What is the Difference Between Dry Dual Clutch and Wet Dual Clutch?
2 Answers
Dual-clutch transmissions can be mainly divided into two types: dry dual clutch and wet dual clutch. The difference between these two clutches lies in the connecting medium between the driving disc and the driven disc. The dry dual clutch relies on air for transmission, while the wet dual clutch uses oil. Here are the details about dry and wet dual clutches: 1. Dry Clutch: A manual friction plate clutch with low cost and high mechanical transmission efficiency; the downside is that operation requires mastering specific techniques, is relatively cumbersome, and has a high failure rate. 2. Wet Clutch: An automatic oil-immersed friction plate clutch, which requires the design of a hydraulic coupler or torque converter to work in conjunction with the power flexible connection. It has a high cost and low mechanical transmission efficiency; the advantage is ease of operation and a low failure rate.
The most obvious difference between dry and wet dual-clutch transmissions lies in the clutch plates. Dry dual-clutch plates operate through direct friction without lubrication, featuring a simpler structure and faster heat dissipation, but they are prone to overheating and shuddering during frequent stop-and-go traffic. Wet dual-clutch plates are fully immersed in transmission fluid, offering better heat dissipation despite slightly increased weight, making them more durable in prolonged congested conditions. For example, during my daily urban commute, the wet type eliminates the annoying jerking sensation when waiting at red lights. Additionally, wet types require more meticulous maintenance, necessitating transmission fluid changes every 50,000 kilometers, unlike their dry counterparts. However, wet types generally have a longer lifespan, often running smoothly for a decade or more without issues.
