How to drive a CVT car for longevity?

Modern general-purpose cars often use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is known for its smooth and continuous power delivery, making it excellent in terms of fuel efficiency. But what's even more interesting is that the durability of this type of transmission can be greatly increased if you use the correct driving techniques. AS AUTO is ready to reveal tips that are not just about saving fuel, but also about helping your transmission stay with you for a long time.

1. Starting and Acceleration

- Focus on Smoothness: When setting off or moving at a slow speed, you should gradually and consistently press the accelerator pedal gently.
- Avoid Aggressive "Kick-Down": Stomping the accelerator pedal to the floor for a sudden, powerful overtake (Kick-Down) causes the transmission to rapidly adjust its ratio and creates very high stress on the belt/chain. This should only be done when absolutely necessary.
- Maintain Engine RPM Consistency: Focus on steadily increasing speed by using an engine RPM that is neither too high nor too low (the recommended range is 2,000–3,000 RPM) to allow the transmission to adjust the gear ratio smoothly.
 
2. Decelerating and Stopping

- Wait for a Complete Stop: Avoid shifting the gear from D to N or any other gear before the car has come to a complete stop, as this can damage the internal mechanisms of the transmission.

3. Shifting to Neutral (N) at Red Lights

- You Can Shift to N: If you are stopped at a red light for a prolonged period, you may shift into Neutral (N).
- But! Avoid Doing It Too Often: However, the article recommends that it is best to use an automatic car normally (meaning keeping it in D and holding the brake) and not to shift into N more often than is necessary.
 
4. Proper Maintenance
 
- Change CVT Fluid: The most important thing for transmission longevity is changing the CVT fluid at the appropriate intervals. Only use the fluid grade recommended by the manufacturer.
- Faster Changes Extend Life: changing the fluid more frequently, such as every 20,000 kilometers or at least every 2 years, will help the transmission be more durable and prevent premature failure.

CVT transmissions are not as intimidating as many people think. They simply require a gentle driving approach, and proper maintenance through appropriate fluid changes will help ensure a long service life.