Posted on 1/31/2025
When it comes to automatic transmissions, most drivers don’t think about clutches. After all, clutches are usually associated with manual transmissions, where the driver manually engages and disengages gears. But did you know that both continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and traditional automatic transmissions use clutches in different ways? How Traditional Automatic Transmissions Use Clutches Traditional automatic transmissions operate using a combination of planetary gear sets, hydraulic systems, and a torque converter. Unlike a manual transmission, which relies on a single clutch to engage and disengage gears, an automatic transmission has multiple clutch packs inside. These clutches work together to engage and disengage different gears based on the vehicle’s speed and load. When you accelerate, hydraulic pressure activates specific clutch packs, allowing the transmission to shift gears automatically. This process ensures a seamless driving exp ... read more