Understanding CVT Transmission in ATVs

When purchasing or maintaining an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), it’s important to understand what kind of transmission you’re dealing with. There are three common types of ATV transmissions and depending on what kind of transmission your ATV has, you’ll want to drive and think about your ATV differently. The common types of ATV transmissions are manual transmissions, semi-automatic transmissions, and automatic transmissions.

Today we’re going to give you the low-down on how an automatic transmission (specifically a CVT transmission) works in an ATV!

When it comes to the operation of transmissions, people tend to get the most confused about how CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmissions) work. Much of the process is in the name itself. A CVT constantly adjusts its pulley system in order to accommodate speed changes. In a conventional ATV transmission, the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) will increase or decrease as the driver speeds up or slows respectively. In these transmissions, speed is correlated to RPM. However, in a CVT, the revolutions per minute stay relatively the same regardless of speed, which helps to boost fuel efficiency.

The biggest difference between a CVT and a traditional transmission is the use of gears. Most automatic and manual transmissions need to shift gears in order to provide power to the engine. As the gears shift, varying amounts of power will result. However, a CVT has no gear system but instead uses a pulley system connected by belts. The pulley system constantly adjusts itself so that it operates under optimum efficiency at all times. While this does allow for great fuel economy and even helps boost acceleration speeds, many people have a hard time with the way a CVT feels.

Most people are accustomed to the feel of traditional transmissions where the vehicle’s engine revs as you’re accelerating, and then quiets down as you get to a cruising speed. In a CVT however, it can feel like the ATV is constantly revving. This can cause people to think there is a problem with the transmission or the engine.

In short, many people dislike CVTs because of the way they feel, but once you get used to them, they’re actually much more efficient and perform better than a traditional transmission type.

This post is meant to help you understand how a CVT works and provide some insight into what the best type of transmission is for your needs. If you have more questions about the advantages of CVTs, don’t hesitate to give us a call! Remember, regardless of what type of transmission your ATV has, safety always needs to come first!

Go With Garrett’s professionals are prepared to answer any questions you might have about ATVs or Golf Carts! You can contact us by giving us a call at (864) 862 7709 for Greenville, (803) 407 2687 for Columbia, (843) 881 8894 for Charleston, or contact us online at any time!

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