When you buy a Toyota car, you expect nothing but high-quality Toyota parts – including whichever transmission you have. Most drivers know about the importance of the transmission in their car, but some don’t fully understand how the transmission functions and don’t realize the number of options they have. Here at St. Cloud Toyota, we’ve created a guide to help you pick the best transmission for you. 

Transmission Functions

Essentially, your car’s transmission is what converts all of your engine’s power into momentum and allows you to go forward at a certain speed or force depending on which gears are engaged at a given time. Your transmission also affects whether you travel forward or in reverse. Most transmissions are categorized based on their speed and type. For example, you can have a six-speed or eight-speed transmission that can be manual, automatic, or CVT. 

Manual Transmission

The oldest and most well-known transmission type is manual, also commonly referred to as a “stick shift.” When you use a manual transmission, you have to mechanically choose which gear set you need depending on the situation. Some sports cars and vehicles like the Toyota Tacomastill use a standard manual transmission, but as technology and computers have evolved over time so have transmissions.

Automatic Transmission

Today, automatic transmissions are by far the most common you’ll find in our cars and Toyota trucks for sale.An automatic transmission opts for a single gear set instead of multiple, allowing you to easily shift between modes with either a gear shift in the center console or behind the steering wheel. Most drivers are most familiar with automatic transmission, but recently it’s been replaced by an even more advanced system. 

Toyota Continuously Variable Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has become increasingly possible in recent years due to it being just as simple as automatic transmission but offering benefits like better fuel economy and a belt that’s always running. Some people complain that this transmission type feels spongy or flat, but Toyota’s CVT gives you the feel of an automatic transmission with all of the benefits of CVT.

If you’re interested in learning more about the transmission options offered on Toyota vehicles, visit our Waite Park car dealerto learn more. Our customer service experts can walk you through all of the excellent vehicles we have and help you pick the perfect one!