Dual Clutch Transmission (Advantages and Disadvantages)
Dual clutch transmissions (DCT) go by several names, including dual clutch transmission and twin clutch transmission.
A normal manual car uses a clutch and a clutch pedal. A dual clutch transmission uses two independent clutches without a clutch pedal.
Without a clutch pedal, the clutches are controlled by hydraulics and modern computer electronics. This is the same technology found in some new automatic transmission cars today. 5 Most Important Benefits of Dual Clutch Transmission
Here are the 5 most important benefits of a vehicle with a dual clutch transmission:
1) Faster Acceleration
Many people who have driven a dual clutch transmission vehicle say they love the acceleration of the car. This is because the gears can be changed almost instantly, allowing the vehicle to accelerate in a much shorter time than the same vehicle with a manual or automatic transmission.
It can upshift in just a few milliseconds, providing a dynamic and smooth acceleration experience.
2) No switching shock
Whether it’s a manual or a regular automatic vehicle, there is often a shock with every gear change, especially during hard acceleration. This jerk is called shift jerk, and it can be very annoying.
Imagine the passengers in a tuned car as the driver accelerates hard to enter the highway. Every hard gear change sends everyone’s heads whipping back and forth.
Fortunately, vehicles with dual clutches don’t experience this jerky feeling when changing gears. The gear changes are barely noticeable.
3) Fuel Efficiency
As energy flows from the engine to the transmission, there is no interruption. This significantly reduces the vehicle’s fuel consumption. The increased fuel economy also translates into better fuel economy.
4) No Clutch Pedal
Many people who prefer manual transmissions for fuel economy and quicker acceleration would prefer a dual-clutch automatic transmission where they don’t have to worry about operating a clutch pedal. It’s true that dual-clutches can shift faster than even the best short-throw manual transmissions. Without a third pedal, you get more legroom and it’s more comfortable to drive long distances. Of course, purists will still prefer a clutch pedal, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
5) Driver Options
The driver can also choose to have the central computer control the shifting, or use manual paddle shifts or another semi-manual mode for a more immersive driving experience.
Most dual-clutch vehicles also offer different driving modes that affect the vehicle’s shift points at the touch of a button. Set Sport mode to hold gears longer for better acceleration; set Economy mode to favor higher gears for better fuel economy; or anything in between. The decision is yours.
The 5 Biggest Drawbacks of Dual-Clutch Transmissions
But dual-clutch transmissions are by no means perfect. Here are the 5 biggest drawbacks of this technology
1) Higher Vehicle Costs
You can’t expect to find a dual-clutch car for the same price as a subcompact car. It costs manufacturers much more to produce these vehicles on an assembly line. This makes the price of the final vehicle much more expensive for consumers. So, if you are very careful with money, you may be disappointed when you see the price of this vehicle. Many car models offer multiple types of transmissions, so it’s easy to see the price difference and determine whether it’s worth it.
2) Maintenance and Repair Costs
Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is important for any car, but it’s also very important for DCT-equipped vehicles. For example, Audi recommends changing the transmission fluid in DCT vehicles every 40,000 miles. If a dual clutch transmission has a problem, the cost of repair or replacement can be incredibly expensive, and not every auto repair shop can do the job. That’s why proper maintenance is so important.
3) Low Selection
Due to the cost of putting a dual clutch transmission system into a vehicle, many automakers choose not to use it. That’s why most dual clutch transmission systems are found in high performance or luxury cars.
4) Not the same driving experience as a manual transmission
While DCT transmissions beat manual transmissions in terms of fuel economy and shift speed, they can’t offer the same driving experience as a manual transmission.
For some, this isn’t an issue, but whether you’re driving through the mountains or in an autocross or lap race, nothing beats the connection to the road that comes from the driver changing gears themselves.
Sure, they may have some sort of manual shift mode override (usually in the form of paddle shifters), but ask any driving purist and they’ll tell you it’s just not the same.
5) Slow Movement
Some dual clutch transmissions are better than others, but there may be a slight delay when moving from a stationary position to a moving position. However, as soon as you move, the DCT takes over. Conclusion
A dual clutch transmission combines the best features of an automatic transmission and a manual transmission into one vehicle. If you don’t mind the higher cost, it’s worth considering buying your next car with such a transmission.