Should You Shift to Neutral at a Red Light with a Dual-Clutch Transmission?
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When waiting at a red light, vehicles equipped with a dual-clutch transmission do not need to shift to neutral. Introduction: A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) differs from conventional automatic transmission systems. It combines the characteristics of both manual and automatic transmissions, offering the flexibility of a manual transmission and the comfort of an automatic transmission, while also providing uninterrupted power output. Working Principle: The dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) is based on the structure of a manual transmission. However, unlike a manual transmission, the DCT features two clutches connected to two input shafts. Gear shifting and clutch operations are controlled by an integrated electro-hydraulic mechanical module, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal. Similar to a tiptronic hydraulic automatic transmission, the driver can manually shift gears or leave the gear lever in fully automatic D mode (comfort mode, shifting at low engine speeds) or S mode (sport mode, shifting at high engine speeds). In this mode, gear shifts are typically executed by gear and clutch actuators. The two clutches are each connected to different input shafts. For example, if clutch 1 is linked to gear 5 via a solid shaft, clutch 2 is connected to gears 4, 6, and reverse via a hollow shaft.