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Dual Clutch transmission fluid: Dual Clutch ATF is fully synthetic automatic transmission fluid specifically designed to extend the life and performance of dual-clutch automatic transmissions (one clutch for even gears and one clutch for odd gears).
Formulated with premium synthetic basestocks and exceptional friction modifiers to help ensure smooth shifting under variable driving conditions, it’s designed to help prevent leaks, reduce wear, resist mud and maximize performance—all for a long time. than conventional fluids. It has improved thermal stability for longer fluid life, better viscosity stability for consistent transmission operation, and specific friction improvements for smooth gear engagements.
A dual-clutch transmission is designed with two clutches instead of one to shift faster and smoother between gears. Despite the positives, a dual-clutch transmission presents its own set of challenges, all of which were uniquely considered when we developed Valvoline Dual Clutch ATF. It is formulated to meet or exceed Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz specifications.
When to change the transmission fluid?
Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, you’ll want to make sure your transmission stays in good shape by periodically changing your transmission fluid. If you’re wondering when to change your transmission fluid, we at Ira Toyota of Manchester have the answer!
When to change the transmission fluid?
Manual: Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles
Automatic: Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles
Changing your transmission fluid is important, but the type of transmission you have affects the ideal change interval. If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have an automatic transmission, you can typically increase that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
There is nothing wrong with changing the fluid early. Drivers with manual transmissions who use their vehicles for heavy-duty jobs may want to change the fluid every 15,000 miles. Similarly, it may be necessary to change your automatic transmission fluid every 30,000 miles in some circumstances.
At the end of the day, consulting your owner’s manual or a trained technician is the best course of action to find the precise interval for your vehicle.
What is transmission fluid?
Transmission fluid lubricates the various moving parts of your car’s transmission to improve its performance. If you have an automatic transmission, it also acts as a coolant and helps transfer power from the engine to your transmission.
Like the oil in your engine, transmission fluid will deteriorate over time. As it becomes dirty and clogged with debris, its ability to keep the transmission lubricated and help transfer power will be compromised. Changing your transmission fluid is an inexpensive way to keep your systems at the top of their game and avoid complex and expensive repairs.
Signs that you need to change your transmission fluid
The best way to know if you need to change your transmission fluid is to check it yourself or have a trained technician do it for you. New transmission fluid will usually be bright red, and if yours looks dark brown or blackened, you may want to have your transmission checked.
Some other signs that you need new transmission fluid include:
- Hard shifting
- Nose grinding Skiddy gears Unexpected dispensing
- (
- forward or reverse)
If you notice these signs, take your vehicle to a service center immediately to have the fluid inspected of the transmission and what is necessary.
Dual-clutch gearbox: how to prevent premature wear
The dual-clutch gearbox shifts automatically and feels like a conventional automatic transmission. But its internal parts are quite unique.
The clutches in a double clutch gearbox are designed solely to transmit power.
In a conventional automatic transmission, they serve to select the proper gear, while the torque converter transmits power to the engine.
You don’t have to change your driving style just because your car has a dual clutch gearbox. But clutch slippage, which can prematurely wear clutches, is a risk.
So remember these tips to preserve the longevity of your clutch pack.
USING THE BRAKE PEDAL
The brake pedal or foot brake is the gearbox controller’s main source of information for disengaging the clutch. It’s not the manual parking brake.
Never set the parking brake and release the brake pedal when the gear is in D or R. It does not matter if the parking brake is manual or electronic.
Doing this will cause the clutch to engage, but since the car is not moving, the clutch will slip.
DO NOT USE THE GEARBOX TO HOLD THE CAR
When your car is on a hill, use the brake pedal to keep it stationary. If you hold in position with the dual-clutch gearbox, the clutch slips.
Doing the same in a manual car will also wear out your clutch.
The same maneuver does not harm a conventional automatic gearbox.
USING MANUAL MODE
The manual mode of the gearbox is not just for fun. In a dual-clutch transmission, you should select it when you need to drive slowly.
