Everything you need to know about DCT transmissions

August 18, 2020

EVERYTHING-YOU-NEED-TO-KNOW-ABOUT-DUAL-CLUTCH-TRANSMISSIONS-1

With so many transmission options on the market, it can be challenging to decide which one best meets your needs. While car manufacturers promptly produce automatic and manual transmissions, recent years have seen some serious contenders enjoying their fair share of acclaim. One such type? The dual-clutch or DCT transmission.

If you’ve never driven a car with a dual-clutch transmission, we think you’re missing out. This unique transmission type earns a top spot thanks to a unique set of benefits.

Never heard of it before? No worries – we can help. Here’s our ultimate guide to dual-clutch transmission systems.

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What is a Dual Clutch Transmission?

It goes by many different names. Volkswagen has dubbed dual-clutch transmission cars DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox). Porsche calls it PDK (Porsche Doppel Kupplungs getriebe), Audi prefers S-Tronic. EcoShift, SpeedShift, and PowerShift have all been thrown into the pot (by Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, and Ford, respectively). Still, the various monikers all refer to the same thing: the dual-clutch transmission.

In the past, you were more likely to find a dual-clutch transmission in a racing car than anywhere else. These days, you can probably find it just by visiting your nearest car dealership. But what exactly is it?

To put it simply, a DCT gearbox combines a manual and automatic transmission, offering the convenience of a computerised shifting system with all the fun and economy of a manual system (along with some other pretty great benefits).

How Do Dual Clutch Transmission Cars Work?

A dual-clutch transmission closely resembles a manual transmission but uses two clutches to synchronise gear changes instead of one. Each clutch operates a different set of gears – one controls the even-numbered gears while the other controls the odd-numbered gears. Clutches can be wet, immersed in oil for better heat resistance, or dry.

The clutches share the same space but are actually two separate control shafts, one inside of the other. This allows them to move together but act upon different gears, offering smoother transition, greater fuel efficiency, and higher speeds compared to manuals.

So, it’s just a fancy manual transmission? Not quite! One key difference is that dual-clutch transmissions are operated through built-in computer systems, which means that drivers don’t have to press on the clutch and continually change gears. Although, if you enjoy the process, a dual-clutch transmission still allows you to manually change gears when desired.

How Does DCT Compare Against Other Transmissions?

What is it that makes dual-clutch transmissions stand out from the crowd? You might be surprised to know that the differences run pretty deep. Despite some surface similarities, the dual-clutch system’s unique design is robust enough to remain popular even compared to more common systems such as manuals and automatics.

Here’s how dual-clutch measures up to other popular car transmissions:

DCT vs. Automatic Transmission

While a DCT transmission looks similar to an automatic transmission system – both use a gear shifter with similar options (Park, Reverse, Drive, etc.) – that’s where the similarities end.

The most significant difference between the two systems is that an automatic transmission uses a torque converter to shift its own gears, allowing the driver no further control over the process other than operating the accelerator and brake pedals, which lets the engine know which gear it should be using. Dual-clutch transmissions may operate automatically, but there is an option to control them manually as well.

DCT vs. Manual Transmission

Both transmission types operate using synchronises and shift forks, making DCT and manual transmissions very similar. The main difference between a DCT and a manual transmission is that manuals require drivers to operate the clutch to shift gears. At the same time, a DCT is controlled by an electronic control module (ECM) and therefore does not need a clutch pedal.

Drivers can still use buttons and gear shifts to control the vehicle. Additionally, dual-clutch transmissions use two clutches instead of the single one that is common in manual systems.

DCT vs. CVT/eCVT

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) uses a rotating belt and pulleys to allow drivers access to an infinite number of gear ratios between a specific limit. Like a DCT, CVT systems operate with maximum fuel efficiency and have better acceleration rates than other transmissions. Unlike a DCT, CVT does not allow the driver to shift gears.

The main difference between the two transmissions is that CVT types are more likely to be used in high-volume, low-performance cars, while dual-clutch transmission cars are often high-performance.

DCT vs. ZF Transmission

Unlike the dual-clutch automatic gearbox, a ZF transmission is designed not for speed but for minimised fuel consumption. The ZF transmission offers great shifting but may lack the same speed that a dual-clutch system can give you. While the DCT type uses two clutches to control gears, a ZF system utilises three and two brakes and four planetary gear sets.

What Are the Pros of a DCT Transmission?

Why drive with a DCT? Besides being one of our favourite transmissions, the dual-clutch offers excellent benefits that every driver can enjoy.

1. Fuel-Efficiency:

Thanks to smoother and quicker gear changes, DCT has a heightened fuel economy because the engine experiences a steady power flow. Dual-clutch vehicles enjoy approximately 6.0% more fuel efficiency when compared to standard automatic vehicles.

2. Increased Speed:

Manual drivers can take up to a full second to shift gears due to time wasted using the clutch pedal. The speed DCT allows to change gears is approximately 1/10th of a second—faster shifting, faster acceleration, more incredible speeds – the perfect recipe for high-performance vehicles.

3. Eliminates Shift Shock:

No more lurching around in your seat – the DCT offers smoother gear changes thanks to the computer-automated system.
This not only eliminates shift shock (a common occurrence in manual transmission vehicles) but also does away with any unappealing knocking and clunking sounds that most manual vehicles experience.

