The last decade or so has been extremely exciting at Nissan dealerships nationwide, and for a reason that might not be immediately obvious. However, the 2002 shift from automatic transmissions toward the now-popular Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (or CVT, for you cool kids out there) was one that has had seismic ramifications throughout the auto industry, and it’s led to a lot of questions from drivers from all areas. So know we at Avondale Nissan are here to help you get to know the Nissan Xtronic CVT, now available in models across the entire Nissan lineup.
What does “continually variable” even mean, you ask? It means that, instead of using fixed gears like a standard automatic transmission does, the CVT uses variable ratios to make for “stepless” shifts between gears. This makes for smoother acceleration, of course, but also returns much greater fuel economy than a standard auto. Additionally, a CVT is constructed using fewer moving parts than a fixed-gear automatic, so it’s lighter, cheaper to manufacture and often easier to repair than competing transmissions.
The CVT can be found in multiple popular Nissan models, including the Altima, Maxima and Rogue, and given the great gains that the CVT has made in recent years, this is a trend that we expect to continue in the years to come.
Because a CVT is functionally different from a standard automatic, there are care and service items that need to be considered if you choose to buy a car with one. First and foremost, never, ever purchase CVT fluid that is made by a manufacturer other than Nissan. As with all Nissan parts, the Xtronic CVT is structurally different from other CVT transmissions, as can be seen in the photo on the right. Of optimal importance is that you not overfill the transmission oil reservoir, only going as high as the crosshatch marks about ¾ of the way to the top. This helps prevent overheating, which is a common but totally preventable problem with CVTs.
Another way to prevent against overheating problems with CVTs is to visit a Nissan service representative to have your freeze protection checked. This is simply a way of making certain that all levels and specifications are in order, particularly as it applies to your CVT fluids. If your CVT is whining or going into fail-safe mode, it likely means that your freeze protection levels aren’t ideal.
Read More: Experience the Xtronic CVT in the 2016 Maxima SR Midnight Edition
There is much to know about the CVT and its specificities, and Avondale Nissan near Phoenix is a well-respected source in this regard. To learn more about the models that offer an Xtronic CVT or to learn more about its capabilities, visit Avondale Nissan today!
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