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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Transmission Types Explained
Automatic, continuously variable, dual-clutch or manual: the type of transmission affects fuel economy. Here is how each type works according to fueleconomy.gov, how to read the transmission codes in EPA listings, and what the EPA data lists for 2026 Ford models.
2% to 4%efficiency gain from added gears vs. a 4-speed automatic
3% to 4%potential gain for a CVT or a dual-clutch transmission
10speeds in the automatic EPA lists on every 2026 F-150 record
22026 Ford models with a manual listed: Mustang and Bronco
The short answer
A conventional automatic uses a fixed number of gears; adding gears lets the engine run at an efficient speed more often. A CVT replaces gears with variable-diameter pulleys and a belt or chain for an infinite number of ratios. A dual-clutch transmission works like a manual with two clutches and automatic shifting. Fueleconomy.gov puts the potential improvement at 2% to 4% for added gears (vs. a 4-speed) and 3% to 4% for a CVT or dual-clutch.
The main transmission types
Fueleconomy.gov describes these transmission technologies and their potential efficiency improvements:
| Type | How it works | Potential efficiency improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional automatic | A fixed number of gears, shifted automatically | More gears let the engine run at an efficient speed more often: 2% to 4% |
| Continuously variable (CVT) | A pair of variable-diameter pulleys connected by a belt or chain instead of fixed gears, giving an infinite number of engine-to-wheel speed ratios | 3% to 4% |
| Dual clutch (DCT) | Works much like a manual, with two clutches and automatic shifting | 3% to 4% |
| Manual | Listed by fueleconomy.gov as Manual n-spd or M n, with n gears | Fueleconomy.gov says automatics are less efficient than manuals due to parasitic losses |
From fueleconomy.gov, Advanced Transmission Technologies and fueleconomy.gov, Energy Efficient Technologies, read November 8, 2026. The added-gear figures are compared with a 4-speed transmission; the dual-clutch figure compares a six-speed dual clutch with a 6-speed automatic. Fueleconomy.gov cites a 2015 National Academy of Sciences study.
Why more gears help
Fueleconomy.gov says adding gears lets the engine operate at a more efficient speed more often: the more gearing options, the more efficient the vehicle can be. Compared with a 4-speed automatic:
| Number of gears | Efficiency improvement |
|---|---|
| 6 | 2% |
| 7 | 2% to 3% |
| 8 | 3% to 4% |
From fueleconomy.gov, Advanced Transmission Technologies, read November 8, 2026.
How a CVT works
No fixed gears. Fueleconomy.gov explains that most conventional transmissions use a fixed number of metal gears to control the ratio between engine speed and wheel speed. Instead of gears, a CVT uses a pair of variable-diameter pulleys connected by a belt or chain that can produce an infinite number of engine-to-wheel speed ratios.
The advantages it lists: seamless acceleration without the jerk or jolt from changing gears; no frequent downshifting or "gear hunting" on hills; and better fuel efficiency, which benefits stop-and-go driving more than steady-speed highway driving.
In EPA listings. The EPA data Readme uses the code V for fully variable gear ratios, and fueleconomy.gov's descriptor list includes CVT for continuously variable transmission and AV-S for an automatic variable transmission with select shift.
From fueleconomy.gov, Advanced Transmission Technologies, fueleconomy.gov, Find a Car help: transmission descriptors and fueleconomy.gov EPA data Readme (transmission codes), read November 8, 2026.
Dual-clutch and manual transmissions
Dual clutch (DCT). Fueleconomy.gov says dual clutch transmissions combine the efficiency of manual transmissions with the convenience of automatics. They operate much like manuals, except that they use two clutches and automatic shifting. They are generally not quite as smooth as regular automatics, though manufacturers are making strides to improve this.
Manual. Fueleconomy.gov notes that automatic transmissions are less efficient than manuals due to parasitic losses. Fueleconomy.gov's summary table says dual-clutch transmissions suffer less energy loss than automatics.
Select shift. Fueleconomy.gov defines select shift as allowing the driver to manually change gears, overriding the automatic transmission.
From fueleconomy.gov, Advanced Transmission Technologies, fueleconomy.gov, Energy Efficient Technologies and fueleconomy.gov, Find a Car help: transmission descriptors, read November 8, 2026.
