Is the Envision's Transmission Dry or Wet Type?
4 Answers
The Envision 1.5T model uses a dry-type 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, independently developed and manufactured by SAIC-GM. The 2.0T model employs a conventional 9-speed automatic manual transmission. Below is an introduction to dry and wet clutch transmissions: 1. Dry Clutch: This type uses air for cooling, hence called dry clutch. During operation, it requires smooth engagement/disengagement with power sources and should not overheat even during brief semi-engaged states. 2. Wet Clutch: This variant utilizes oil for cooling, termed wet clutch. The cooling oil doesn't protect friction plates but ensures smoother power delivery.
I've driven the Buick Envision for several years, and it comes with a dry dual-clutch transmission. This design doesn't use dedicated fluid to cool the clutch plates but relies on air cooling instead. So, in urban traffic congestion—like during rush hour commutes with frequent stop-and-go driving—the transmission tends to overheat and develop jerky shifts. However, the advantages are clear: it enables lightning-fast gear changes, delivers smooth acceleration, and offers significantly better fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions. On long highway trips, it feels very smooth, though I recommend using cruise control in heavy traffic to reduce strain on the transmission. Regular maintenance is crucial—for example, inspecting clutch wear every 20,000 km to avoid excessive semi-engagement. Overall, for daily family use, the dry dual-clutch is quite reliable as long as you mind your driving habits.
From the perspective of transmission structure, the Envision commonly uses a dry dual-clutch system. This means the clutch and transmission components are in direct contact without oil-immersed cooling, offering advantages such as simple structure, lightweight, and improved fuel economy. However, the downside is poor heat dissipation, especially in high-temperature environments or during continuous hill climbing, which may lead to premature clutch wear. Based on my experience, it performs efficiently and responsively in urban short-distance driving. But if you frequently drive on highways or long distances, it's best to have a professional inspection every 15,000 kilometers. General Motors has optimized the control programs for this type of transmission, mitigating many early-stage jerking issues. Compared to wet systems, dry ones save more space and maintenance costs but have slightly lower durability. When purchasing, consider your driving habits to maximize its potential.
Many people ask me about the Envision's transmission type—it actually uses a dry dual-clutch setup. This design is common in economy models. After multiple test drives in my friend's car, I noticed slight vibrations during low-speed starts, especially in stop-and-go traffic with frequent gear shifts. However, this isn't a major issue—just regularly clean the air filter to aid cooling. GM's tuning makes it noticeably smoother. Owner feedback shows that with proper maintenance, dry transmissions can last over 100,000 km. I recommend checking the transmission fluid level right after getting a new car to prevent overheating failures. Simply put, dry dual-clutch is practical but requires moderate upkeep.
