Why is it not recommended to use the manual mode of dual-clutch transmission?
2 Answers
It is not recommended to use the manual mode of dual-clutch transmission mainly because of its high failure rate and high maintenance costs. Fast shifting of dual-clutch: The shifting time of dual-clutch transmission is very short, even faster than that of manual transmission, taking less than 0.2 seconds. When shifting a manual transmission, the driver needs to control the clutch, gear lever, and throttle simultaneously, which places a heavy operational burden on the driver, especially for beginners, and can easily cause nervousness, affecting driving safety. No torque loss in dual-clutch shifting: For those who are not proficient in controlling the clutch of a manual transmission, stalling on the road is common, especially when improper operation on slopes can potentially damage the engine and transmission. Complex structure of dual-clutch transmission: The manufacturing process requirements are also relatively high, resulting in higher costs. Manual transmissions have a simpler structure, cheaper maintenance, and better durability.
After driving for so many years, I feel the manual mode on dual-clutch transmissions is just for show. Its original design was for lightning-fast automatic shifts, and using manual mode actually disrupts the computer's shifting logic. Last time I drove a friend's car in the city and kept downshifting in manual mode, the transmission started overheating. The dealership later said this could easily burn out the clutch plates. Plus, it's hard to time the shifts right in manual mode - when crawling in traffic, the semi-engaged state lasts too long, wasting fuel and damaging components. The worst part is the paddle shifters always respond with noticeable lag, nothing like the seamless control of a proper manual transmission. Modern automatic modes are smart enough now - there's really no need to bother with this fake manual function.
