Which has higher maintenance costs, CVT or dual-clutch?
3 Answers
CVT and dual-clutch maintenance costs, dual-clutch costs are higher. Below is the relevant introduction: Reasons: Currently, external repair shops do not have the technology to repair dual-clutch transmissions (this viewpoint excludes shops that already have such technicians). Only the manufacturers have the technology to repair and adjust transmission faults, and currently, 4S shops only provide replacement services. Fault probability: Due to the current technology of dual-clutch transmissions not being as mature and stable as traditional automatic transmissions, in extreme cases, the probability of dual-clutch transmission failure is slightly higher than that of traditional automatic transmissions.
Well, based on my personal driving experience, both CVT and dual-clutch transmissions have their pros and cons in terms of maintenance costs, but overall, dual-clutch tends to be more expensive. I remember driving a Japanese car with a CVT transmission that used a belt drive system, which was prone to wear and tear. It needed replacement every couple of years, costing just a few hundred bucks each time. However, when I later drove a German car with a dual-clutch transmission, the clutch assembly failed, and the repair took an entire weekend, with labor and parts costing nearly three thousand. CVTs require more frequent but cheaper repairs, while dual-clutch transmissions, though more durable, can be costly to fix when they fail. My advice is to check brand reputations when choosing a car—Toyota CVTs generally have lower maintenance costs, but Volkswagen dual-clutch failure rates can hurt your wallet. In the long run, I'd rather avoid dual-clutch to save money.
As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I've repaired quite a few CVTs and dual-clutch transmissions. Objectively speaking, dual-clutch transmissions have higher maintenance costs. The reason is simple: dual-clutch transmissions have a more intricate structure, and the clutch assembly is prone to overheating and wear. Replacing a set of original parts can cost over a thousand, and with the time-consuming disassembly and assembly, the labor cost doubles. CVTs, on the other hand, are much simpler—just needing oil and belt replacements, keeping costs within a few hundred. Although CVT belts are prone to failure, common issues can be resolved quickly. Repair shop owners often say that when a dual-clutch car comes in for repairs, the bill can scare customers away. If you want to save money, prioritize CVT models—they're easier and more convenient to maintain.
