The dual clutch transmission from ZF enables lightning-fast gear changes under load without interrupting the torque. It is thus ideally suited for vehicles with dynamic/sporty designs. In them, the ZF transmission performs a balancing act between pure sportiness and the highest driving comfort. So, to have a tiny bit of fun from behind the wheel and extract every pony out of the engine DCT or Dual Clutch Transmission comes into being. This transmission offers seamless shifts with no compromise in power delivery and fuel efficiency. DCT achieves all this without a little bit of fun. Valvoline DCT Fluid is a full synthetic transmission fluid for use in Dual Clutch Transmissions including Direct Shift Gearboxes and Audi S-Tronic. It delivers maximum protection over wide operating temperatures and service conditions. Suitable for use in some models of Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and other passenger vehicles featuring Dual Clutch Transmissions. The long-standing rumour about the Hyundai Kona N getting a dual-clutch gearbox is true, the automaker now confirms. It's not a huge surprise since variants of this transmission are also available in the Veloster N and i30 N.

_{Photo: The News Wheel}

Many drivers treat their car’s dual-clutch transmission in the same way that they would drive a car that had an automatic transmission. But, a dual-clutch transmission is more like a manual transmission than automatic. And if you don’t treat it properly, you could permanently damage it.

Some of your current driving habits could ruin a dual-clutch transmission. If you’re doing any of the following and your car has a DCT, cut it out!

Is Your Car Having Trouble Driving?Take action if any of these warning indicator lights are illuminated

How Does A Clutch Work

Habits to avoid so you don’t ruin a dual-clutch transmission

Stop taking your foot off the brake

If you have a tendency to let your DCT sit without applying the brakes, such as waiting in traffic or at the foot of an incline, you could be wearing out the clutch pack. When the brakes aren’t applied, some DCTs will make the clutches continually slipping to keep you in place. This depends on how your transmission operates, but you could be putting extra heat and wear on the clutch pack.

Stop putting the car in neutral

Those who are used to driving stick shifts might have a habit of putting their car in neutral when they’re fully stopped at an intersection. You don’t need to do this with a dual-clutch transmission. The car will intuitively release the clutches when you’re braking, so there’s no point switching out of Drive.

If you do ever put the car in neutral, keep the brake depressed when shifting into and out of neutral to protect the clutch.

Are You Guilty of Any of These Common Car Maintenance Mistakes?Find out…

Stop launching improperly

In sportier cars with dual-clutch transmissions, drivers like to launch from a stand-still, but doing so incorrectly can severely damage the gearbox and clutch disks. Don’t hold the brake pedal while you’re revving the gas because the clutch will take damage trying to move the car while you’re fighting it with the brakes. In general, never accelerate the engine when the brakes are applied.

Stop keeping the car in place by accelerating

Dual Clutch Torque Converter

If you’re sitting on an incline, don’t repeatedly tap the acceleration pedal to keep your position. The same goes for putting the car in reverse and accelerating backward to stop from rolling down a hill. Both practices will quickly overheat the clutch. Use the brakes instead.

Clutch behavioral logic and functions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so research your specific model to find out how to properly operate. Your car’s owner’s manual will have a lot of information on proper handing to not ruin a dual-clutch transmission.

Best Clutches For Cars

Sources:Engineering Explained, 2014 Hyundai Veloster owner’s manual

Dual Clutch Vs Single Clutch

Aaron is unashamed to be a native Clevelander and the proud driver of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo (which recently replaced his 1995 Saturn SC-2). He gleefully utilizes his background in theater, literature, and communication to dramatically recite his own articles to nearby youth. Mr. Widmar happily resides in Dayton, Ohio with his magnificent wife, Vicki, but is often on the road with her exploring new destinations. Aaron has high aspirations for his writing career but often gets distracted pondering the profound nature of the human condition and forgets what he was writing… See more articles by Aaron.