Started driving back in the age of the dinosaurs, where the "norm" driving a manual was to use your gearbox to slow down. Sounded great, your engine screaming on the downshifts. A mechanic friend put paid to that stupidity with a simple statement - "brakes are cheaper to replace than transmissions and clutches." I took his word to heart and started driving with my head rather than my ego.
@MrCheesywaffles2 жыл бұрын
Back in the days of 4 wheel drum brakes, especially on longer downhill stretches, I think it was good advice, since transmissions/engines were cheaper to replace than a whole car! Since modern brakes it's not nearly as relevant for cars, outside of really long steep decents or if you've a issue with the brakes.
@kmac46712 жыл бұрын
@@MrCheesywaffles never suffered that fate as my first 4 cars were all disc/drum.
@peterlock38812 жыл бұрын
My father told me the same thing when I was learning to drive😁
@enigmaticx3262 жыл бұрын
This channel is ridiculously underrated. Deserves 1M subs.
@rogersmith73962 жыл бұрын
Not enough Ming Molls.
@rickturner79712 жыл бұрын
Love our Kona 1.6 turbo with DCT
@deanmanly76222 ай бұрын
I don't like automatics full stop. But i am with you with Hyundai as I have a i30 6 speed manual, yes a foot pedal clutch & I wouldn't have it any other way. Because of previous issues with automatics.
I seriously doubt that a clutch pack on a mk 7/8 Golf would cost 10k to change out. Maybe 2-3x the cost of a manual, which is (here in the UK at least) about £700 - £950 at a main dealership, so probably £2k - £3.5K depending on the model. Multiply by 1.1 to convert to Euros and add an allowance for inflation (I found some forum figures for a DQ200 from 2019).
@labourlawact78262 жыл бұрын
That's exactly why I avoid the new cars on the road like the plague. You can get a better deal buying a 10 year old Toyota, than buying any of these new throw away rubbish.
@dragancrnogorac38512 жыл бұрын
@@AndyG73 WV will accept only brand new DSG transmission. Clutch change is not an option. So transmission, labor and some high tehnitian with secret laptop which comes by every 2 months in service center in Belgrade... Cost more than 10 000 k on audi Q5. Welcome to company founded by Hitler him self
@chook4702 жыл бұрын
I had a 2010 VW Passat 2L TDi with the 6 speed DSG. I absolutely loved it! Fuel economy was amazing and it was a zippy car that toured extremely well. Yeah it took a bit of getting used to with rapid starts in particular, but I found a slow rolling start followed by flooring it worked well with little confusion. Damn I miss that car!
@Edvard.Munchkin Жыл бұрын
Currently have 2018 Passat 2.0 TDI with newer 7 speed wet dsg. I find if I want off the line acceleration, it's better to put it into manual mode. In D or S it restricts the power in first gear. It doesn't in manual mode. Mine short shifts into second under normal driving and it's annoying, I love the car but that's the only fault I could give it. So if I come to a brief stop, it doesn't shift back into first, stays in second, so when you take off again, it slips the clutch.
@paulie24762 жыл бұрын
Thanks John. i must admit, I have been driving our DCT in the old school mechanical breaking manner and this is very timely advice !
@geoffhonky44392 жыл бұрын
When I first got into the dct it made no sense at all and seemed to do random stuff. 2 years later I know every little nuance and absolutely love it!
@SpagmanAus2 жыл бұрын
Great video, you basically described driving the new Sportage turbo petrol. I back down my driveway, everything is fine, I take off down the hill that has a stop at the bottom, and EVERY SINGLE DAMN DAY the car is revving up because it thinks I'm taking off, but then after about 10m I'm braking at the bottom of the hill and the car has to quickly drop 2 gears quicker than it wants to. As you mention, this is after 30 years of driving various manuals so it's taken me a few months to get used to the DCT and learn to drive the car the way it wants to be driven, not how I've driven every single other car that I've owned. I basically put it in sport mode, and drive it that way. It likes a little bit of extra pedal, so that's what I give it and when I hit the freeway, I stick it back into normal or eco mode then. But, for the school\work run, I've found sticking it in sport mode might be giving into the devil, but it seems to mostly elmininate the 'hesitancy' that the DCT gives. Great video John, thanks for explaining the ins and outs of the DCT like that, it really helped me understand how my car is different. Yes the dealer explained the DCT, but you're not really prepared for it, especially after my last car which was a Honday HR-V with a CVT.
@stevewise16562 жыл бұрын
Probably the same types of issues KIA's having with the Sorento. What a pain, huh? Some companies moved to DCT's and then quickly pivoted out and back to more traditional manual transmissions.
@hilton88302 жыл бұрын
Thank you John, I had those sets of questions without knowing exactly how to ask them, if that's a thing. I have been dealing with a PDK for the past 5 years, not knowing what to do. Here's the thing, listening to "experts" never gave me that fuzzy feeling of comfort. At least now I can relax and let the tram do its thing end of story next.
