What is a Dual Clutch Transmission?
Like everybody, you learned on either a manual or an automatic transmission. You still may prefer one over the other. But you can have the best of both with a dual clutch transmission (DCT), also referred to as a “twin-clutch” or “automated manual” transmission.
Why “Dual”?
Like its name suggests, a DCT vehicle literally has two transmissions. When one is engaged, the other is pre-loading or “prepping” for the next gear. One transmission usually handles the odd-numbered gears, while the other is responsible for the even-numbered ones; reverse gear is controlled by one or the other.
The purpose behind DCTs is to change gears without interrupting the power flow from engine to transmission. By having the next gear on “standby,” when the active one disengages, gears switch more smoothly and the car is less likely to lurch. DCTs are particularly suited for high-speed driving, and in fact, that’s where the concept originated—in the racing industry.
However, DCTs didn’t generally become available for passenger vehicles until the turn of the century. Now they’re commonly available in various models of sports and luxury vehicles, including Audi, Nisson, Volkswagen, Porsche, and Mercedes. They’re also used in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, such as trucks and large farm equipment, and recently are becoming more popular in lower-priced vehicles.
Dual clutch transmission (DCT) pros and cons
It’s a tough call: DCTs have advantages and disadvantages. You might like DCTs because:
- There’s no manual shifting or clutch pedal to manage
- They offer better fuel economy than other transmission types, as there is no torque converter
- Shifting between gears is smoother, thanks to the dual gearboxes
- They’re really good for higher-speed and highway driving
On the other hand, you might not like DCTs because:
- They don’t always shift smoothly at very low speeds
- They’re more expensive than standards or automatics and they cost more to repair or replace
- Two transmissions take up additional space under the hood
Having said all of that, choosing your transmission type is just one of many choices you have when you’re shopping for a vehicle nowadays. It all boils down to your preferences, your budget, and what you intend to use the vehicle for.
Have Transmission Needs?
Look no further than Sun Transmissions of Miami! We have every conceivable part and accessory for automatic transmissions, including overhaul and re-build kits as well as power steering parts, like power steering gear seal kit, solenoid parts or TSS parts and more. We carry only the best equipment brands and will ship to you wherever you are in the U.S. Let us help you today!
Dual Clutch Transmission Parts
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Original price $67.15 - Original price $67.15Original price$67.15 - $67.15Current price
Friction Pack Raybestos 0B5 DL501
RAYBESTOSFriction Pack Raybestos 0B5 DL501 DCT Transmissions: 0B5 (DL501) 2008-UP Vehicle AUDIA4 2008-2016 7 SP 4WD L4 2.0L V6 3.0L V8 4.2LA5, Q5 2008-2016...
View full detailsOriginal price $67.15 - Original price $67.15Original price$67.15 - $67.15Current priceCall for Availability -
Original price $33.31 - Original price $33.31Original price$33.31$33.31 - $33.31Current price $33.31Automatic Transmission Fluid Dual Clutch Lubegard
LUBEGARDLUBEGARD Multi-Vehicle Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid: The Ultimate DCT Protection LUBEGARD's Multi-Vehicle Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid offers u...
View full detailsOriginal price $33.31 - Original price $33.31Original price$33.31$33.31 - $33.31Current price $33.31 -
Original price $92.02 - Original price $92.02Original price$92.02$92.02 - $92.02Current price $92.02Steel Pack 0B5 DL501
ALLOMATICSteel Pack 0B5 DL501 Transmissions: 0B5 (DL501) 2008-UP Vehicle AUDIA4 2008-2016 7 SP 4WD L4 2.0L V6 3.0L V8 4.2LA5, Q5 2008-2016 7 SP 4WD L4 2.0L...
View full detailsOriginal price $92.02 - Original price $92.02Original price$92.02$92.02 - $92.02Current price $92.02 -
Original price $51.57 - Original price $51.57Original price$51.57$51.57 - $51.57Current price $51.57Friction Pack Allomatic DSG 02E DQ250
ALLOMATICFriction Pack Allomatic DSG 02E DQ250 Transmissions: 02E (DQ250) 2003-UP Vehicle AUDIA3 2003-2016 6 SP F/4WD L4 1.8L 2.0LQ3 2013-2016 6 SP F/4WD L...
View full detailsOriginal price $51.57 - Original price $51.57Original price$51.57$51.57 - $51.57Current price $51.57 -
Original price $276.20 - Original price $276.20Original price$276.20 - $276.20Current price
Overhaul Kit Transtec without Pistons DL501 0B5
FREUDENBERGOverhaul Kit Transtec without Pistons DL501 0B5 7 SPEED DSGTransmissions: 0B5 (DL501) 2008-UP Vehicle AUDIA4 2008-2016 7 SP 4WD L4 2.0L V6 3.0L V8...
View full detailsOriginal price $276.20 - Original price $276.20Original price$276.20 - $276.20Current priceCall for Availability
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