To avoid expensive CVT repairs, give up some habits that seem normal at first glance. But the experts at Za Rulem, the oldest and most authoritative automotive publication in Russia, Alexey Revin and Mikhail Kolodochkin warning: you need to be calmer with CVTs.
Error 1
First, it is necessary to give up sharp jerks and quick starts from one place. This causes the variator belt to slip on the pulleys, leaving wear on them and clogging the oil with steel chips. The chips shut down the bearings and the pump, and now you’re already on duty, waiting for the repairman’s verdict.
Error 2
Second, don’t go off-road and don’t skid. When the slipping wheel suddenly catches on the surface, there is a blow to the variator, causing the drive elements to slip. This wears out the belt, which can even break in the end. In addition, slipping leads to overheating of the variator, causing the working fluids to age quickly.
Error 3
Third, do not overload the car and do not tow heavy trailers. With such operation, the variator wears out very quickly. But this does not mean that nothing can be transported on a car with such a transmission. It is possible, only without overload and sharp (even only fast) accelerations. It is also impossible to tow cars with a CVT with an unstarted engine. If the engine is not running, the variator will experience oil deficiency. The driven cone, which rotates from the wheels, will be worked quickly by the belt, as will the drive cone.