Where is the cooling vent of Volkswagen's dry dual-clutch located?
2 Answers
The cooling vent of Volkswagen's dry dual-clutch is located above the transmission. Principle of dry dual-clutch cooling: When the clutch plates of a dry dual-clutch engage, they rely entirely on direct friction, making them highly prone to overheating. This can lead to severe wear and a reduced lifespan. The cooling of a dry dual-clutch primarily depends on the airflow generated while the vehicle is in motion. If cooling is insufficient, the clutch plates may overheat and trigger a warning. Precautions for using a dry dual-clutch: If your city experiences heavy traffic with frequent stop-and-go driving, it is not recommended to purchase a vehicle equipped with a dry dual-clutch transmission. Additionally, due to the low water-wading depth of dry dual-clutches and the presence of cooling vents around the clutch, water can enter through these vents and cause rusting. Therefore, if you live in a humid or rainy area, it is also advisable to avoid using a dry dual-clutch.
I've worked at a Volkswagen 4S shop for quite some time and frequently deal with dry dual-clutch transmission issues. The cooling vents are typically designed at the bottom of the transmission housing, positioned low to facilitate airflow and heat dissipation. For example, in cars like the Golf or Polo, the vent openings are located on the side of the transmission near the front drive shaft—they're not easy to spot unless you look closely. Since dry dual-clutch transmissions tend to overheat during frequent gear shifts, these vents allow cool air to enter and hot air to escape, preventing damage to internal components. I've encountered many cases where dust or mud clogged the vents, leading to transmission shuddering or warning alerts. I recommend that owners check and clean the vent openings every six months or have the technician inspect them during routine maintenance to extend the transmission's lifespan.