CVT-equipped vehicles may promise smooth rides and better fuel economy, but they don’t handle mistakes the way traditional transmissions do. One wrong move and you could be looking at a pricey repair—or worse, a full replacement. If you drive a car with a CVT, knowing what “not” to do is just as important as how to drive it. Here are 10 habits you’ll seriously want to avoid.

Launching Hard From A Stop

CVTs aren’t designed for high-torque bursts. In fact, such launches overstress the belt and pulleys, causing premature wear. Nissan’s early CVTs often failed for this reason. Some systems limit torque electronically, but repeated misuse can still damage components quickly. Gentle acceleration protects long-term performance.

Towing Beyond The Limit

Most CVT vehicles have low towing capacities (often under 1,000 lbs). Overloading stresses the transmission, especially the cooling system, and belts. Subaru strongly discourages excessive towing. CVTs often overheat before any warning appears, risking failure. Stick to listed limits to avoid costly repairs.

Ignoring Transmission Fluid Changes

Mixing other fluids can destroy a CVT. Follow your vehicle’s schedule to extend transmission life. CVT fluid breaks down faster than standard ATF. If ignored, it causes fluid to cause belt slippage, overheating, and gear ratio errors. Honda recommends changes as early as 25,000 miles. 

Using Manual Mode Constantly

Manual mode doesn’t use real gears; it just simulates them. Repeated use adds belt pressure and increases internal heat. Some CVTs fake 8 “gears” for feel, not function. It might seem sportier, but long-term use strains components and offers zero performance benefit.

Driving With A Dead Battery

A weak or failing battery disrupts CVT calibration. Low voltage affects the electronic module that controls shifting. Nissan CVTs often need recalibration after battery swaps. Jump-starts can trigger error codes due to voltage spikes. Always maintain battery health to avoid unnecessary transmission issues.

Downhill Coasting In Neutral

Coasting in neutral cuts off the hydraulic pressure needed for lubrication and belt tension. That risks overheating and mechanical damage. Subaru specifically warns against it in manuals. You also lose engine braking. Use low gear modes instead to descend safely and preserve your CVT.

Flooring The Pedal On Inclines

Hard acceleration on hills forces the CVT into extreme gear ratios, which overstretch the belt and overheat pulleys. Mitsubishi models often enter limp mode when overheating on inclines. Use steady throttle and hill modes when available to protect your transmission during climbs.

Driving With Mismatched Tire Sizes

CVTs rely on wheel speed sensors to calculate gear ratios. Uneven tire sizes confuse the system, causing erratic shifting and error codes. Nissan and Subaru troubleshooting guides highlight this issue. Even a one-inch difference in tires can lead to long-term damage.

Skipping Warm-Ups In Cold Weather

Cold weather thickens CVT fluid, reducing lubrication and response. Driving too soon stresses internal seals and pumps. Many owners report slipping or whining during winter starts. Some CVTs delay shifts until warmed up. Letting your car idle briefly helps protect the transmission.

Ignoring Warning Signs Like Whining Noises

A whining noise often means belt slippage or worn bearings. Catching these early can prevent total failure and expensive replacement costs. CVTs fail gradually, ignoring the signs that accelerate the breakdown. Most mechanics don’t repair CVTs; they replace them. Pay attention to sounds and fix issues early.