The DCT clutches function automatically, in contrast to an automatic transmission. A Hyundai dual-clutch transmission is essentially two gearboxes that are managed by an intricate system of hydraulics, electronics, and computers. This system enables your Hyundai to change gears without interrupting the transmission’s ability to transfer power from the engine. As a result, your Hyundai model will experience considerably smoother and quicker gear shifts as well as better fuel efficiency. See more information about the Hyundai dual-clutch transmission below.
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The operation of dual-clutch transmission
For many drivers, the decision between an automatic and manual transmission boils down to personal preference or geography. The best of both worlds is offered by contemporary dual-clutches. How does it function?
We need a little history lesson in order to respond to the question. The two gearbox types used to change ratios on the road, manual and automatic, are generally known to drivers.
The clutch pedal and gear stick will likely bring back memories for those who learnt to drive in manual transmissions. When driving in manual, the clutch is depressed and the stick is moved through a series of gears. The automobile can bounce around if it is not done smoothly, which makes for a less-than-comfortable ride for the occupants.
Automatic transmissions, which are frequently related to American automobile owners, use clutches, a torque converter, and gears to accomplish all the heavy lifting for the driver.
The middle ground is the dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This kind of technology, sometimes known as a semi-automatic transmission, is ubiquitous in the world of car racing but is increasingly showing up in large-scale production models.
Double-clutch (wet)
The double clutch improves thermal resistance
The next-generation automotive AT based on two shafts and two clutches is known as DCT. The two clutches, which are each directly connected to the engine, manage the odd- and even-numbered gears in turn and independently arrange the gears to connect or separate the engine power. 8-speed wet DCT uses a wet double-clutch and valve body to amplify the benefits of DCT.
Hyundai’s new eight-speed dual clutch transmission is put to the ultimate clutch-slipping, heat loading reverse torture test in the driveway from hell for the 2021 Santa Fe.
I criticize Hyundai’s new 8-speed DCT in the diesel Santa Fe for 12 rounds up the driveway from hell in my report.
Here is some mountain climbing backstory to set the scene before trying to murder the DCT in the bloodiest possible manner.
The whole review will be available soon after a week of testing the mid-spec Elite Santa Fe and a few weeks after the Highlander.
In the meantime, it occurs to me that some of you really like the idea of purchasing a Santa Fe diesel (or its skin-twin, the Kia Sorento diesel, which shares exactly the same powertrain), but some of you are somehow averse to purchasing a vehicle with a dual-clutch transmission – so frightening – primarily because of Ford’s terrifying efforts, with its horrific ‘PowerShift’ dual-clutch transmission and its appalling reliability. You may remember that I covered that Power Shitshow fairly thoroughly.
In contrast, Hyundai-Kia’s most recent eight-speed DCT is a wet clutch system, which means the clutches function in an oil bath. To prevent overheating, the oil is routed into an exterior convective cooler.
The oil that cools the clutches and the oil that lubricates the gears are completely different in this system of oils.
The only thing you need to understand about clutch durability is that heat destroys clutches. That will soon be put to the test by us. really harsh.
By performing some extreme real-world reversing, I want to test whether I can cause a near-death heat experience in the Santa Fe diesel dual clutch.
And if it does pee in its pants, I will report it, and there will probably be a short phone call with Hyundai, whose temperature will be a little lower than the clutch pack.
You know how I always say, “Never buy a demonstrator,” if nothing else? Yeah. This would be one explanation, I suppose. (Really, that ought to be alright. Although I’ve been assured the transmission has thermal overload protection built in, let’s check out for sure.)
Operation of the Hyundai Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission
The eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission designed for Hyundai N vehicles comes in manual or fully automatic modes. The wet DCT is intended to increase productivity, acceleration, and driving comfort.
The usage of oil in the wet DCT is the primary distinction between it and a standard dry dual-clutch gearbox. An electric oil pump is used by the Hyundai wet DCT to enhance powertrain movement and boost thermal endurance. This transmission technology combines the engaging feel of a manual transmission with the practicality of a conventional automatic transmission.
The wet DCT available in a few Hyundai N models will appeal to drivers seeking a more responsive and engaging performance on the road.
Hyundai/Kia’s dual-clutch transmission maintenance
In the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, Hyundai/Kia debuted a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) or Automatically Shifted Manual Transmission (ASMT). The 1.6 L turbocharged engine and other four-cylinder engines featured in various Hyundai and Kia cars were first coupled with the dry, dual clutch transmission.
The seven-speed DCT shifts like two manual transmissions using two clutches each. The other sub-transmission is picked and waiting to be shifted while one clutch and sub-transmission is connected to the wheels. Electric motors that move the shift forks enable the DCT to be shifted. While the other actuator controls the even gears and reverse, the first actuator controls the odd gears. The two clutches are engaged and released by a different set of actuators.
The transmission will slip and have abrupt shifts when there are actuator problems.
The parking pawl found in automatic transmissions is absent from the DCT transmission. When the vehicle needs to be held in place on a hill or stopped with the engine off, the electric parking brake works with the transmission.
How come Hyundai employs a DCT?
Why are twin clutches considered as an increasingly attractive alternative to automatic transmissions while automated systems are less expensive and less complex, despite the clear advantages of automatic transmissions over manual ones—taking the driver’s duty off of them?
