatal.
No towing
It is not worth skidding, as well as towing, on a CVT. These actions are not safe for the unit. There is an option to take the car in tow - with the engine running (grease will protect the parts from excessive friction), you should read the instruction manual. And even despite this, there are cases of breakdowns, especially a used gearbox, so we do not recommend towing it, because a tow truck is much cheaper than repairs. An engine malfunction leads to inevitable communication with the evacuation service, there is another but very time-consuming option, disconnecting the axle shafts from the drive wheels.
Accordingly, it is categorically not recommended to use the car as a pulling means of another car. The maximum allowable condition is the transportation of a trailer with a weight not exceeding the allowable one. Accurate information about the load capacity and the distance that a trailer can be towed, specific model indicated in the data sheet.
Slippage is a very harmful action. Having stalled on potholes or in the mud, you should stop trying to leave on your own. By moving the selector between the marks "D" and "R" you can achieve only fleeting wear spline connections. The resource of gears will be noticeably reduced. To eliminate the breakdown, the assembly will be dismantled, which will significantly hit the pocket of the car owner.
Attention sensors!
Without correct operation control devices to ensure the safety of travel is impossible. Monitor their status constantly - pressing need. The failure of one sensor can lead to the failure of the entire node.
If the speed control sensor is damaged, the control unit automatically shifts the transmission belt to the middle emergency position, the engine brakes urgently. The threat of belt deformation becomes more than real. When driving in high speed mode, it can even break the belt drive. Decreasing RPM increases the survival rate of the CVT.
For those who want to buy a used car, there is hard rule- change the speed sensor. It is strongly suggested to buy the original version from the manufacturer and trusted supplier. The same should be done with oil level and pressure sensors. The entire set of sensors must be in good condition.
Conclusion
Conclusions that do not require special justification:
- It is impossible to "scorch" with a variator. Breakdowns and a shortened lifespan are inevitable.
- Limit trips to city limits, where the benefits of a continuously variable transmission will be fully revealed.
- Do not start driving with "cold" oil.
- Monitor the fluid level and the performance of control devices.
driving style and general state roads of the region where the car owner lives - important factors affecting final decision when buying a car with CVT.
