Dual-clutch transmissions are often smoother than most other transmission types, as well. A well-tuned dual-clutch makes it difficult to notice gear changes at all, a major benefit compared to most automatics and manuals that can sometimes have clunky gear changes, reducing ride comfort. Should You Buy a Dual-Clutch Car?

• Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission Cars
• Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission Vs Cvt
• Honda 8-speed Dual-clutch Automatic Transmission
• Dual-clutch Automatic Transmission Bmw

Updated Aug 08, 2019 | Same topic: Technical Car Terms to Know

A dual-clutch transmission is an automated manual transmission with two sets of gears, each operated by a separate clutch. 2020 Porsche 911 Specs & Reviews Find a 2020 Porsche 911 Near You One. A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) (sometimes referred to as a twin-clutch transmission) is a type of multi-speed vehicle transmission system, that uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets. The design is often similar to two separate manual transmissions with their respective clutches contained within one housing, and working as one. DCT stands for Dual Clutch Transmission, but that alone doesn’t fully explain it. A DCT is a type of Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that has two clutches instead of just one. They are gaining. A dual-clutch gearbox, by contrast, uses two clutches, but has no clutch pedal. Sophisticated electronics and hydraulics control the clutches, just as they do in a standard automatic transmission. In a DCT, however, the clutches operate independently.

Ever wondered what a dual-clutch is and how it worked? Read on know how good or bad it is; when equipped in a car. Also, how the pros and cons affect its performance too!

There are pros and cons of the dual-clutch transmission

Among other types of automotive transmission is the dual-clutch transmission which is different than other types that are equipped in cars. Other references to this kind of transmission are automated manual transmission, also manual transmission without a clutch or semi-automatic transmission; that works without using a clutch.

This power train is not equipped in most production cars; this is usually found in high-performance cars and installed in some ordinary production cars.

Dual Clutch Transmission is special because of controlled shifting with computer sensors, and hydraulics that is more complex than other drivetrains. Also; it is a cousin to automatic drive trains but with upgrades in the mechanics.

Basically, a combination of manual and automatic transmission that uses gears that have characteristics which are far different from other drive trains.

>>> Related article: Traffic in the Philippines & your automatic transmission.

The dual-clutch transmission is special because of controlled shifting with computer sensors

It also has the ability to use a semi-automatic mode by using paddles that are found in most automatic transmission cars today. In fact; those paddles are derived from race car technology too.

When driving dual-clutch transmission; there are subtle differences that differentiate it from other drive trains. All these differences make up the pros and cons of dual-clutch transmission; which are vastly different from normal manual or automatic transmission.

It used two clutches by different from other drive trains. Let's find out with Philkotse.com.

Consider the pros

1. Faster acceleration than other drive trains

Cars with double-clutch transmission are endowed with quick acceleration compared to other cars, especially when driving Italian dream machines. Shifting gears is quicker with an input shaft and output shaft, rather than one single shaft because these two shafts change gears with lesser time.

Cars with double-clutch transmission are endowed with quick acceleration compared to other cars

Both manual and automatic drive train are less athletic and subject to slower acceleration time. Overall the dual shafts create a quicker response that is better for overall performance.

>>> Read more: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) vs. Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT): Which is better?

2. Lack of shift shock when gears are changed

When shifting in manual drive trains; since it just uses a single shaft as input and output when shifting caused jolts. This is unavoidable for every gear change, because of how gears change when shifting from low to high gear!

But double-clutch transmission solves the problem of shock when shifting; far better and this is why race cars have better handling!

3. Fuel economy is enabled by this type of drive train

The smooth-shifting of gears with no shock or little only will allow the engine to generate smooth revs without the gears freezing up. Fuel burn and energy transfers are the smoothest for any car on the road.

One of the problems of other drive trains; is the interruption that even for a milli-second will cost power and bit of fuel too! Because of this when driving in a straight path with no stops, all the fuel burn is maximized without any lag at all too.

Fuel burn and energy transfers are the smoothest for any car on the road

4. Lack of clutch pedal to step on, when shifting gears

Driving a double-clutch transmission will take a bit of getting used to; with no clutch pedal to worry about. With the extra space left by the lack of a clutch; that leaves more legroom and foot space there. driving it would be akin to that of an automatic drive train, but with a paddle-shift instead or another means to shift gears.

5. Drivers can select a manual option or choose automatic shifting to change gears

This is what makes a double or dual-clutch transmission relatively easy to drive, with the ability to select a simulated manual or just stick to the default auto-shifting mode! Just use either paddles or buttons, or whatever is provided to shift gears manually.

>>> Also check: Ending the controversial debate: Automatic or Manual Transmission?

Presenting the cons of a dual-clutch transmission

1. It is more expensive than other drive trains to fix and maintain

This kind of transmission is expensive to equip but has been in some non-Euro cars. Using a combo of a manual and automatic transmission with electronic parts that can complicate and make maintenance a wee bit expensive.

2. There is turbo lag that is felt; when turbo mode is activated

If normal drive trains benefit from turbochargers; it is different from a dual or double-clutch transmission. Already DCT generates high horsepower, but somehow when the turbo is used, then turbo lag happens. It can’t be missed when the turbo kicks in, but the acceleration will still be the same!

3. Not all cars have this kind of drive train equipped

Most cars with dual clutches are expensive and only high-rollers or those with deep pockets can buy a high-grade DCT car that’s equipped with it. It is equipped in some ordinary production cars, but in small numbers though.