For this reason, DCT is more efficient than other gearbox types since it provides quicker gear shifts and better fuel economy.
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A dual-clutch gearbox eliminates the need for a clutch pedal by using two clutches that are managed by an intricate network of hydraulics and electronics.
In a DCT, as opposed to an automated transmission, the clutches work independently. The odd-numbered gears are controlled by one clutch, and the even-numbered gears by the other. This configuration enables the car to change gears without stopping the power transfer from the engine to the transmission, as would happen, for instance, with a manual transmission while switching between the accelerator and clutch pedals.
Is DCT superior to auto?
Compared to standard automatic transmissions, are dual-clutch transmissions better? They do provide advantages: In many cases, dual-clutch transmissions offer higher fuel efficiency and quicker shifting.
Are DCT automobiles reliable?
Yes, due to the climate, DCT is not advised for nations like India. In addition, well-known automakers like Ford and VW shifted their automatic models back to torque converter vehicles. The DCT was a complete failure. As a result, choose torque converter vehicles for automatic
DCT is it automatic or manual?
As we mentioned previously, a clutch separates the engine’s power-generating crankshaft from the transmission so that the driver can change gears without perhaps causing the machinery to become jammed.
It should not be surprising that a dual-clutch transmission contains two clutches. Why? Since a DCT essentially combines two gearboxes, each of which needs a clutch for the same reason that a manual transmission does,
Additionally, drivers of vehicles with dual-clutch transmissions do not have to manually shift from one gear to another by utilizing the shift lever. Instead, the process of choosing a gear is automated, allowing a DCT to function like an automatic transmission. It does not, however, choose the gears in the same manner as a typical automatic transmission with a torque converter, as we will explain.
The dual-clutch transmission’s beauty is in how swiftly it can shift from one gear to another. This quick shifting is made possible by the fact that, when a gear is engaged in one of the DCT’s two internal transmissions, the second internal transmission already has the selected gear selected and is prepared for immediate engagement.
As a result, switching between gears with a DCT is substantially quicker than switching between gears with a typical manual transmission or a standard automatic transmission. In performance and racing cars, where split seconds can mean the difference between winning and losing, this is very useful.
DCT or CVT: Which is superior?
As it doesn’t allow gasoline go to waste during transmission shifts, DCT is the most efficient transmission type available. Contrarily, CVT isn’t too far behind and is also reasonably effective. Power to the wheels is not interrupted by the belt’s constant movement between the pulleys. Both CVT and DCT have good fuel economy; but, if you want a transmission that gives you an advantage, choose a DCT.
Is DCT preferable to manual?
DCTs can shift more quickly than a person can, and they can be as efficient as manual transmissions. Because of this, it makes perfect sense to use DCTs in performance vehicles. DCTs will, however, find it difficult to squeak through traffic and up hills in normal driving. DCTs’ innate tendency to judder at low speeds is a flaw.
Can a DCT be used to drive like an automatic?
One clutch controls the odd-numbered gears, and the other clutch controls the even-numbered gears, in a dual clutch transmission. There is no clutch pedal necessary because the two clutches work separately.
Dual clutch transmissions offer a better driving experience since shifting occurs more smoothly and in milliseconds. Also smoother and easier is acceleration. The fuel efficiency of a dual clutch transmission can also be increased.
Comparing dual clutch transmissions to conventional automatic transmissions, several benefits may be available. Most significantly, a dual clutch transmission will yield better fuel economy than an automatic.
In essence, a computer-controlled dual-clutch transmission is a manual transmission. It is, however, technically a form of automatic transmission because there is no pedal and little exertion on the part of the driver.
Driving a dual clutch is different from driving an automatic. Even though gear shifting is swift and computer-controlled, you still need to manage it personally to keep the gearbox in good operating order.
What advantages does a DCT offer?
DCTs often offer smoother performance and more efficient fuel use than AMTs and manual transmissions. In the world of performance driving, they are frequently favoured since they shift easily and precisely.
Is DCT a quicker shifter than an automatic?
Shift time is the period of time a transmission needs to change gears. Power supply is transferred to the next selected gear during this interval, and engine speed is adjusted to match the speed of the next gear. Although shift time typically refers to motor vehicles, it can also refer to any gearbox.
In performance and racing automobiles, shortening the shift time is crucial because upshifting typically disrupts power transfer to the wheels. The driver controls the shift time in a manual gearbox, but in automatic or automated manual vehicles, the electronic or hydraulic control system needs to be calibrated and adjusted to carry out quick gear changes. In general, a dual-clutch transmission changes more quickly than a single-clutch automated manual transmission or a typical hydraulic automatic transmission with a torque converter. This is possible because the DCT may reduce shift times by pre-selecting the next gear and switching between its two different clutches to that predetermined gear. Utilizing a freewheel may shorten shift times since the clutch may not be required. Another goal of a shift kit is to speed up shifts in manual transmission cars.
By adding a lighter flywheel to a manual transmission, upshift time can be shortened. A lighter flywheel will enable the engine speed to fall more quickly, resulting in quicker shift times. During an upshift, the engine speed must decrease to synchronize with a higher gear.