How to use a dual clutch when shifting (and when you need it)
Dual clutch is a special way of shifting gears in a car. This type of shifting is used in vehicles with unsynchronized manual transmissions and requires a special technique.
Previously, this technology was used in older cars, mainly large trucks, and even some racing cars. Nowadays, most vehicles have synchronized manual transmissions, so dual clutches are no longer needed. This means that this technology is no longer useful. However, there are still situations where it is useful. Why double clutch? For example, if you are driving with the transmission in neutral and you are trying to stop your car at a red light, but suddenly it turns green and you want to shift into first gear, it is not a smooth process.
This is because you are moving too fast for the gear to accept. In this case, a dual clutch allows you to engage first gear more smoothly without damaging the synchronizers of your car’s transmission.
The purpose of dual clutch technology is to adapt the speed of the input shaft driven by the engine to the speed of the gear the driver wants to engage.
There are three main reasons why you need to use a dual clutch:
- You are driving a car with an unsynchronized gearbox
- You have an older car with worn out synchronizers (in this case the dual clutch is only needed for downshifting)
- You are driving an old-fashioned racing car
How to perform a proper dual clutch replacement in 7 easy steps:
1. Press the clutch pedal
2. Put the shifter in N (neutral).
3. Release the clutch pedal
4. Accelerate
5. Press the clutch pedal again
6. Shift the gear lever into the desired gear.
7. Release the clutch pedal
Basically, with this technique, you have to press the clutch pedal again after every gear change. A good example of when to use this:
If you are in 4th gear and want to downshift to 3rd, following the steps above will make your shifts smoother while preventing damage to your synchronizers.
Advantages
– More efficient switching
– Smoother shifting
Disadvantages
– Extra step when changing gears
– No longer needed for synchronized manual transmissions
– Requires more effort, especially with a stiff clutch pedal
If you have a regular manual transmission, it likely has synchronizers, making the process much easier and eliminating the need for a dual clutch.