Why is the wet dual-clutch less prone to overheating?

[NoraLynn]

Wet dual-clutch transmissions are less prone to overheating because the transmission oil helps dissipate heat from the clutch plates. The clutch plates are immersed in the transmission oil, allowing the oil to continuously circulate and cool them. A wet dual-clutch transmission refers to a dual-clutch transmission where the clutch plates are submerged in transmission oil. Dual-clutch transmissions come in two types: dry and wet. The characteristics of a dual-clutch transmission include: 1. Improved fuel economy for the vehicle; 2. High responsiveness; 3. No sensation of power interruption during acceleration, resulting in smoother and more powerful acceleration; 4. When in manual mode, the transmission will not upshift even if the accelerator is fully depressed unless the upshift operation is performed.

[LillianaLee]

I've repaired many wet dual-clutch transmissions before, and I think the reason they don't overheat easily is because the clutch plates are fully immersed in oil. This oil acts like a cooling assistant, quickly carrying away the heat generated by friction and preventing temperature buildup. The oil also lubricates the friction surfaces, reducing additional heat sources. Dry dual-clutch transmissions lack this oil layer, so they're prone to burning out in traffic jams or during aggressive driving. Additionally, the oil is circulated, constantly cooled by the oil pump and radiator, ensuring system stability. I remember one time when a driver was pushing hard on the highway, the wet dual-clutch remained rock-solid without any issues, but a dry one would have been fried by then. That's why I often recommend friends to choose wet dual-clutch transmissions—they're worry-free and durable, especially in stop-and-go traffic where you don't have to constantly worry about overheating warnings.

[Maximus]

I've driven cars with wet dual-clutch transmissions a few times and noticed that even when aggressively stepping on the gas in congested city traffic, they don't overheat easily. The key lies in the oil-immersed design—the fluid absorbs most of the heat, which is then cooled by the radiator, acting like a natural air conditioner. This is completely different from dry clutches, which rely solely on air cooling and are far less effective. Plus, the continuous oil lubrication reduces friction point wear, lowering the overall load and making driving smoother and more reassuring. Imagine driving in summer traffic with the AC blasting—the wet dual-clutch remains stable, eliminating frequent shutdowns for checks. As an average car owner, I always prefer it for long trips—it saves money and reduces maintenance frequency. Keep this in mind when choosing a car: wet dual-clutch is genuinely more reliable.

[Grady]

From an engineering perspective, the wet dual-clutch's resistance to overheating is primarily attributed to the thermal conductivity of oil. Oil efficiently absorbs heat and then rapidly dissipates it externally through the circulation system, preventing temperature buildup. This is far more effective than air or dry designs, which rely on natural convection with poor efficiency and are prone to burning out under heavy loads. Oil also reduces contact between friction surfaces, directly lowering the intensity of heat generation. Additionally, the wet design is compact and can incorporate cooling fins to further enhance heat dissipation. Remember in testing, the wet type showed significantly slower temperature rise after continuous acceleration.