Car Transmission Trivia Quiz – 15 Questions And Answers

Rev up your engines and shift into gear for the Car Transmission Trivia Quiz! Are you a car enthusiast with a passion for the mechanical marvels that make our vehicles run smoothly?

Get ready to put your knowledge to the test with our collection of 15 intriguing questions about car transmissions!

From manual to automatic, CVT to dual-clutch, this quiz will challenge your understanding of the complex systems that transfer power from the engine to the wheels.

So, buckle up, engage your brain, and prepare to navigate through the fascinating world of Car Transmission Trivia. It’s time to see if you’re ready to shift gears and become a transmission expert!

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  1. What type of transmission uses a torque converter?
    • Continuously Variable
    • Automatic
    • Manual
    • Dual-clutch
    The correct answer is Automatic.
    A torque converter is a fluid coupling device that transfers engine power to the transmission in an automatic transmission system.
  2. How many gears are typically found in a manual transmission?
    • 7 or 8
    • 5 or 6
    • 3 or 4
    • 9 or 10
    The correct answer is 5 or 6.
    Manual transmissions typically have 5 or 6 gears, although some may have as few as 4 or as many as 7.
  3. What does CVT stand for in the context of car transmissions?
    • Constant Velocity Transmission
    • Continuously Variable Transmission
    • Controlled Velocity Transmission
    • Cascading Variable Transmission
    The correct answer is Continuously Variable Transmission.
    A CVT is a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through an infinite number of gear ratios.
  4. Which car manufacturer developed the first dual-clutch transmission for production cars?
    • Ford
    • Honda
    • Volkswagen
    • Toyota
    The correct answer is Volkswagen.
    Volkswagen introduced the first dual-clutch transmission, called the DSG, in 2003.


  1. What is the main advantage of a manual transmission over an automatic transmission?
    • Better fuel efficiency
    • More gears
    • Lower maintenance costs
    • Easier to drive
    The correct answer is Better fuel efficiency.
    Manual transmissions generally offer better fuel efficiency due to less power loss and more direct control over gear selection.
  2. What is the purpose of a transmission in a car?
    • To control the suspension
    • To transfer engine power to the wheels
    • To provide power steering
    • To control the air conditioning system
    The correct answer is To transfer engine power to the wheels.
    The transmission’s main purpose is to transfer the engine’s power to the wheels at various speeds and torques.
  3. Which of the following is NOT a type of automatic transmission?
    • Continuously Variable Transmission
    • Dual-clutch Transmission
    • Torque Converter Transmission
    • Hydraulic Manual Transmission
    The correct answer is Hydraulic Manual Transmission.
    Hydraulic Manual Transmission is not a type of automatic transmission, as it still requires manual gear shifting.
  4. What does the term “overdrive” mean in the context of car transmissions?
    • An additional gear for racing
    • A low gear for increased torque
    • A high gear that reduces engine RPM at high speeds
    • A separate gearbox for off-road driving
    The correct answer is A high gear that reduces engine RPM at high speeds.
    Overdrive is a high gear that allows the vehicle to maintain high speeds with lower engine RPM, improving fuel efficiency and reducing wear.
  5. In a manual transmission, what component is responsible for disengaging the engine from the transmission when changing gears?
    • Flywheel
    • Clutch
    • Gear shifter
    • Torque converter
    The correct answer is Clutch.
    The clutch is responsible for disengaging the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to change gears.
  6. What does the term “gear ratio” refer to?
    • The spacing between gears in a transmission
    • The size of the gears in a transmission
    • The number of gears in a transmission
    • The relationship between the input and output gears
    The correct answer is The relationship between the input and output gears.
    Gear ratio refers to the relationship between the number of teeth on the input gear (connected to the engine) and the output gear (connected to the wheels).
Reveal Answers 1 To 10
  1. Which of the following is a disadvantage of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)?
    • Rubber-band effect
    • Limited gear ratios
    • Difficulty in shifting gears
    • Higher maintenance costs
    The correct answer is Rubber-band effect.
    The rubber-band effect is a common complaint with CVTs, where there can be a delay in power delivery and a sensation of the engine revving without a corresponding increase in speed.
  2. What is the main advantage of a dual-clutch transmission?
    • Better fuel efficiency
    • Lower maintenance costs
    • Faster gear shifts
    • Easier to drive
    The correct answer is Faster gear shifts.
    Dual-clutch transmissions can shift gears more quickly than traditional automatic or manual transmissions, providing smoother acceleration and improved performance.
  3. In a manual transmission, what is the purpose of the synchromesh?
    • To increase fuel efficiency
    • To synchronize the speeds of the gears
    • To provide additional torque
    • To reduce gear noise
    The correct answer is To synchronize the speeds of the gears.
    The synchromesh is a mechanism that synchronizes the speeds of the gears, allowing for smoother and easier gear shifting.
  4. Which car manufacturer popularized the use of CVTs in their vehicles?
    • Nissan
    • Ford
    • Toyota
    • Honda
    The correct answer is Nissan.
    Nissan has been a major proponent of CVTs, using them in many of their vehicles since the early 2000s.


  1. What is the main advantage of an automatic transmission over a manual transmission?
    • Better fuel efficiency
    • More gears
    • Easier to drive
    • Lower maintenance costs
    The correct answer is Easier to drive.
    Automatic transmissions are generally considered easier to drive, as they do not require manual gear shifting or clutch operation.
Reveal Answers 11 To 15



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