Engineering Explained Details CVT Transmission Dos and Don'ts

Oh yes, the dreadded CVTs, commonly found in all the vehicles the Internet hates, such as the Toyota Prius, Nissan Note and all its slow cousins.

People often say that CVTs are soulless and there's no arguing with that. But the same can be said about any automatic. Let's face it, you don't buy one to use the paddles, but because you are lazy. For something like a Porsche 911, the twin-clutch gearbox is justified because it shifts faster.

Yet somehow, nobody can find it in their hearts to justify the constant rpm of the CVT. So many manufacturers have installed versions that have stepped "gears", which defeats the purpose of having a continuously variable system in the first place. But in theory, a supercar with a CVT would be faster than one with any other type of gearbox because it could constatly stay at peak wheel torque.

Unfortunately, most CVT gearboxes are matched to low-torque engines, so they are very slow. In the automotive world, there's also a thing called an e-CVT, which is commonly used by most hybrids, especially cars from Toyota and Lexus.

Engineering Explained covers the difference and many of the dos and don't associated with ownership of either an e-CVT or a conventional one with a belt. Honestly, there's not a lot you should avoid.

One big one is that it's not reccomented to shift from forward to reverse until the car is fully stopped. That goes for all types of gearboxes that are out there. But honestly, modern cars are so advanced that they protect you... from doing something stupid like that.

You also shouldn't use the top of the shifter to rest your hand. And why would you even consider doing that? There's no sport mode or manual, so when a Corvette passes you, there's pretty much nothing you can do. Revving it in neutral and dumping it into gear is another no-no. Treat her nicely and she will reward you with plenty of years of loyal service.