What Should You Know About Repairing A Dual Clutch Transmission?
If you’ve purchased a new car within the last few years, you may be one of the growing number of Americans who owns a dual clutch transmission. In fact, this market is predicted to expand at a rate of more than 10 percent per year over the next few years. While these transmissions offer a number of advantages over traditional single clutch transmissions, the maintenance and repair process can be somewhat different than what you’re used to from previous vehicles. Read on to learn more about the maintenance, repair, and replacement of dual clutch transmissions.
What is a dual clutch transmission?
A single clutch transmission operates by engaging and disengaging a series of odd and even gears to allow your engine to go faster without significantly increasing the number of revolutions per minute. In an automatic transmission, this procedure is taken care of for you through a series of planetary gears; if you have a manual transmission, you perform this operation yourself by depressing the clutch with your left foot.
A dual clutch transmission is the marriage of two manual transmissions that are automatically shifted from a central computer. One manual transmission will have only even gears, while the other has only odd gears. This allows the transmission to direct all the kinetic energy that is normally wasted in an automatic or manual transmission. This allows the transmission to last longer while providing fuel economy by ensuring that your vehicle always shifts to the optimal gear for the conditions. Most drivers find dual clutch transmissions the best when it comes to seamless acceleration and a smooth ride.
How are these transmissions repaired?
Because these transmissions involve a sophisticated computer, they can be more of a challenge to repair than a simple manual transmission or pre-assembled automatic transmission. Essentially, a dual clutch transmission is two manual transmissions plus the computer sensors. This provides a greater number of components to remove or replace than other types of transmissions, increasing the amount you’ll pay in parts and labor costs. However, dual clutch transmissions are reliable enough that these repairs will happen relatively infrequently when compared to other types of transmissions.
How do you know whether to repair or replace a dual clutch transmission?
Because these transmissions are so reliable, it can be difficult to decide whether to repair the transmission or simply replace it with a new transmission. When you suspect your transmission may need repair, you should get at least two quotes so that you have independent opinions on the source of the problem and the cost of the stated fix. Because of the time and effort required to break down and rebuild your current transmission, it’s often a cheaper option to simply replace your existing transmission with a brand new one.
In general, if the rest of your vehicle is in good shape and appears to have a lot of life left, the cost of replacing your transmission is worthwhile. Because you’re replacing an old transmission with a new one, you should be able to put a significant number of miles on your vehicle before ever developing transmission issues again.
You can also avoid costly repairs on your first or subsequent dual clutch transmission by adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to servicing and maintenance. You will want to periodically have the transmission fluid flushed and replenished to ensure that there are no harmful particles or other debris in the delicate machinery. You’ll also want to visit a mechanic at the first sign of trouble — often, a simple cleaning or fluid flush can prevent costly problems that could later require you to have to replace your transmission.
For more information on transmission repair, visit a site like http://www.brightonauto.com.
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How to take care of dual clutch transmission
Tips For Driving A Dual-Clutch Transmission So You Don’t Destroy It
A dual clutch transmission (DCT) is a transmission that is in many newer cars in the United States. This type of transmission features two clutches, which are each used for even and odd gear sets. It’s like having two separate manual transmissions, except they shift automatically. These transmissions were created to give vehicles better gas mileage, but they are giving some people a headache. If not driven properly, the clutch can wear out much more quickly. If you just bought a car with a dual clutch transmission or are thinking about buying one, here are some tips for driving it.
Keep your foot on the brake when you’re stopped
Many people take their foot off the brake when they’re stopped going up a hill. With regular automatic transmission, it’s unnecessary to keep the break pushed since you’re not going to roll forward. If you’re driving a dual clutch transmission, it’s a huge no-no. If you take your foot off the brake, you’ll roll back a little, and then the gear will grab it and keep it from rolling. However, it’s going to be slipping slightly, and wearing out little every time you do it.
Don’t floor it in traffic
If you’re in stop and go traffic on the freeway and the other lane is moving quickly, it’s tempting to fly into the other lane and floor it to get up to speed. If you do this in a dual clutch automatic, you are putting yourself and the cars behind you in danger. You can’t floor it and get up to speed as quickly as regular automatics. Stay in your lane unless you have plenty of time before cars get to you, especially since cutting people off is never a good idea.
Don’t creep in traffic
When you’re in stop and go traffic, you spend a lot of time creeping forward slowly. Even when you’re at a red light, a lot of people creep forward before the light turns green. Everyone knows traffic creeping is pointless, but they do it anyway out of habit. You need to break that habit in a dual clutch transmission. Creeping in traffic or at red lights is only going to wear out your clutch more quickly. The next time you do it, actively tell yourself not to do it again.
Manual transmissions have better gas mileage than automatics, which is why dual clutch transmissions are being put into vehicles. You can save money on gas while having the convenience of an automatic transmission. Just make sure you know how to drive it without wearing out your clutch too quickly.
For more information, contact local professionals like Benchmark Motors INC.
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Fri Sep 2, 2016
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Hello, my name is Kyle, and if you’re into automobiles, you’ll find plenty of exciting and interesting things to read about on my blog. I’ve always had a fascination for automobiles, and I spend most of my free time looking at automobile magazines, traveling to auto shows, visiting local car dealerships, and talking to auto dealers. If any of my friends or family members need to know anything about a vehicle, they just ask me. Since I know so much about vehicles, my sister suggested that I write a blog. In my blog, you’ll find out about the latest vehicles, their specifications, and safety ratings. In addition to new vehicle information, you’ll also learn about some of the older models too. If you like automobiles as much as I do, I think you’ll really enjoy reading my blog.
http://www.listbooster.com/2015/05/08/what-should-you-know-about-repairing-a-dual-clutch-transmission/
http://karwoodmotorsports.com/2016/09/02/tips-for-driving-a-dual-clutch-transmission-so-you-dont-destroy-it/