>>> Grasp your attention: The ins & outs of car transmission and drivetrain.

If normal drive trains benefit from turbochargers; it is different from a dual or double-clutch transmission

4. Some jerkiness is experienced during the shifting of gears

Just one word; any car with dual or double-clutch transmission will not be joy at low speeds! Courtesy of shakiness or jerking because of the fast gear ratio; which is not suited for city driving or going to anywhere with a speed limit. The DCT is made to for rocketing on the freeway not going about in any traffic infested metro.

5. It’s a slow start when the car is at a full stop

Having dual or double-clutch transmission-equipped is pure joy, but that changes when at a full stop! High performance is not applicable because gears shift slower than when at speed. But, it will be different when gear engages when the car is moving.

Having dual or double-clutch transmission-equipped is pure joy, but that changes when at a full stop

The dual-clutch transmission is the bomb when car performance is at its peak, this drive train is one of the more exotic and capable transmissions for any car! If anyone will have the chance to drive such a car; then this will give a heads up to handle it.

>>>Click to find more useful tips & advice for car owners

Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission Cars

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(Updated on December 31, 2019)

The dual clutch transmission (DCT) is referred to by several names including double-clutch transmission and twin-clutch transmission.

A regular manual transmission vehicle would use one clutch and a clutch pedal. The dual clutch transmission uses two separate clutches with no clutch pedal.

Since there is no clutch pedal, the clutches are controlled through hydraulics and advanced computer electronics. This is the same technology that you’d find in some of today’s newer automatic transmission vehicles.

Top 5 Advantages of a Dual Clutch Transmission

Below are the top 5 advantages of using a vehicle with a dual clutch transmission.

1) Faster Acceleration

Many people who have driven double clutch transmission vehicles have said love how the car accelerates. This is due to the gears being able to change almost instantly and allowing you to accelerate in far less time than the same vehicle with a manual or automatic transmission instead.

You can upshift in just a few milliseconds, creating a dynamic and smooth acceleration experience.

2) No Shift Shock

Both manual transmission and regular automatic transmission vehicles will often generate a jolt each time a gear is changed, especially if accelerating heavily. This jolt is called shift shock and it can be quite annoying.

Picture the occupants of a tuner car as the driver accelerates quickly to get on the freeway. With each hard gear shift, each persons’ head slams forward and back.

Fortunately, double clutch vehicles do not have this shift shock when gears are changed. The shift changes are hardly noticeably.

3) Fuel Economy

There is no interruption when energy flows to the transmission from the engine. Because of this, the fuel economy of the vehicle becomes greatly improved. With the enhanced fuel economy, you will also have better fuel efficiency too.

4) No Clutch Pedal

Many people who prefer manual transmissions for their fuel economy and faster acceleration will love dual clutch automatic transmissions since you don’t have to worry about operating a clutch pedal. It’s a fact that a dual clutch will shift quicker than even the best short throw manual shifter.

You’ll have more room in the foot well without the third pedal making driving for long periods more comfortable. Of course, purists will still prefer a clutch pedal and there’s nothing wrong with that.

5) Driver Options

Drivers can even select whether they want the central computer to control the shifting or if they want to use manual paddle shifters or another semi-manual mode for a more involved driving experience.

Most dual clutch vehicles also offer different driving modes at the push of a button which affect the vehicle’s shift points. Set it to sport mode to hold gears longer resulting in better acceleration, economy mode to prioritize taller gears for better fuel economy, or other modes in between. The decision is yours.

Top 5 Disadvantages of a Dual Clutch Transmission

Dual clutch transmissions are definitely not perfect though. Below are the top 5 disadvantages of this technology

1) Higher Vehicle Cost

You can’t expect to find a dual clutch vehicle to be priced the same as an economy car. It costs manufacturers a lot more money to produce these vehicles on the assembly line. This makes the final vehicle a lot more expensive to consumers.

So, if you’re counting your dollars closely, then you might be turned off by this vehicle’s price. Many vehicle models offer more than one type of available transmission so you can easily see the price difference and whether it’s worth it.

2) Maintenance and Repair Cost

Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is important for any car but it’s critical for those with a DCT. For instance, Audi recommends changing the gear oil in their DCT vehicles every 40,000 miles. This is not a cheap service and not something you’ll often with regular transmissions at that interval.

Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission Vs Cvt

If something does go wrong with a dual clutch transmission, the repair or replacement cost can be ridiculously high and not all auto repair shops may be able to do the work. This is why proper maintenance is so important.

3) Low Selection

Due to the expense of integrating a dual clutch transmission system into a vehicle, many car manufacturers are electing not to use them. That is why most twin clutch transmission systems are found in high-performance cars and luxury cars.

Since most people are not in the market for a high-performance car, so their options are going to be limited here.

4) Not the Same Driving Experience as a Manual

While DCT transmissions have surpassed the fuel efficiency and shifting speed of manual transmissions, they simply don’t provide the same fun driving experience as stick shifts. For some this doesn’t matter, but nothing beats the connectivity a driver has to the road by shifting their own gears.

Sure you may have some type 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 to Motion

Honda 8-speed Dual-clutch Automatic Transmission

While some dual clutch transmissions are better than others, you may experience a slight lag when going from a static position to a moving position. Once you get moving though, the instantaneous shifting of a DCT takes over.

Conclusion

Dual-clutch Automatic Transmission Bmw

The dual clutch transmission takes the best features of an automatic and manual and places them into one vehicle. If you don’t mind the higher cost, it is worth considering purchasing your next vehicle with one.