Reading transmission codes in EPA listings
Fueleconomy.gov and the EPA data use short codes for transmissions, where n is the number of gears or speeds:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Automatic n-spd, A n | Automatic transmission with n gears |
| Automatic (S n), S n | Automatic transmission with select shift, which lets the driver change gears manually, overriding the automatic |
| AM n | Automated manual transmission with n gears |
| AM-S n | Automated manual transmission with select shift |
| AV-S n | Automatic variable transmission with select shift |
| CVT | Continuously variable transmission |
| DCT | Dual clutch transmission |
| Manual n-spd, M n | Manual transmission with n gears |
From fueleconomy.gov, Find a Car help: transmission descriptors, read November 8, 2026.
Transmissions EPA lists for 2026 Ford models
These are the transmission entries in the EPA fuel economy data for the 62 model year 2026 Ford records, grouped by model:
| Model | EPA transmission entries | In plain terms |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | Automatic (S10) | 10-speed automatic with select shift, on all 12 records |
| Ranger | Automatic (S10) | 10-speed automatic with select shift |
| Expedition | Automatic (S10) | 10-speed automatic with select shift |
| Explorer | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd | 10-speed automatic |
| Bronco | Automatic (S10), Manual 7-spd | 10-speed automatic, or a 7-speed manual on some 2.3L versions |
| Bronco Sport | Automatic (S8), Automatic 8-spd | 8-speed automatic |
| Escape | Automatic 8-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 8-speed automatic on gas models; variable gear ratios on the hybrid and plug-in hybrid |
| Maverick | Automatic 8-spd, Automatic (S8), Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 8-speed automatic on gas models; variable gear ratios on the hybrids |
| Mustang | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S8) | 10-speed automatic or 6-speed manual; automated manual with select shift on the Dark Horse SC (7 speeds) and GTD (8 speeds) |
| Mustang Mach-E | Automatic (A1) | One-speed automatic (electric vehicle) |
From the EPA fuel economy data (vehicles.csv) published on fueleconomy.gov, read November 8, 2026. The EPA data describes variable gear ratios as fully variable gear ratios; the listings do not name the hardware. Equipment can vary by trim and build; check the window sticker or ask us about a specific vehicle.
Service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Ask our service team about your vehicle's transmission maintenance.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 8, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Transmission FAQ
What is a CVT transmission?
Fueleconomy.gov explains that most conventional transmissions use a fixed number of metal gears, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) uses a pair of variable-diameter pulleys connected by a belt or chain that can produce an infinite number of engine-to-wheel speed ratios.
Is a CVT better than an automatic?
Fueleconomy.gov lists the advantages of a CVT as seamless acceleration without the jerk or jolt of changing gears, no frequent downshifting or gear hunting on hills, and better fuel efficiency, which benefits stop-and-go driving more than steady-speed highway driving. It puts the potential efficiency improvement at 3% to 4%.
What is a dual-clutch transmission?
Fueleconomy.gov says dual clutch transmissions combine the efficiency of manual transmissions with the convenience of automatics: they operate much like manuals, but use two clutches and automatic shifting. They are generally not quite as smooth as regular automatics.
Why do new vehicles have 8 or 10 speeds?
Fueleconomy.gov says adding gears lets the engine operate at a more efficient speed more often. Compared with a 4-speed automatic, it lists a 2% improvement for 6 speeds, 2% to 3% for 7 and 3% to 4% for 8.
What does Automatic (S10) mean?
In fueleconomy.gov listings, Automatic (S n) is an automatic transmission with select shift, where n is the number of gears. Select shift allows the driver to manually change gears, overriding the automatic transmission. S10 is a 10-speed.
Do any 2026 Ford models have a manual transmission?
Yes, in the EPA fuel economy data: the 2026 Mustang lists a 6-speed manual on some 5.0L versions, and the 2026 Bronco lists a 7-speed manual on some 2.3L versions.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Questions about a new Ford?
Talk with the Michigan City Ford team, or read our guide to getting better gas mileage.
Sources
How each transmission type works and the efficiency figures are from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. Department of Energy and EPA), read November 8, 2026, which cites a 2015 National Academy of Sciences study. The transmission codes are from its Find a Car help page and EPA data Readme, and the 2026 Ford transmissions from the EPA fuel economy data file on fueleconomy.gov, read the same day. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website.
- fueleconomy.gov, Advanced Transmission Technologies, fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- fueleconomy.gov, Energy Efficient Technologies, fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- fueleconomy.gov, Find a Car help: transmission descriptors, fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- fueleconomy.gov EPA data Readme (transmission codes), fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- EPA fuel economy data (vehicles.csv), model year 2026 Ford records, fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026