Understanding Dual Clutch Transmissions: Benefits, Differences

Humanity has been fiddling with teethed gears since the invention of pulley systems and has now near-perfectly installed them in our vehicular transmissions. The automotive industry witnessed the revolution of energy transfer from engine to car axle by moving on from traditional Manual Systems to Automatic Transmissions. One such efficient category is Dual-Clutch Transmission technology(DTC) which is the core of this blog.
Dual Clutch Transmissions: An Overview
A dual clutch gearbox is an automatic transmission that utilizes two separate clutches for odd and even gears in a vehicle. This design is based on two individual manual transmissions and their supporting clutches working in a single unit within one casing.

How Dual Clutch Transmissions Work
The main objective of incorporating a Dual Clutch Transmission is to eliminate the need to disturb the torque supply to the axle as one shifts the gear. Dual Clutch Transmissions allow for the pre-selection of an odd-numbered gear while the vehicle is engaged with an even-numbered gear.
Dual clutch transmission comes in two versions:

Wet DCT (immersed in oil, used for higher torque engines)
Dry DCT (used for lower torque engines)

Dual Clutch Transmission: Advantages

Faster Gear Shifts: Dual Clutch Gearbox allows for seamless change of gears allowing faster shifts.
Increased Fuel Efficiency: Fuel Efficiency increases due to a reduction in torque wastage, unlike manual transmissions.
Reduced Energy wastage curve: Energy is conversed which would usually be lost while speeding down in manual transmissions.
Reducing Human Error: High-speed sports cars and even casual adventures can benefit from the Dual Clutch system, overall enriching their experience

Dual Clutch Transmission vs DSG Transmission: Key Differences
DSG, Direct Shift Gearbox is a type of DCT developed and branded by the Volkswagen Group such as Skoda, SEAT, and Audi.
Where DCT, Dual Clutch Gearbox is the general term for transmissions utilising two clutches, including all the other brands.
DSG and Dual Clutch Transmissions are fundamentally similar. The difference lies in branding and specific tuning for different driving experiences. DSG is just a branded type of Dual Clutch Transmission used by Volkswagen Group.
Best Cars with Dual Clutch Transmission

1. Hyundai i20 N Line
Gearbox: 7 Speed DCT
2. Skoda Slavia
Gearbox: 7 Speed DSG (variant)
3. Volkswagen Virtus
Gearbox: 7 Speed DSG
4. Kia Seltos
Gearbox: 7 Speed DCT
5. Hyundai Verna
Gearbox: 7 Speed DCT

Dual Clutch Transmissions: Problems

Complexity and Cost: The complex design and technology require more assets to be manufactured.
Reliability Concerns: Early versions of DCTs faced reliability issues, raising questions regarding their efficiency.
Expensive Maintenance: Wet DCT transmissions often need more attention and maintenance procedures.

Final Thoughts on Dual Clutch Transmission
Dual clutch transmissions are a major part of present and future automotive technology. Currently, the Dual Clutch Gearbox Technology offer a unique blend of speed, modern wonders and efficiency. By understanding dual clutch transmission, one can truly make an informed decision when choosing their next car.