I don’t think there’s anyone oblivious of the primary function of a gearbox in a car. Can you imagine a car without a gearbox? It would be slow, unstable, and incredibly noisy. Plus, you may not be aware that a gearbox stabilises the engine. The engine and other components would be under tremendous pressure without the gearbox car.

Gearbox Housing

Even if you’re not a driver or car owner, you would still know that there are different speeds in different gears. In many modern cars, there are up to five gears. Currently, six-plus gears have also been explored. Lexus is experimenting with eight-plus gears. So, the gearbox of a car has constantly been evolving and developing.

Let’s talk about the gearbox car in more detail.

What is a Car Gearbox?

The first question that is undoubtedly weighing your mind would be what is a gearbox in a car? A gearbox is a mechanical component used to change the speed (RPM) and increase the motor’s torque in layman’s terms. Now regarding the location of the gearbox in the car, it is connected to the motor from one end. The shaft of the motor is associated with the gearbox via gears. The gear ratio will determine the speed and torque. 

But why is it necessary to have a gearbox car? To stabilise and maintain the engine speed. Gearbox maintains the engine speed in external conditions, vehicle speed, and load. So, in short, a gearbox helps make your car run at a higher rate.

Parts of a Gearbox

There are many essential parts and components in a car gearbox. We will quickly look at all of them.

• Driving Shaft/ Clutch Shaft
• Main Shaft
• Layshaft/ Counter Shaft
• Gears
• Bearings
• Gear Shift Fork

Also Read: What is Clutch? Its Types, Application & Working

What Type of Gearbox is in My Car?

If we talk about the gearbox types in a car, there are three significant categories. We will discuss the car gearbox design of each in detail so you can understand which can be yours.

Manual Transmission

When we talk about the manual transmission in a car, there are three types of gearboxes:

1. Sliding Mesh Gearbox– Said to be the simplest form of the gearbox, the sliding mesh gearbox has spur gears. On the main shaft, there are three gears, while the other four are attached to the layshaft.
   
2. Constant Mesh Gearbox– As the name suggests, all the gears are in continual mesh here. All the gears are helical except the reverse one. In this, dog clutches are used to engage and disengage the gears.
   

Synchromesh Gearbox– The synchromesh gearbox has a synchroniser device similar to the above type. Instead of sliding dog clutches, the synchromesh gearbox uses a synchroniser for the ratio to change. The two gears are engaged in frictional contact to equalise the speed.

Epicyclic Gearbox

Also known as planetary gear, the epicyclic gearbox has two gears. In this, the centre of one gear revolves around the centre of the other. Hence called the epicyclic or planetary gearbox.

Automatic Transmission

You must have witnessed this type of transmission in the car nowadays. In this, the driver has the privilege to select the options like forward, neutral, and reverse. The best part is that once you accelerate or decelerate the car, it automatically selects the speed of the gear. You don’t need to change the lever of the gear as it’s automatic. It operates in the following two ways:

1. Hydramatic Transmission– In this kind, the planetary gears are powered, and the centrifugal governor in the transmission is the deciding power. According to the throttle position and speed, the gear is chosen.
2. Torque Converter Transmission– The transmission system works on epicyclic gear arrangement, fluid coupling, and torque converter. The torque converter is located between the engine’s flexplate and transmission, and it connects with the power source to load.

Also Read: Car Engine: Types of Car Engines, Parts and How it Works

How does a Car Gearbox Work?

You must still be thinking about how exactly the gearbox for my car works, and what about the car gearbox check? Let’s first discuss the working of gearbox cars. As explained before, a gearbox assembles various components like gears, gear-shifting mechanisms, and mechanical sleeves. When we talk about gears in a gearbox, it is of different sizes. This is due to the vehicle’s demand for change in torque because of external conditions like road and terrain. 

The first gear in the gearbox car has the maximum output of torque. It is also the biggest one. Hence, the first gear is used on slopes and other climbing terrains. The output ratio of the gear decreases from the first one to the last. Hence, the first gear is used on slopes and other climbing terrains.

Another critical thing to remember is that in a standard gearbox, there are two sets, input and output gear. When we press the shifter sleeve towards the chosen gear, it gets locked onto the main shaft and gets rotated.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does a Smart Car Gearbox Work?

Answer: A SMART car gearbox is an automated manual gearbox. Here, you can choose between the manual and automated drive.

2. How to Find out what Gearbox is in My Car?

Answer:  There is a sticker of gearbox code in your car’s gearbox. Look for that.

3. Is transmission and gearbox the same thing?

Answer: The gearbox is a part of the transmission. Transmission is referred to the whole drivetrain process, which includes the gearbox.

4. How do I know if my gearbox is damaged?

Answer: If your car gearbox is broken, you must look for the fluid leak, smell, noise, engine light, vibration, etc. Get it checked professionally.

Hopefully, now you know what a gearbox is and why it is an integral car component. Acton Service Centre is one of the best car service providers in the UK. We offer all kinds of services at the best possible price in town.Book your appointment now. Until next time. Drive Safe!