An automobile cannot be complete without a transmission, as it is vital for seamless operations. There are different types of transmission systems used in different types of vehicles. Manual transmissions are the ones used in manual vehicles. Similarly, automatic transmissions are a modern alternative and are present in automatic vehicles. The basic functions of both these transmissions are the same, but the operation and parts differ. In this blog, we will closely examine the essential part of an automatic transmission and the role of ATF.
1. Fluids in the Transmission (ATF)
The automatic transmission Fluid is a basic constituent of a transmission. It is the driving force behind all the operations of a transmission. Here are some of the important features of ATF:
- Like all the oils, the main function of ATF is providing lubrication. It ensures that the components of the transmission do not get damaged due to friction. This is an essential feature that plays a major role in the seamless working of transmissions.
- The transmission of an automatic vehicle has to endure a lot of load. The pressure from the engine as well as the wheels results in increasing the temperatures within the confines of a transmission. So, another duty that ATF needs to perform is cooling. It does that quite well as it flows through the transmission lines, absorbing the heat and ensuring all parts are cool.
- The main function of a transmission in a vehicle is neither cooling nor lubrication; it is the transmission of power. Transmissions are vital as they ensure that power generated by the engine transmits to the engine with minimal loss. The fluid in the automatic transmission systems handles this task like a champ. It ensures that the vehicle keeps running with maximum energy efficiency.
- All the above-mentioned points highlight the importance of ATF. If it is not present or not in good condition, it can not only affect the working of transmissions but vehicles as a whole. This results in expensive repairs that are a nightmare for car owners.
2. Torque Converter
Another important component of an automatic transmission is the torque converter. Generally, in an automatic vehicle, there is no need for manual gear shifts via a clutch. This is all due to the torque converter. It allows the engine to operate continuously even if the car stops. It acts as a link between the engine and the transmission system. It contains the transmission fluid that helps in operating a car with minimal power loss.
It has four basic parts, such as:
- The impeller is the first part; it is in direct contact with the engine. When the engine starts running, it releases the ATF toward the turbine.
- Like the impeller, the turbine is attached to the transmission. When the fluid from the impeller reaches the turbine, it spins and creates motion within the transmission.
- The third part is the stator, which is used to direct the flow of fluid in the right direction for maximum efficiency.
- The fourth component is the fluid itself. You already know what it is.
3. Planetary Gear Set
A planetary gear set is a set of gears that is set up in such a manner that it allows variable gear ratios. It allows the automatic shift between different gears based on speed and load. This makes automatic transmissions so efficient and versatile.
The important parts of the planetary gear set are:
- The Sun gear is the central gear that does not move.
- Planet gears are the small gears that rotate around the sun gear. They control the movement of the car as they have five levels of forward drive and one level of reverse drive.
- The ring gear is the outer gear that connects to the planet's gears. It allows the rotation of the small plant gears.
Each of these components allows the different gear ratios and gives power to the car to move from a stationary point or cruise at high speeds.
4. Clutch Packs
There are a series of clutch packs that are also present within the transmission system. The purpose of these packs is different from the clutch in the manual transmissions. They allow the shift of gears through a series of engagements and disengagements.
These clutch packs are activated by the hydraulic pressure of the transmission fluids. When the clutches engage, they allow the planetary gear set to lock some of the gears. This engagement changes the gear ratios. Similarly, when the packs disengage, the gears unlock from the planetary and are free to move. This allows seamless shifts between the gears.
5. Valve Body
Calling the valve body brain of the automatic transmission wouldn't be wrong. It controls the transmission of the ATF wherever it is needed. The movement of the fluid is the reason for seamless gear shifts through hydraulic pressure. So, it regulates the clutch packs and changes gear through hydraulic pressure.
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid: A Pathway Towards Sustainability
Even though the transmissions are ideal for the vehicle, they are not very friendly to the environment. This is because most of the transmission fluids for automatic vehicles come from non-renewable sources. Companies around the work are spending time on research and development to come up with better alternatives. This combined effort has resulted in the introduction of synthetic ATFs. These are fluids with an untainted origin, meaning they do not come from non-renewable sources.
The use of the synthetic ATFs can be a game changer. The load-carrying capacity of these synthetic fluids can also be increased depending on the needs. This is not only better in terms of sustainability but is also a breath of fresh air for efficient performance.
To sum it up, an automatic transmission is the heart of automatic vehicles. It enables the user to have an improved driving experience where they do not have to worry about the gear shifts. It is also helpful for high-performance vehicles, as it allows little to no room for error. For example, a 1000-hp automatic transmission helps racing cars operate at tremendous speed without any delay in gear shifts. It is one of the reasons why automatic vehicles are becoming more and more popular with each passing day.
