DCT, also known as the dual-clutch transmission is a type of automatic transmission offering supremely fast upshifts and downshifts.
Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission (DCT): How does it work?
In conventional transmissions where there is only a single drive shaft connected to the clutch which is responsible for all the gear ratios, in DCT, there are two independent shafts connected to each other. The even gears 2, 4, 6 are responsible by one shaft and the odd gears 1, 3, 5, and R are responsible by the other shaft. This arrangement changes the gears without interrupting the power flow from the motor to the transmission.
The clutch uses a hydraulic pressure system to engage the gears. Clutches in DCT are of two types: dry and wet. Where dry clutches are standard gears responsible for outputting power to the shaft, wet clutches are just lubricated to offer better resistance to heat and temperature.
Also Read: What Is Torque Converter Automatic Transmission? And How Does It Work?
Advantages of Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
- Both upshifts and downshifts are extremely quick.
- Best automatic option for performance-based vehicles.
- Offer better fuel efficiency due to uninterrupted and smooth power flow from the clutch to the shaft to the wheels.
Disadvantages of Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
- Very expensive in comparison to a manual transmission with an incremental cost of around Rs 1.50 lakh.
- Reliability is an issue.
- Very complex and expensive to maintain and repair.
Also Read: What Is AMT Transmission? And How Does It Work?
Verdict on DCT
Coming with an incremental cost of around Rs 1.5 lakh over manual transmissions, DCT clearly discriminates between want and need. Although extremely quick, reliability does come into question with DCTs due to their overheating issues, mainly due to the quick shifts. But if you’re performance-hungry and absolutely need an automatic gearbox then look no further than this.