
The transmission brand of the Tiguan L is Aisin. Founded in 1969, Aisin is a world-renowned professional developer and manufacturer of automotive automatic transmissions. In the field of automotive automatic transmissions, Aisin's products hold the world's highest market share. The Tiguan L uses a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission has seven forward gears and is also known as a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, utilizing a wet clutch. The characteristics of a wet dual-clutch transmission include two sets of multi-plate clutches—one large and one small—installed coaxially within a sealed oil chamber filled with hydraulic fluid. This wet clutch structure offers better adjustability and higher thermal tolerance, enabling the transmission of relatively large torque. For the Tiguan L's transmission in daily use, the following points should be noted: Do not delay transmission fluid changes for extended periods. Prolonged failure to change the transmission fluid can lead to damage to internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid prolonged coasting in neutral. While driving manual transmission vehicles, many experienced drivers may coast in neutral, but for automatic transmission vehicles, coasting in neutral can cause the transmission to overheat and may result in a noticeable jolt when shifting back into Drive (D). Never shift into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Many drivers, aiming for smooth operation, shift into reverse while the vehicle is still moving, which can cause significant damage to the transmission gears and, over time, lead to gear grinding and other failures. Avoid frequently climbing steep slopes in Drive (D). When facing steep inclines, automatic transmission vehicles may overheat due to high load or upshift too early, resulting in insufficient power. In such cases, use manual mode to lock in a lower gear or switch to sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If an automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck to move the vehicle onto the tow platform while it is in Neutral (N). Avoid using tow ropes or towing the vehicle directly.

The Volkswagen Tiguan L primarily uses a DSG dual-clutch transmission. I've personally repaired many of these vehicles and find its design quite intelligent. DSG comes in two types: dry and wet. The dry type is commonly found in low-power versions, with a simple structure but occasional jerking; the wet type is used in higher-end or turbocharged models, offering better cooling, faster shifting, and a more enjoyable driving experience. Manual transmissions might be available as an option, but few people choose them nowadays. For maintenance, I recommend regular transmission fluid changes to prevent overheating and malfunctions, which can affect fuel efficiency and driving pleasure. While driving, the DSG responds quickly and saves fuel, but be cautious of overheating during prolonged traffic jams to avoid breakdowns.

I've been driving the Tiguan L for two years, and its transmission is the DSG dual-clutch type, which operates very smoothly. When cruising around the city, starting and shifting gears are seamless, giving a premium feel. The higher-end models might use the wet version, which handles speed reduction and upshifting effortlessly during highway cruising, keeping fuel consumption well under control. Occasionally, during long trips, the transmission adjusts the engine speed to help reduce the risk of fatigue driving. However, I remind myself not to stomp on the accelerator for too long to avoid overheating. I regularly check the transmission fluid and change it every 50,000 kilometers, which works quite well.

The Tiguan L is mostly equipped with DSG dual-clutch transmissions, which are designed for high efficiency. As a daily commuter, it makes driving worry-free with clear automatic shifting logic, smooth operation, and no jerking. In most cases, the base models use dry-type transmissions for lightweight and ease of use, while higher trims may feature wet-type ones for better durability. Compared to old-school manual transmissions, the DSG saves fuel, responds quickly, and enhances urban commuting efficiency. For maintenance, simply ensure timely oil and filter changes to prevent safety issues caused by malfunctions. Simply put, it’s a smart assistant that elevates the overall driving experience.


