Manual and automatic are the two conventional modes of transmission in vehicles. The former requires the driver to shift gears via clutch pedal and stick shift, whereas the latter mode of transmission shifts via clutches, torque converter and planetary gears. Both have their pros and cons, but there is one other type often hailed as the best of both worlds. It is the dual clutch transmission DCT.
Dual clutch transmission is also known as clutchless manual transmission, automated manual transmission, direct shift gearbox or semi-automatic transmission. In this guide, we will take a look at what DCT is and how it works differently from other modes of transmissions.
What is Dual-Clutch Transmission?
The simplest way to understand a dual clutch transmission is to think of it as a manual transmission that is operated automatically. This functionality is achieved by a mechanism operating on two clutches.
The two types of clutches that can be used in a dual clutch transmission are dry clutch and wet clutch. The plates in a dry clutch of dual clutch transmission are not lubricated with oil, whereas plates in a wet clutch are greased with oil to keep the system at optimum temperature.
The concept has been around since the 80s, and almost all known manufacturers have come up with their own variation of DCT. Porsche, Volkswagen and Audi are among the brands that have used DCT in many of their vehicles.
With slight differences in design, integration and functionality, all these variations work on the same principle and offer similar benefits. While Prosche’s PDK version is limited to high-end cars, VW has been working on making it more mainstream. Audi has quite successfully used their S tronic dual clutch transmission in many vehicles. Hyundai has also integrated this technology in their Ioniq Hybrid models.
How do Dual Clutch Transmissions Work?
In order to understand the advantages of dual clutch transmission, one needs a deeper look at how it works. A dual clutch transmission is operated by two clutches rather than one, with both of the clutches controlled by several built-in computers. While one clutch controls the even-numbered gears, the other clutch controls the odd-numbered gears.
These computers make the whole operation automated and alleviates the need of a clutch pedal and also saves the driver from having to manually shift the gears.
Whilst driving the vehicle, one gear is selected. However, the other clutch already has a gear preconfigured and ready to apply that gear the moment it is required. This contributes to a smoother yet faster transmission as compared to the standard automatic transmission.
Benefits of Dual-Clutch Transmission
The reason its usage is gradually increasing in performance cars is that DCT offers several benefits over both automatic or manual transmissions. Some of the advantages of dual clutch transmission are as follows:
- Improved fuel economy: When drivers switch the gears in vehicles with conventional modes of transmission, it consumes fuel to power the change in gears because there is a break in transmission. However, as there is no disruption in the transmission in DCT, it consumes dramatically less amount of fuel which makes dual clutch transmission more fuel-efficient.
- Smoother performance and shift in gears: The dual clutch transmission is operated by a sophisticated and advanced network of computer and technology as a result of which it offers a higher degree of precision and smoother performance.
- One gearbox provides the functionalities of two manual gearboxes: As mentioned above, dual clutch transmission can be thought of as a manual transmission that is operated automatically thereby providing the functionalities of two gearboxes.
How is Dual Clutch Transmission Different from Other Transmissions?
Irrespective of whether it is a wholly automatic transmission or a manual one, you can never be in multiple gears at the same time. Doing so can cause your gearbox to lock because the input shaft is at a different speed for each gear. On the other hand, dual clutch transmission comprises two input shafts (one for even-numbered gears and the other for odd-numbered gears). Both shafts are attached to the engine with their own clutch allowing it to be in two gears at the same moment as long as only one clutch is in use.
DCT vs Automatic Transmission
When switching from one gear to the other in an automatic transmission, it must first shift out of the current gear prior to shifting into the next gear. Automatic transmission utilizes a torque converter to deal with the input shaft’s changes in speed and control power to the transmission and gears. It disconnects from a gear and then connects to the next gear.
A dual clutch cannot be operated fully like an automatic transmission. Gear shifting may be controlled by a computer and happen quickly, but you’ll still need to handle the shifting yourself in order to keep the transmission working properly.
A vehicle with dual clutch cannot be driven in the same way as a vehicle with automatic mode of transmission. While computer-controlled gear shifting is extremely quick, drivers still need to shift gears manually to keep the transmission in good operating order.
DCT vs Manual transmission
Unlike automatic, a manual gearbox does not have a torque converter. Instead, it features a clutch that causes the transmission from the engine to disconnect before connecting it again to enable the shift in speeds for the input shaft.
In a manual transmission, the driver must first depress the clutch pedal in order to shift the gears. This utilizes only a single clutch thereby disconnecting the engine from the transmission and disrupting the power flow. In other words, the transmission of power to the wheels from the engine is not continuous.
Synchronisers, which are a component of the synchromesh manual transmission, prevent gears from grinding by aligning the gears before they are engaged. With the gear lever, the driver then shifts the vehicle into a new gear. As soon as the vehicle is shifted into another gear, the clutch pedal reconnects the engine and gearbox allowing it to transfer power to the wheels.
Switching out of a gear and shifting into another gear in a dual clutch transmission is counted as the same action. There are pros and cons of automatic transmission and manual transmission but the shifting of gears is comparatively quicker and smoother in dual transmission. However, no matter what type of transmission your vehicle, it is important that you regularly check the transmission fluid and replace it when needed. Failure to do so can lead to car transmission problems.
FAQs
What Is Dual Clutch Transmission?
Dual clutch transmission is a manual transmission without a clutch, manual transmission but automated or a semi-automatic transmission.
Is Dual Clutch Transmission Automatic Or Manual?
Dual clutch transmission is a hybrid of automatic transmission and manual transmission. However, dual clutch transmission can be thought of as a manual transmission that is operated automatically.
How Does a Dual Clutch Transmission Work?
A dual clutch transmission uses two clutches instead of one, with both clutches controlled by numerous built-in computers. While one clutch is responsible for operating even-numbered gears, the other clutch runs the odd-numbered gears.
Which Cars Have Dual Clutch Transmission?
Due to the benefits it offers, automakers are installing dual clutch transmissions in more vehicles. Some of the examples of cars with dual clutch transmission are Prosche’s PDK, VW, Audi’s S tronic and Hyundai’s Ioniq Hybrid models.
If you are looking for cars with dual clutch transmission and other used cars for sale in UAE, then check out the popular options at dubizzle. To keep yourself up to date with all the latest news happening in the world of automotive industry, stay tuned to UAE’s leading auto blog.
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