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What is a Dual-clutch Automatic Transmission? A dual-clutch automatic transmission, like the seven-speed Volkswagen DSG, uses alternating gears to shift directly into the next gear from the current one. Each part of the “dual-clutch” aspect handles alternating gears.Apr 12, 2021
DCTs tend to provide better fuel economy than automatic transmissions and smoother performance than manual transmissions and AMTs. Because they shift smoothly and with a high-degree of precision, they’ve often been preferred in the arena of performance driving.
Many DCTs can operate in two modes, a fully automatic mode, so the car’s computer chooses when to changes gears for you, or a manual mode, which lets you select gears via buttons, steering wheel paddles, or by moving the gear stick.
As great as dual-clutch transmissions are, like every type of transmission type, they do have their drawbacks. One of the most common complaints about a DCT is that it tends to jerk and lurch when driven at lower speeds, such as in a parking lot or when the car is in reverse.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Faster Shifts | Learning Curve |
More Horsepower at Wheels | Potential for Jerkiness |
Improved Fuel Economy | Few Vehicles Equipped with DCT |
Freedom to Shift or Relax | Expensive to Replace |
The DCT provides a more engaging driving experience, while the CVT provides better efficiency at the expense of driving fun. But depending on your needs this doesn’t mean one is superior than the other. If you’re looking for a commuting tool that offers the best mileage for your dollar, CVT is the way to go.
The purpose of the double-clutch technique is to aid in matching the rotational speed of the input shaft being driven by the engine to the rotational speed of the gear the driver wishes to select.
A dual-clutch transmission is directly connected to the engine. Regular automatics rely on a middleman – known as the torque converter – to get engine power to the wheels. The engine pressurizes transmission fluid, which then spins the driveshaft and makes the wheels turn. That extra step requires extra fuel.
When compared to manual transmissions and traditional automatics, dual-clutch automatics are quicker to shift. … The result is improved acceleration compared to a traditional manual or a regular automatic. Dual-clutch transmissions also offer two more benefits over a standard manual or automatic.
Because a DCT is essentially two transmissions working in concert, each of which requires a clutch for the same reason a manual transmission requires a clutch. Further, dual-clutch transmissions do not require the driver to manually change from one gear to another using the shift lever.
The dual-clutch system is a robust, smooth and efficient transmission. If used properly, it should last 10 years without a problem, even with hard driving.
As such, the typical shift times for a dual-clutch transmission can range from 8 milliseconds (ms) to 100 ms depending on the manufacturer and application. For reference, the human eye typically takes 100 ms to blink. The other advantage is fuel economy.
‘Granny shifting’ describes the process of methodically sequencing up or down through the gears – as taught by your driving instructor. … As you look to change down, instead of immediately putting it into the next gear, you instead put it in neutral and release the clutch.
Even though you think there’s no pressure being applied, there most certainly is and it’s bad news bears. Your foot forces the clutch pedal down and then causes it to take up the slack. This, in turn, causes the clutch friction disk to slip, creating heat and ultimately wearing your clutch out. What does all this mean?
Can I go from 5th to 2nd/1st? Yes it is recommended that in a modern manual transmission you can skip gears when going up or down. … Also be careful not to gear down from 5th to 2nd at high speed or with any lateral load on the vehicle and step off the clutch in 2nd, as the car could enter into a skid.
Factors | CVT | AMT |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Smooth | Slightly judders at high RPMs |
Maintenance Cost | Slightly expensive | Cost-effective |
Acceleration | Smooth | Slightly smooth |
Essentially, they are paddles that let you shift sequentially through the gears. Shifting up is typically done via the right paddle, and down via the left paddle. No clutch is required in these types of vehicles.
A smooth and light input will result in good efficiency and in most cases comes very close to the efficiency numbers you can achieve from a manual gearbox-equipped car. Thus a DCT is the best all-around package, especially if your driving scenario isn’t limited to just city or highway driving.
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