CVT techniques?

[nchckyfan]

Is it true that you have to handle the CVT a little differently? I've read that you have to press the gas and let off to "virtually" work through the gears is this true?

[Link3]

Is it true that you have to handle the CVT a little differently? I've read that you have to press the gas and let off to "virtually" work through the gears is this true?

This technique does seem to help keep the RPMs lower and improve the fuel economy of the Versa SL.

[red98s14]

There's no need to drive the CVT differently. Out it in drive and push the load pedal.

IMHO, it does give you a lot more control than a standard automatic (that sounds odd). Because the CVT does not have set gears to go through, a light foot produces smooth acceleration while saving fuel. The revs go up a bit and sit there while the car speed increases. A heavier foot gets the revs a lot higher with qicker acceleration. You do have to get used to the 'slipping clutch' sound if you're used to a manual.

My experience with the Versa's CVT and with my wife's MINI is that it prefers a consistent driver. Neither seem to like getting on and off the throttle a lot.

B-t-w, the Versa CVT is much, much better than the MINI's. Much smoother.

[gr81]

I see as much as 5-8 miles per gallon difference when babying the gas pedal over not when driving our Escape with CVT, which I dont mind, and the feel of it is what sold me on checking out the Versa over the other small cars in the first place.

[versabbo]

Here two video clips showing you how to drive a cvt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTX_iYW5x10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rekeSMVhoeE

[campersand]

How do those show you how to drive a CVT? The only piece of info I got from them was that you don't have to use the brake as much.