Why is the Dual-Clutch Transmission Slow to Start?
2 Answers
Dual-clutch transmission's slow start is related to its protection program. During driving, if the car frequently stops and starts, the protection program of the dual-clutch transmission will disengage the clutch. Even when the brake is released, the car won't move forward and will only respond after pressing the accelerator. Methods for maintaining the transmission include: 1. Change the automatic transmission fluid every 12 months or 20,000 kilometers; 2. Avoid coasting in neutral; 3. Regularly check the fluid level; 4. Do not skip gears when upshifting; 5. Do not forcibly shift to neutral; 6. Do not shorten the idle warm-up time; 7. Avoid gear grinding when shifting; 8. Clean the transmission; 9. Do not start driving immediately without warming up the car; 10. Perform regular maintenance on the automatic transmission.
When driving a car with a dual-clutch transmission, the start can sometimes be sluggish, which is particularly annoying—I've encountered this several times. This is likely because the transmission is very cautious during take-off, hesitant to engage the clutch directly to avoid wear or overheating. A dual-clutch has two clutches: one handles the current gear while the other prepares the next. However, when you initially press the accelerator, if the engine speed hasn’t risen or the load isn’t suitable, the system delays engagement to protect the mechanical components. The design intention is good—preventing damage from abrupt starts—but in daily driving, especially in traffic jams, it feels jerky and less responsive compared to other transmissions. If the software tuning isn’t optimized, as is often the case with lower-end models, the issue becomes more pronounced. Over time, you get used to letting it buffer slightly before accelerating.