The transmission in any vehicle is what converts the torque created by the engine into horsepower. Engines create torque via small explosions within a cylinder, through internal combustion that moves positions, which then turn cranks that move the vehicle. As that power and torque are created, it must be converted so that it can be distributed to the wheels of the vehicle. That’s where the drive train and transmission come in. Transmissions are a complex series of discs and gears that convert the torque. Here we breakdown how a manual transmission works in a vehicle.

The Gear Ratio Principle

Inside every transmission is a series of gears, and in most modern engines there are five gears and a reverse. Those gears spin as the drive train spins. When the engine is firing, the gears are spinning. They all have a maximum amount of revolutions per minute (RPMs) they can turn at before overheating and failing. That’s basically the gear ratio principle. The number of teeth that a gear has determines the number of RPMs it can make and then determines the speed at which they move. The more teeth a gear has means it is larger and can deliver more power. Smaller gears have fewer teeth, create less power, and create more speed, that’s why these are the higher gears. In order to change gears, they must be disengaged so the shafts can connect with the next gear and lower the RPMs.

How it Works

Vehicles with manual transmission work with a shifter and clutch that operate in tandem to change gears. As the RPMs increase, the engine gets closer to redlining and the driver must go into a higher gear to prevent the engine from exploding. The driver takes their foot off the accelerator, depresses the clutch, shifts to the next gear with the shifter, and releases the clutch. When the clutch is pressed, the gear is disengaged and rods within the transmission slide to the next gear, then releasing the clutch which re-engages the gear and propels the vehicle. Shifting to a higher gear gives the vehicle less power but higher top speeds. The lower gears usually deliver the most power because they are responsible for moving the vehicle from a dead stop. RNR Tire Express is the best tire store in Gastonia, NC. Look at our extensive lineup of wheels and tires online, then come in to our store for installation.