To warm up or not to warm up?
The design of the variator used parts of different materials – steel, aluminum, plastic, rubber. And they are all subject to thermal influences. Each component in the variator has its own operating temperature limitations. But even when starting the engine at -35°C, all these materials remain usable.
The working fluid in the variator is a special fluid. As the temperature drops, its viscosity increases, putting more stress on the pump drive. An excessively high pressure is then pumped, which the pressure-reducing valve cannot withstand. The valve body flaps may fail and the rubber seals may lose their tightness.
In addition, a cold fluid will not be able to provide normal friction to transmit fixed torque.
Therefore, it must be warmed up before loading the variator.
The temperature of the working fluid in the variator must be at least 60 ° C, otherwise the belt may slip. At the same time, wear marks will certainly appear on the cones and belt.
How to warm up according to science
The internal combustion engine heats itself through the constant combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. And in the variator nothing of the kind happens. Of course, part of the heat from the engine goes to the variator, but this is a drop in the ocean. The fluid in a continuously variable transmission will not reach operating temperature in normal mode in cold weather.
There is an exit. Warming up the engine in the parking lot (as far as the situation allows), you need to put the variator selector in position D or R, holding the car with the brakes.
In this mode, the variator will quickly warm up due to the active mixing of the working fluid in the torque converter (almost all modern variators have this). By the way, the temperature in the engine will rise more actively under load.
Expert commentary
Roman Timashov, Director of Service, Avtodom Altufievo
“Until 0 aboutFROM the variator cannot be warmed up, it is enough to drive calmly until the car is completely warmed up. In the range from 0 to -10 aboutIt is desirable to warm up inactive for several minutes, and then, without sudden maneuvers, start moving. And if the temperature is above -25 aboutFROMthen warm up at idle should be present.
What if you have to leave immediately?
This is usually what happens: it is not good to run the motorcycle under other people’s windows and time is often running out.
Therefore, after a symbolic warm-up of the engine and gearbox, you can start a smooth movement – as far as possible without sudden accelerations. Sometimes the length of the yard passages is enough to warm up the variator at low speed and no load.
But often this is not enough. So, if you have set out on the road, you should not immediately press the gas to the ground. It usually takes 10-15 minutes to fully warm up the variator.
Expert commentary
Daniil Belyaev, Master Consultant at AutoSpecCenter Nissan Vnukovo
“Chinese CVTs can withstand increased loads. In production, materials are used that can withstand prolonged exposure to low temperatures. Chinese CVT belts and cones have a wear-resistant coating. It extends the life of the components. However, if parts break, some manufacturers recommend replacing the variator completely. Preheating helps to avoid premature failure of the variator if the air temperature outside is below 0 degrees. You should also not start abruptly – a measured driving style will save the transmission and engine additional load.
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