4. More Driving Options:

Having a dual clutch automatic gearbox offers all the fun of driving a manual transmission vehicle with an automatic ease. You can sit back and let the car do the shifting or operate the gear shift yourself – you choose!

What Are the Cons of a DCT Transmission?

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.

This can be frightening for drivers in tight spaces or unused to driving with this particular transmission type. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy driving with a DCT!

Additionally, DCT is not the cheapest transmission type on the market. This can drive prices up, making it a less appealing transmission type for price-savvy purchasers.

Pros

Fuel efficient
Increased speed & performance
Eliminates shift shock
Flexibility to operate the gear shift manually or let the car do it automatically

Cons

If you’re not used to driving a DCT, it can jerk/lurch when driven at lower speeds
Can be expensive

Caring for Dual Clutch Transmission Cars

The best way to care for your DCT is to ensure that the dual-clutch transmission system receives regular servicing from professional car transmission specialists like Automatic Transmissions R Us.

Auto Trans R Us is the automatic choice to solve all your transmission issues! It doesn’t matter if you need a general transmission service or you’re looking for an upgrade – there’s nothing that our skilled and experienced team can’t fix!

Contact the DCT Transmission Experts!

Contact the Auto Trans team today by sending through an enquiry, emailing info@autotransrus.com.au or giving us a call on (08) 9240 5449! We’ll have you back in your car in no time!

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      I must say, I’m not one to often leave reviews, especially when it comes to services like this. However I was really pleasantly surprised with the service here. I’m quite new to the Perth area and had a whining issue with my 2010 rav4, so did some digging for transmission shops around the area, the review of this one definitely stood out and they didn’t disappoint! I went to the Toyota dealership to get the same issue looked at and they just took my 250$ and told me to completely change the Trans and Front diff and quoted me 20k. I came here for a second opinion. I got a call back from cam, who told me after looking at the car it is indeed noisy but it isn’t something that actually deteriorates the life of the car. He proceeded to tell me he has dealt with a lot of the callbacks for this exact model and problem. He told me if I could live with the noise and couldn’t afford a repair he’d recommend I just drive with it. He told me if you put the noisy piece next to one that isn’t noisy you wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference. I really really appreciated the transparency and honesty here, he didn’t try and upsell me or quote me an expensive repair, he just gave me the god honest truth (you can drive with it, if you want the noise gone only way to fix it is to replace it). If there is any other issues with my car at all I’ll be sure to come back here as I was truly impressed by the transparency and quality of service. Many many thanks to the team and especially cam! Bloody legend!
     
   Obey Summer 
 1 days ago
 
 
 
 
    The team at Automatic Transmissions R US were fantastic. Their service was excellent. Pam and the team made the process easy, especially as I was transporting my vehicle by courier. They were able to book my car in for as soon as I could get it delivered. The service team did great work inspecting and then completing the repairs. They kept in contact with any updates and were fast, reliable and reasonably priced.
Thank you Automatic Transmissions R US
     
   Michelle Te Aho-Woodbrook 
 9 days ago
 
 
 
 
    
     
   H S 
 48 days ago
 
 
 
 
    Came here to check my card transmission, very satisfied with the results and they give me good feed back that I need to do, luckily the transmission is no issue so, no charge for that, thanks very much for best service :)
     
   Faisal 
 55 days ago
 
 
 
 
    Ongoing issues with my car others couldn't fix, they sorted first visit, no issues since. Highly recommended 👍👍
     
   markymark9172 
 56 days ago
 
 
 
 
    Cameron and the team are the go to for transmission issues. I could not be happier with the service provided.
     
   Chris Parker 
 84 days ago
 
 
 
 
    I booked the vehicle in for a noise I thought was coming from the gearbox. Graham inspected the vehicle and found it was not a gearbox issue. Graham pointed out other possible faults that could result in the problem i was experiencing. I felt reassured and can highly recommend this repairer who didn't charge me for the diagnosis. Thanks to Cameron and the team at Automatic Transmission R Us a job well done.
     
   George Doneo 
 84 days ago
 
 
 
 
    Trailblazer/ Colorado TC shudder
Had to fight with Holden for many years for a repair for the TC shudder, offered a band aid fix from Holden that failed on two previous occasions.
The team at Transmissions R us were completely honest, as a mechanic in a previous life the explanation of the common problem made sense. (Phoenix Holden constantly denied this issue)
Had the  Transmission  repaired and drove like new, I literally drove the vehicle across Australia towing a boat. After 10 months noticed some slight leaking of ATF on the bell housing. The team repaired the leak that included removal of the Transmission without question.Highly recommend this business.
     
   Darren Ginnane 
 107 days ago
 
 
 
 
    Took my car in recently on short notice when I was informed of a auto trans issue from my normal mechanic. I was met with exceptional customer service and expertise which lead to a quick diagnosis to confirm my true issue which was a crappy ac compressor making the noise.

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   luke sampson 
 116 days ago
 
 
 
 
    Was just booking in my car,great conversation very up front with the information I needed to know  very helpful
     
   James Taylor 
 119 days ago