Gearbox FAQ's

Some useful information about automatic gearbox types and how they behave, so you can choose the one that actually suits you — without the usual confusion, myths, or sales‑pitch nonsense.

Torque Converter

CVT

Dual Clutch

Automated Manual

Also known as:

Tiptronic, Steptronic, G‑Tronic, EAT, ZF 6HP/8HP, Aisin TF‑series.

Commonly used in:

BMW, Mercedes, Audi (Tiptronic), Volvo, Mazda, older Hyundai/Kia, Land Rover, Jeep, Jaguar, vehicles over 18 years old

How they behave:

Smooth, predictable, reliable.

Typical automatic gearbox that has been around since the 1940s, very simple design and therefore less things to go wrong. Some mercedes gearboxes can go 600,000 miles without any major repairs!

Service:

Some say sealed for life, others say to change the fluid every 40k miles to 100k miles.

Also known as:

X‑Tronic, Multitronic, e‑CVT (hybrids), Lineartronic, Toyota CVT, Honda CVT.

Commonly used in:

Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, some newer Hyundai/Kia, most hybrid vehicles from the early 2000s onwards.

How they behave:

Smooth and quiet with no traditional gear changes as it has infinite gear ratios being driven by a belt and pulley system similar to a moped. Engine revs rise and hold steady under acceleration. Great for economy and town driving, but not ideal for towing or hard launches.

Service:

Many are labelled sealed for life, but regular fluid changes help prevent belt and pulley wear. Hybrids use a different e‑CVT design that is generally very reliable.

Toyota E-CVT is generally considered the most reliable gearbox ever made.

Also known as:

DSG, S tronic, Powershift, EDC, DCT, TCT, M‑DCT, Twinamic

Commonly used in:

VW, Audi, SEAT, Skoda, Ford (Powershift), Renault, Mercedes (older 7G‑DCT), Hyundai/Kia, BMW M‑models, Alfa Romeo, Fiat.

How they behave:

Very quick gear changes and efficient when moving, but can feel hesitant or jerky at low speeds. Wet‑clutch versions are stronger and smoother; dry‑clutch versions are lighter but more sensitive to heat and stop‑start driving.

Service:

Wet‑clutch systems need regular oil and sometimes filter changes.
Dry‑clutch systems have no oil to change but the clutches and mechatronics wear faster.

As a rule most high powered cars and cars above 2.0L have a wet clutch but this is not always the case.

Also known as:

Easytronic, Durashift, MMT, 2‑Tronic, Sensodrive, ASG, Dualogic, ETG, AMT.

Commonly used in:

Older Vauxhall/Opel, Ford (Durashift), Toyota MMT, Peugeot/Citroën ETG, Fiat Dualogic, early Smart cars.

How they behave:

Feels like a manual gearbox with a robot doing the clutch work. Slow, jerky gear changes, hesitant pull‑away, and not ideal for hills or tight manoeuvres. Commonly referred to as a "nodding dog gearbox" due to the motion of your head moving on gear changes. They can be fun to drive and they are unmatched on fuel economy, my first car was a corsa easytronic!

Service:

Clutch and actuator wear is common.
These are all sealed for life and the only time they are opened is for repairs.
Smart cars & Fiat Dualogic are considered the most reliable