Which is Better: Dry Dual Clutch or Wet Dual Clutch?
2 Answers
Wet dual clutch is better than dry dual clutch, but it is also more expensive. Wet dual clutch refers to a multi-plate clutch system where two sets of clutches, one large and one small, are coaxially installed together. They are housed in a sealed oil chamber filled with hydraulic fluid, giving the wet clutch structure better adjustment capabilities and superior thermal properties. It can transmit larger torque without damage. However, due to layout and friction material selection factors, the overall size of a wet dual clutch is larger than that of a dry dual clutch. Below is a detailed comparison between wet dual clutch and dry dual clutch: 1. Differences: The key difference between wet and dry dual clutches lies in the working environment of their clutch plates. In a wet dual clutch, the clutch plates are immersed in transmission fluid, whereas in a dry dual clutch, the plates directly contact the engine flywheel. From a perspective of technical maturity and reliability, wet dual clutches are more stable because the hydraulic fluid helps dissipate heat from the clutch plates. Dry dual clutches, on the other hand, suffer from poor heat dissipation, making them prone to overheating or even burning in congested urban driving conditions. In this regard, wet dual clutch transmissions are more mature in technology. However, wet dual clutches are more complex in structure, have higher manufacturing costs, and their power transmission efficiency is lower than that of dry dual clutches. 2. Advantages: Wet dual clutches are stable and mature, capable of achieving fast and smooth gear shifts without interruption. Additionally, the fluid helps dissipate heat at low speeds, preventing overheating. 3. Disadvantages: Naturally, due to their complex structure, wet dual clutches are larger and heavier, with significantly higher manufacturing costs compared to dry dual clutches. They also require more time and effort to maintain and need regular cooling fluid replacements.
Dry or wet dual-clutch, it mainly depends on your driving habits. Last time I had my car repaired, the mechanic told me that dry dual-clutch has a simpler structure and lower cost, but in city traffic jams, the clutch frequently operates in a semi-engaged state, which can easily lead to overheating. However, if you mainly drive on highways, it is indeed more fuel-efficient with higher transmission efficiency. The wet type is immersed in oil for better heat dissipation, is more durable, and suitable for frequently congested road conditions, with a significantly longer lifespan, though it's a bit more expensive and slightly less fuel-efficient. My previous hot hatch used a wet type, and it handled continuous downshifting on mountain roads without any issues. If your budget allows, going directly for the wet type is more worry-free, while those who frequently drive long distances can save some money by choosing the dry type.
