The double clutch is a technique used in driving vehicles with a manual gearbox. It consists of disengaging the clutch twice during the gear change, allowing a smoother and faster transition between different speeds. In this article, we will explain in detail how the double clutch works, what is a double clutch automatic gearbox and how to double clutch correctly.
How does the double clutch work?
The double clutch is mainly used in vehicles with a manual gearbox, although it can also be found in some automatic gearboxes. Its objective is to synchronize the revolutions of the engine and the wheels during the gear change, thus avoiding unnecessary jerks and wear.
The double clutch process is divided into several stages:
1. Disengage the clutch
Before changing gear, it is necessary to disengage the clutch by pressing the corresponding pedal. This allows the engine to be decoupled from the gearbox and wheels, thus avoiding power transmission.
2. Go to neutral
Once the clutch is disengaged, the gear lever must be moved to neutral. This allows the gears in the gearbox to become free and move more easily.
3. Accelerate and disengage the clutch again
At this stage, the engine must be accelerated so that it reaches the appropriate revolutions for the gear change. Once these revolutions are reached, the clutch disengages again, allowing the engine to spin freely.
4. Change gear
After the clutch is disengaged a second time, the desired gear is selected and the clutch is engaged again. This allows power from the engine to be transmitted to the wheels smoothly and without jerk.
The double clutch requires practice and coordination to perform correctly. It is important to note that not all vehicles require this technique, as some have synchronization systems that make it easy to change gear without having to disengage the clutch twice.
What is a dual clutch automatic gearbox?
A dual-clutch automatic gearbox, also known as a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), is a type of automatic transmission that uses two independent clutches to make gear changes more efficiently.
In a conventional automatic gearbox, gear changing is done via a hydraulic torque converter, which can lead to power loss and slower response. In contrast, in a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the clutches are responsible for making gear changes quickly and precisely, without interruptions in power delivery.
The main advantage of a dual-clutch automatic gearbox is its ability to perform near-instantaneous gear changes, which translates to quicker acceleration and a smoother ride. In addition, this type of transmission also allows greater fuel economy compared to a conventional automatic gearbox.
How to do a double clutch correctly?
Performing a double clutch correctly requires practice and coordination. Next, we explain the steps to follow:
1. Disengage the clutch
Depress the clutch pedal to disengage it and ensure the engine is decoupled from the gearbox and wheels.
2. Go to neutral
Move the gear lever to neutral to disengage the gears from the gearbox.
3. Accelerate and disengage the clutch again
Accelerate the engine to reach the proper revs for the gear change. Once these revolutions are reached, disengage the clutch again.
4. Change gear
Select the desired gear and engage the clutch again to smoothly transmit power from the engine to the wheels.
Remember to practice this technique in a safe place without traffic to familiarize yourself with it before applying it in real driving situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it necessary to use the double clutch on all vehicles with a manual gearbox?
No, not all vehicles with a manual gearbox require a dual clutch. Some models have synchronization systems that make it easy to change gears without the need to disengage the clutch twice. However, it is advisable to learn and practice this technique in order to have greater control over the vehicle and make smoother gear changes.
2. Can I use the double clutch in a vehicle with an automatic gearbox?
No, the double clutch is a technique used exclusively on vehicles with a manual gearbox. In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, gear changes are carried out automatically by the transmission system, so it is not necessary to double-clutch.
Conclusion
Double clutching is a technique used in driving vehicles with a manual gearbox to make gear changes smoother and faster. Although not all vehicles require this technique, it is advisable to learn and practice it to have greater control over the vehicle and make more efficient gear changes.
We hope this article has been useful to you in understanding how the double clutch works, what is a double clutch automatic gearbox and how to double clutch correctly. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.
Until next time.
