Does the Dual-Clutch Transmission Have Gear Shift Jerk?
2 Answers
The gear shift jerk of the dual-clutch transmission is quite noticeable at low speeds, but once the speed increases, the jerkiness of the dual-clutch transmission becomes much less pronounced. The structure of the dual-clutch transmission is similar to that of a manual transmission, with the addition of an extra clutch and a set of gear shift control mechanisms. One clutch in the dual-clutch transmission controls the odd-numbered gears, while the other controls the even-numbered gears. The brand that first began large-scale use of dual-clutch transmissions was Volkswagen. Volkswagen extensively adopted small-displacement turbocharged engines and dual-clutch transmissions in its vehicles. The dual-clutch transmission was jointly developed by Volkswagen and BorgWarner.
As an enthusiast who frequently drives dual-clutch vehicles, I find this issue quite common, but it depends on the specific situation. The dual-clutch transmission is designed for faster gear shifts and is theoretically smooth, as it's like an upgraded version of a manual transmission, using two clutches that alternate in operation. However, during low-speed driving, such as in traffic jams or when starting up, it tends to jerk, feeling like being pushed forward and then pulled back, especially noticeable when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. This is often due to the clutch plates not engaging perfectly during creeping or the software control not being intelligent enough. Older models or those without timely software updates are more prone to this issue. But at high speeds, it becomes smooth and seamless, with no jerking at all. I believe the key is to adapt your driving style: avoid pressing the accelerator too hard at startup, and warming up the car can improve things significantly. Of course, the model itself plays a big role; choosing a well-tuned brand can avoid most of the troubles. For example, the one I drive rarely has issues with proper maintenance.
