What is the method to distinguish between dry and wet dual-clutch?
2 Answers
The method to distinguish between dry and wet dual-clutch is: the clutch plates of a dry dual-clutch are not immersed in transmission oil; the clutch plates of a wet dual-clutch are immersed in transmission oil. The transmission principles of both dry and wet dual-clutches are basically the same, with two clutches taking turns to work. The connection medium between the driving disc and the driven disc differs between dry and wet clutches: dry dual-clutches rely on air, while wet dual-clutches rely on oil. Dry clutches can easily engage and disengage with the power, and even under short-term semi-clutch conditions, the clutch will not overheat. Wet clutches are mostly used in automatic transmissions, which are now commonly found in automated manual transmissions.
I have studied automotive technology for many years, and the distinction between dry and wet dual-clutch transmissions primarily lies in their cooling methods. Wet dual-clutch transmissions have their clutch plates fully immersed in transmission oil, much like ingredients submerged in oil while cooking. The oil quickly dissipates heat and lubricates the friction surfaces, making them more durable. Therefore, high-performance vehicles like those with 2.0T engines typically use wet dual-clutch transmissions, especially SUVs or sports cars. Dry dual-clutch transmissions, on the other hand, have their clutch plates exposed to air and rely on fans for cooling. They are simpler in structure and lower in cost, but their cooling efficiency is generally inferior. Frequent gear shifts in heavy traffic can lead to overheating and shuddering, which is why they are commonly found in smaller displacement models below 1.5L. A simple way to differentiate is to check the transmission model in the manual—those labeled 'wet' or requiring oil changes during maintenance are definitely wet types. Alternatively, you can judge by the vehicle type: everyday commuter cars usually use dry types, while hot hatches like the Golf employ wet dual-clutch transmissions.
