Will Using Manual Mode All the Time Damage a Dual-Clutch Transmission?
2 Answers
Using manual mode all the time will not damage a dual-clutch transmission. Prolonged use of manual mode in a dual-clutch transmission does not cause harm to the transmission. Under manual mode, the transmission operates simply through gear transfer, and the vehicle's purely mechanical structure ensures the most stable working mode. Dual-clutch transmissions shift quickly: The shift time of a dual-clutch transmission is very short, even faster than that of a manual transmission, taking less than 0.2 seconds. When shifting a manual transmission, the driver needs to simultaneously control the clutch, gear lever, and throttle, which can be burdensome, especially for beginners, potentially causing driver stress and affecting driving safety. Dual-clutch transmissions have no torque loss during shifting: Inexperienced drivers often stall their manual transmission vehicles on the road, especially on slopes, and improper operation may risk damaging the engine and transmission.
I've been driving a dual-clutch car for three years and often switch to manual mode for mountain roads. Actually, as long as you don't go overboard, it's fine. The manual mode in a dual-clutch is essentially still computer-controlled for shift timing, but the shift points are determined by the driver. When operating this way, I mainly focus on two points: don't shift at too low RPM to avoid lugging the engine, and don't hold off on upshifting to prevent the engine from screaming. In traffic jams, I switch back to automatic mode to let the computer handle it, avoiding frequent semi-clutch engagement that increases wear. Once during maintenance, I specifically asked the technician, who said that under normal use, the clutch plates can last up to 150,000 kilometers. Don't be overly nervous about switching modes frequently, as it might actually harm the car more.
