Which has a longer lifespan, CVT or DCT?
2 Answers
Theoretically speaking, the DCT dual-clutch transmission should have a longer service life. Over time, CVT transmissions may experience slippage of the steel belt or chain. If slippage occurs, it can lead to a decrease in the transmission's efficiency, a common issue faced by many vehicles equipped with CVT transmissions. Here is an introduction to dual-clutch transmissions: 1. There are two types of dual-clutch transmissions: dry-type and wet-type. 2. The clutch plates in a dry dual-clutch transmission are not immersed in transmission fluid, whereas those in a wet dual-clutch transmission are. 3. Wet dual-clutch transmissions can handle higher torque and offer better reliability and stability. Additionally, wet dual-clutch transmissions have superior heat dissipation performance.
From my driving experience, CVT and DCT each have their own advantages in terms of lifespan. CVT is smoother and simpler, using a steel belt for transmission with fewer mechanical components in its design, so it's less prone to issues under prolonged steady driving—my previous CVT car lasted over 100,000 kilometers without problems. DCT, with its dual-clutch structure, offers faster gear shifts and stronger performance, but the clutch plates wear out quicker in stop-and-go traffic, leading to a slightly shorter lifespan. For example, with frequent starts and stops in city driving, maintenance might be needed after about five years. However, the key factors are maintenance habits, oil change frequency, and brand quality—Toyota's CVT, for instance, is far more durable than some lesser-known brands' DCT. If I had to choose, CVT might have a longer average lifespan, but if you often drive aggressively, a well-maintained DCT can also last a long time.
