Explore The Types of Automatic Gearbox From Driving Instructors Birmingham

Birmingham, where stop-start traffic is a daily reality, automatic cars offer a level of comfort and ease that manual vehicles simply cannot match. However, not all automatic cars feel the same. When you learn, you understand different types of technology under the bonnet. With the help of an automatic driving instructor in Birmingham, learning about these systems now, you prepare yourself for the specific car you will eventually purchase after earning your licence.

Everything You Need to Know About Automatic Transmissions from Driving Instructors Birmingham

Traditional Automatic Transmission

Commonly known as the torque converter automatic, this remains the most widely used automatic transmission in the world. Instead of a mechanical clutch, this transmission uses a hydraulic fluid coupling or a torque converter to change gears. It provides a very smooth creep function, which helps immensely with low-speed manoeuvres like parallel parking or crawling in city traffic with the help of an automatic driving instructor in Birmingham.

Automated-Manual Transmission (AMT)

Also known as a Semi-Automatic Transmission, the AMT is a clever hybrid of technologies. It is not essentially a purely automatic or a clutchless gearbox in the traditional sense. It is actually a manual transmission that changes gears without the need for you to even press the clutch pedal.
The system involves two key parts – a Hydraulic actuator system and an Electronic control unit. These components work together to engage the clutch and shift gears at the optimal time.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

The CVT is one of the most unique clutchless gearboxes on the market today. While other transmission units come with a certain number of fixed gears. The CVT unit does not have different gears at all.  If you notice your engine note stays constant while the car speeds up, you are likely driving a CVT. They are incredibly smooth and perfect for eco-conscious drivers.

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

A dual-clutch system features two clutch assemblies and two input shafts. Imagine having two gearboxes in one. One clutch handles the odd-numbered gears, while the other prepares the even-numbered gears. This setup allows for lightning-fast gear changes, making it a favorite for modern hatchbacks and performance cars.

Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)

A DSG system is a wet transmission, meaning the components are bathed in oil to reduce heat and friction. If you choose a car with a DSG after finishing your lessons with a driving instructor, remember to change the fluid regularly. If you maintain the hydraulics, you can expect decades of service from this gearbox.

Automatic Transmission (AT)

This is a completely automated gearbox that can self-change gear ratios as the vehicle moves. An automatic gearbox uses three main components to function: a fluid/hydraulic coupling, a planetary gear train, and hydraulic controls. This sophisticated system changes the gear automatically. This eventually frees the driver from the physical task of shifting gears manually.

Finally, mastering the streets with the help of a driving instructor requires your full attention. When you remove the complexity of gear changes and stall recovery, you can focus on what really matters. An automatic driving instructor in Birmingham helps you master these various transmission types.