When to Change the Oil for a Dual-Clutch Transmission?
2 Answers
Dual-clutch transmissions typically require an oil change at around 80,000 kilometers. Below is some relevant information about dual-clutch transmissions: 1. Dual-clutch transmissions differ from semi-automatic transmission systems; they are based on manual transmissions rather than automatic transmissions and feature a design with two clutches. 2. Dual-clutch transmissions can be divided into two types: dry and wet, with their primary difference being the cooling method. Dry clutches use air cooling, while wet clutches use liquid cooling. 3. The oil change methods and types of oil used for wet and dry transmissions are quite different. Wet transmissions use only one type of oil, known as "direct shift gear oil."
Every time I perform maintenance on a dual-clutch transmission, I emphasize the importance of referring to the owner's manual for specific recommendations, as there can be significant differences between models and brands. Generally, it's advised to change the fluid every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, but this should be adjusted based on your daily driving conditions. For instance, frequent stop-and-go traffic in urban areas causes the transmission fluid temperature to rise quickly and accelerates fluid degradation, potentially requiring an earlier change at around 30,000 kilometers. If you do more highway driving, you might extend the interval slightly. DCT fluid isn't just for lubrication—it also handles hydraulic control and signal transmission. If left unchanged for too long, accumulated impurities can lead to rough shifting and accelerated clutch wear. Timely maintenance ensures smoother transmission operation and helps avoid costly repairs down the road.