For example, use manual mode when you are in a parking lot. By selecting first gear, you prevent the gearbox from automatically selecting second gear. At low speeds, staying in second gear can cause the clutch to slip.
Also, always try to select a lower gear manually when going up a hill, such as on a parking ramp.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Even if the manual does not mention any gearbox oil/fluid change routine, it is better to do it every 40,000 km.
The dual clutch system is a robust, smooth and efficient transmission. If used correctly it should last 10 years without a problem, even with hard driving.
Changing technology
The global automatic transmission (AT) market is experiencing continued growth and is projected to reach 65 million units per year by 2024. While conventional planetary ATs are expected to remain the dominant technology, their participation decreases. During the same period, Dual Clutch Transmissions (DCT) are forecast to grow at a faster rate than any other AT system, and could gain more than 20% of the market.
Initially, DCTs were popular in Europe and China, where the existing manual transmission (MT) manufacturing infrastructure was well suited to DCT production. Growth is expected to continue in these regions, with China likely to account for over 55% of the market by 2024. However, DCTs are also gaining traction in many other regions as they provide advantages over other automatic transmission systems.
DCT Advantages
offer the comfort of an AT along with the durability and feel of an MT. DCTs are very efficient, with a relatively low number of mechanical components, fewer slippery elements than an AT, and lower power consumption than a typical CVT. At the same time, they have a very high degree of freedom in terms of gear ratios, allowing the engine to run close to maximum efficiency. And, with the control modules, solenoids and hydraulics doing the work, DCTs can change gear in a fraction of a second and several times a minute. This can help achieve substantial efficiency improvements over conventional ATs, but how much DCTs can improve fuel economy is up for debate.
Wet and Dry Clutch DCT
There are basically two key technologies on the market today: Dry Clutch DCT and Wet Clutch DCT. While dry clutch systems are typically used in lower torque applications with smaller engines, wet clutch DCTs are more likely to be used in higher torque applications. Since DCT wet clutch components are lubricated to reduce friction and dissipate heat, they are used where thermal robustness and/or high-end shift quality is required. Wet Clutch DCTs come in two designs; the most common type has a single sump to lubricate the gears and clutch, while other designs have separate sumps for each.
Currently, on a global scale, of the seven million DCTs produced, there is an almost 50/50 split between the two. However, by 2024, not only is DCT production projected to more than double, but all growth is also expected to occur in wet, rather than dry, clutch systems.
Fluid Requirements
While dry clutch DCTs typically require a manual transmission fluid (MTF), wet DCTs require an enhanced DCT fluid (DCTF) that combines the gear protection of an MTF with the friction control performance of the clutch of an ATF. The use of single sump wet clutch DCTs is increasing and since these systems are the most difficult to lubricate, fluids specifically formulated for this transmission design are required. Even DCTs that have separate sumps use a DCTF on the clutch sump and an MTF for the gearbox.
A high priority for drivers of DCT-equipped vehicles is to avoid shuddering when changing gears. This means that a very fine chemical balancing act is needed to formulate a DCTF that provides the frictional performance for jerk-free operation and high torque capacity, while providing gear protection and preventing corrosion. The balance between shock durability and torque capacity is achieved by developing a fluid that can achieve high static friction while maintaining positive delta torque.
Dual Clutch with Quick Gear Shift
Dual Clutch uses two separate clutches to achieve the efficient agility of a manual transmission (MT) and the convenience of an automatic transmission (AT).
HYUNDAI TRANSYS Small/Midsize 7-speed Dry DCT and Full-size 8-speed DCT Wet have distinctive dynamic gear changes and high fuel efficiency. There are two types of DCT: wet and dry depending on the structure. HYUNDAI TRANSYS manufactures both types.
Dry DCT is economical and efficient with simpler structure and smaller size, however Wet DCT has excellent cooling functions and high durability for higher torque motors. On the basis of better fuel efficiency, HYUNDAI TRANSYS DCT features optimal response, excellent gear shifting and excellent acceleration function.
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