What is the purpose of transmission in an automobile?

December 11, 2012 12:48 pm

In this article, Jiffy Lube in Northern California would like to explain what exactly the role of a transmission is, and why it is important to stay on top of its maintenance.

A transmission is what changes the gear of an engine, thereby transferring the engine’s power to the wheels with the purpose of moving the vehicle ahead. For a vehicle with manual transmission, you’ll start in first gear, gain some speed, then shift to second gear and build some more speed etc. With an automatic transmission, the same process is applied with the assistance of a ‘torque converter’, which automates this acceleration and gearing process.

The transmission plays a vital role for your vehicle. While the description of what a transmission does is simple, it contains hundreds of components working together to move your vehicle. The transmission fluid inside enables cooling and lubrication, helping transmit force & pressure and also preventing build-up. By changing the transmission fluid on a regular basis, the fluid stays clean and will keep the transmission running smoothly. Old and/or dirty transmission fluid can lead to problems such as loss of acceleration, difficulties in gear shifting, and in worst-case scenarios total transmission failure.

As stated, it is important to properly maintain the transmission, and it is easy and worry free at Northern California Jiffy Lube locations. Most locations offer the following transmission services:

Automatic transmission drain and fill service
Automatic transmission filter replacement
Manual transmission service

Visit our website to find your closest Jiffy Lube oil change location and the services provided. When you stop by for transmission service, take advantage of other services such as radiator maintenance, drive train service and an oil change with the right oil for your car. Also keep in mind that we offer printable oil change coupons on our website.

Categorized in: Education, Services

Introduction to Transmission System :

Transmission system is the system by means of which power developed by the engine is transmitted to road wheels to propel the vehicle. In automobiles, the power is developed by the engine which is used to turn wheels. Therefore, the engine is to be connected to the transmission systems for transmitting power to wheels. Also, there should be a system by means of which engine could be engaged and disengaged with the transmission system smoothly and without shock so that the vehicle mechanism is not damaged and passengers do not feel inconvenience. A clutch is employed in automobiles for this purpose.

Read more : Types of Transmission system l Comparison between manual and automatic transmission

general elements of power transmission

The engines employed in automobiles are of very high speed. Hence, a speed reduction is necessary to reduce the speed to moderate level as well as to get the required high torque while moving from rest. For this purpose, a gearbox is employed in automobiles. Figure 3.1 shows the general arrangement of power transmission system of an automobile. The various parts of the system are elaborately discussed in further topics of this unit. The motion of the crankshaft is transmitted to the gearbox through the clutch. The gearbox consists of a set of gears to change the speed according to the requirement. The motion is then transmitted to the propeller shaft from gearbox through a universal joint. The purpose of universal joint is to connect two shafts at an angle for power transmission. The power is transmitted to the differential unit through another universal joint. Finally, the power is transmitted from differential to wheels through the rear end. The differential unit is used to provide the relative motion between two run wheels while the vehicle is taking a turn.

Functions or Purposes of Transmission Systems

1. It enables the running engine to be connected or disconnected from the driving wheel smoothly and without shock.
2. It enables the leverage between engine and driving wheel.
3. It enables the reduction of engine speeds.
4. It enables the turn of the drive round through 90°.
5. It enables the driving wheel to be driven at different speeds.
6. It serves as a safety device by slipping when the torque transmitted through it exceeds a safe value, thus preventing the breakage of parts in the transmission train.

Sachin Thorat

Sachin is a B-TECH graduate in Mechanical Engineering from a reputed Engineering college. Currently, he is working in the sheet metal industry as a designer. Additionally, he has interested in Product Design, Animation, and Project design. He also likes to write articles related to the mechanical engineering field and tries to motivate other mechanical engineering students by his innovative project ideas, design, models and videos.