ASVAB · Transmission and Drivetrain

What is the purpose of the transmission in a vehicle?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

To transfer engine power to the wheels and change gear ratios for different speeds

A To cool the engine
B To store fuel
C To filter air
D To transfer engine power to the wheels and change gear ratios for different speeds

Why this is the answer

The TRANSMISSION transfers engine power to the wheels and CHANGES GEAR RATIOS to match engine speed to driving conditions (low gears for starting/climbing with more torque; high gears for cruising at speed). ASVAB Auto Information tests the drivetrain. MANUAL transmissions use a clutch and driver-selected gears; AUTOMATIC transmissions shift gears automatically. The transmission allows the engine to operate efficiently across a range of speeds. Knowing the transmission's role (transferring power and changing gears) is commonly tested.

Source: ASVAB Auto Information — Transmission

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About this topic: Transmission and Drivetrain

Drivetrain questions follow power from the engine to the wheels: clutch or torque converter, transmission, driveshaft, differential and axles. Know what each component does and the difference between front-, rear- and all-wheel drive. This is one of 6 Auto Information questions on transmission and drivetrain, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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What is the purpose of the transmission in a vehicle?

Why this is the answer

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About this topic: Transmission and Drivetrain

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