What does dry dual-clutch mean?
1 Answers
Dry dual-clutch refers to a dual-clutch transmission where the clutch plates are not immersed in transmission oil. The dual-clutch transmission combines the flexibility of a manual transmission with the comfort of an automatic transmission, while also providing uninterrupted power output. Dual-clutch transmissions are divided into dry and wet types. They share the same structure and shifting principles, but differ in the cooling method of the clutch. The clutch plates in a dry dual-clutch rely on air cooling when engaged. Heat dissipation depends on airflow generated while the vehicle is moving, so there are some cooling holes around the clutch. During traffic jams, frequent starts, upshifts, and downshifts may cause the clutch plates to overheat due to insufficient cooling, triggering warnings and shortening the lifespan of the clutch plates. Wet dual-clutch transmissions rely on oil for cooling, with transmission oil added to the sealed clutch assembly, supplemented by a radiator. Wet dual-clutch transmissions must have a hydraulic pump, lubricant, cooling pipes, and an external cooling system. The advantage of wet dual-clutch is its superior cooling performance, allowing it to handle higher power and torque, making it more suitable for performance cars and high-power vehicles.