How to Maintain a Dry Dual-Clutch Transmission?
2 Answers
When starting on a steep slope, avoid prolonged high-throttle starts, as this can cause clutch slippage and burning. If you are in 5th gear and the vehicle in front suddenly brakes, you will need to downshift after braking to start again. However, with a dual-clutch transmission, all forward gears need to be re-established after downshifting. Frequently revving the engine too high in manual mode is detrimental to both the engine and the dual-clutch transmission.
When I first bought the car, I researched maintenance for the dry dual-clutch transmission since it lacks fluid cooling and is prone to overheating. Every time I get in the car, I remind myself not to ride the clutch for too long in stop-and-go traffic—for example, at red lights, I shift to neutral in advance to let the clutch rest. Regular checks of the transmission fluid are crucial; although frequent changes aren’t necessary, I have the mechanic check the fluid level every 20,000 km. In terms of driving habits, I avoid stomping on the accelerator when starting and gently engage the clutch on slopes to reduce wear. I’ve noticed that frequent hard acceleration leads to faster wear and higher fuel consumption. Before parking, I let the car coast for a while to cool down. Once, I heard a buzzing noise and knew it was time for maintenance—I promptly took it to a professional shop for a checkup, which didn’t cost much. The dry dual-clutch design is compact and has decent longevity, but paying attention to daily details can save a lot of repair hassle.
