Transmission System

The mechanism which converts the engine output

into different speed and power combinations at the
road wheels

There are many different types of transmission.

For driving licence purposes they are only classed

as Manual or Automatic
Gear Ratios

In the picture to the right,

suppose the smaller gear has 13
teeth
The second, larger gear has 26
teeth.

The gear ratio is therefore 13/26

or 1/2 (written as a ratio of 1:2)

For every revolution of the

smallest gear the largest gear
has turned much slower –
only ½ a revolution
In the transmission diagram different size gear ratios join
together to enable the road wheels to turn at a wide variety of
speeds within the engine limits.
Gear Ratios

In the picture to the right,

suppose the smaller gear has 13
teeth
The second, larger gear has 26
teeth.

The gear ratio is therefore 13/26

or 1/2 (written as a ratio of 1:2)

For every revolution of the

smallest gear the largest gear
has turned much slower –
only ½ a revolution
Typical Example
Gear Gearbox Road speed at 1000
Ratio revolutions of the engine
First – lots of engine power 2.97:1 7.7 mph
but not much speed
Second 2.07:1 11.0 mph
Third 1.43:1 15.9 mph
Fourth – here the ratios are 1.00:1 22.7 mph
the same
Fifth – more speed but not as 0.84:1 27.1 mph
much engine power

The gear selector is used to change gear ratios

Warning! - Because low gears have more power
but not much speed it is easy to lose traction
In easy terms – you can accelerate quickly in a low gear but you
can’t attain a high speed

You can reach a high speed in a high gear but you can’t
accelerate as quickly
Transmission Systems - All
The gear selector does three things

• It provides a permanent means of disconnecting

the engine from the driving wheels – NEUTRAL

• It provide different ratios to allow the optimum and

most economical engine speeds to be maintained
at all speeds and loads

• It provides a means of driving the vehicle

backwards
 Transmission Systems - Auto
There are many different types of gearbox and gear
selectors

– In general most buses and many coaches have some form

of automatic gears

– Often, this modern type of transmission senses and

selects the appropriate gear according to road speed and
the load on the engine

– The driver is usually able to override the system by use of

the gear selector or ‘kickdown’
 Transmission Systems - Auto
‘Kickdown’

– By depressing the accelerator fully down this provides for

quicker acceleration and:

– It may also result in the vehicle automatically changing

down to a lower gear

– The engine may rev higher than normal before changing

gear
 Transmission Systems - Auto
Selecting drive

– Application of the footbrake before selecting drive is a very

important safety feature for any automatic transmission

– It ensures foot placement is correct before releasing the

handbrake

– Some transmissions will not allow drive to be selected

unless the footbrake is applied and the handbrake is on
 Transmission Systems - Auto
Using the handbrake

– Fully applying the handbrake whenever you are stationary

is important on an automatic vehicle

– Automatic vehicles may move forwards or backwards in

gear with the handbrake off – this is called ‘creeping’

– Secure the vehicle and select NEUTRAL when stationary

for a long period to avoid danger and damage. Never
leave the vehicle in gear with the engine running.
 Transmission Systems - All
Manual selection

– This gives the same flexibility as a manual gearbox

– It is especially useful for uphill or downhill gradients

– It also allows you to hold the vehicle in the same gear

– On downhill gradients selecting a low gear will assist

braking, especially if the vehicle has a retarder fitted.
 Transmission Systems - All
Driving safely

– You should know how to change gear

– When to select gears

– Which gear to select

– Some coaches have high and low ratio transmissions

which can total up to 16 different gears!
 Transmission Systems - All
How to change gear

– Consult the vehicle manufacturers handbook

– Seek advice from a qualified trainer

– There are many different types of gearbox that will require

further training
 Transmission Systems - Manual
How to change gear

• Engage the clutch smoothly when moving away and changing

gear

• Select the appropriate gear

• Avoiding taking your eyes off the road when you change gear

• Ensure your foot does not remain on the clutch pedal when
you are not using it
 Transmission Systems - All
When to change gear

– Steep downhill gradients may require the selection of a

lower gear. This will increase engine speed but reduce the
vehicle speed

– Modern buses and coaches have a braking retarder.

Efficiency may be improved when the engine speed is
increased

– The engine braking effect and retarder will avoid excessive

use and overheating of the service brake
 Transmission Systems - All
Which gear to select

– Select the correct gear(s) to combine safety, performance

and economy

– Avoid maximum acceleration through the gears where

possible. This may compromise safety, comfort and cause
excessive wear of mechanical components

– Reduce speed safely before selecting lower gears

 Transmission Systems - Manual
Which gear to select

• Change gear in good time before a hazard or junction

• Choose the most appropriate gear for your speed and the
road conditions

• Avoid holding on to the gear lever unnecessarily

• Avoid ‘coasting’ with the clutch pedal depressed or the gear

lever in neutral. It is illegal
Using the green band on a rev counter as a guide will allow the
optimum and most economical engine speeds to be maintained.
Ensure the appropriate speed is attained before selecting
the right gear for the circumstances or manoeuvre
However, not all automatic gearboxes allow for a manual
selection.
Transmission Systems - All
Understanding how the gears work will help you to
get the most out of them.

You should be aware of the manufacturers advice

for the particular vehicle that you drive

Don’t forget to check your driving licence!

Many drivers are restricted to driving automatic
passenger carrying vehicles only
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