ASVAB · Transmission and Drivetrain

What is the purpose of the transmission in a vehicle?

Correct answer

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

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

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