@MattBlack62 жыл бұрын
Something I'll not have to adapt to for quite a while. I'll watch anyway, live and learn.
@RudolfKlusal Жыл бұрын
I am at the development of 7/8 DCT and 8/9 common converter automatic transmissions and as you said, there's A LOT of background stuff happening there during shifting, for example it can measure it's own wear and use that knowledge to shift fluently even with uneven weared clutches. During every shift it measures how it went and then uses this in a new lookup table for shifting. And other clever stuff 🙂 DCT is kinda simple and compact, but still, it has a lot of clever engineering behind that 🙂
@franciscoshi19682 жыл бұрын
I am watching your video remembering what it was like to drive a manual and an automatic and all of the compromises you need to deal with when shifting gears. I have an EV now and it is never ever in the wrong gear and hardly use the brakes. Never going back.
@gureno192 жыл бұрын
Weird flex, but ok
@koitorob2 жыл бұрын
I'm happy to say that my cars don't have any of these problems and the map is always bang on! I only drive a manual and the map is ME!
@just_passing_through2 жыл бұрын
Been driving nothing but manual cars since 1980 (when I got my licence). Still driving my manual MX-5 since purchased new in 2003 and hope to be driving it for another 20 years. It will be a sad day if I ever have to move out of a manual.
@iamspyvspy30772 жыл бұрын
Great vid John, let's have more old school driving lessons that many youngsters were never taught.
@stevebouralexis71622 жыл бұрын
What a great explanation! Thank you John, I certainly underestimated the amount of computer control in a modern day transmission. Whist I love the feel of sport/sport + mode in my car, I feel it gets in the way in peak hour traffic. I settle for comfort mode and think about those days when I drove a proper stick shift with a clutch pedal!
@Pete8562 жыл бұрын
I've got a DCT in a hybrid (Kia Niro), the result is the best of both worlds. Nice snappy gear changes, fuel economy and best of all, you can crawl along up a hill without slipping the clutch....electric motors produce their torque right down to 0 revs so the clutch is always fully engaged. Oh, it's also great at "engine braking" as it's using the electric motor as a generator to capture energy to put into the battery for later use. Only downside is quick acceleration, the petrol engine turns off when not being required so it's only using the ~40kW electric motor, it takes a moment for the engine to start and be engaged into the powertrain...but it does have an 8kW belt driven starter to get it up and running pretty quickly.
@MrLooperg2 жыл бұрын
I had my 2013 Tiguan with the 7 speed dct flash tuned. The whole shooting match is so much smoother. Better fuel consumption, better power delivery. Also keep your dct fluid changes up to date. Mine has 360k on the clock, zero issues.
@garrydelday58162 жыл бұрын
Have driven manuals all my life, changed to DCT in my new Niro recently and will never go back to manual. I’m at the age now where I don’t see an island as a challenge 😂 and auto is so much more relaxing, great tips for using DCT John 👍
@Cooliemasteroz2 жыл бұрын
After 24 years of driving the conventional auto I’ve just gone back to a manual and I’m actually liking it.
@AndyG732 жыл бұрын
Ironically I'll likely be going in the other direction, having driven manual transmission cars (UK) since learning to drive in the early 90s, and now (because of increasingly heavy traffic in the UK, especially on the commute to work) am likely to get an automatic (TC or CVT auto) for my next car. Too much hassle for all that gearchanging. :-)
@Cooliemasteroz2 жыл бұрын
@@AndyG73 yes that’s perfectly understandable, I used to drive in heavy traffic in manual cars and found myself getting into a state where I was flogging my car. When I changed to auto I became a better driver. Now I don’t drive in busy traffic and I’m staying calm.
@rogersmith73962 жыл бұрын
@@AndyG73 Manuals are hell in stop and go and they are not designed for it. Short clutch life.
@janinapalmer83682 жыл бұрын
I've got a DCT system on my 2012 Mitsubishi MR Series Evo ... after a few years of manual ( or standard in the US ) driving I found it quite engaging ( sorry 🤣) to drive ... it sure did take me a bit of a while to settle into how best it was to use it ... I soon got the hang of it .... 😁
@glitch3144 ай бұрын
This is a really good advice for me, who comes from a manual background into the world of DCT. My transmission Thanks you! :)
@jamesfrench7299 Жыл бұрын
My Laser automatic has excellent engine braking when selecting next gear down. The key is not to use it to slow down, only as brake assist to maintain control down hill.
@kevinpayne94752 жыл бұрын
Picked up my Cerato GT hatch last week. I’ve had no issues with the DCT. But this video came along at the right time!
@sunnohh2 жыл бұрын
Just did this myself and I really am surprised how much I love pdk
@johnedds23272 жыл бұрын
Thanks for a great vid John; I have driven manuals, CVT's and DCT's for many years now and I agree with all your advice, especially about creeping in traffic. I drive straight up behind someone stopped in front and stop; no creeping up. Cheers.
@richardsmith5792 жыл бұрын
I worked with people, many of them women, who regularly held their cars on hills using the clutch. They were happy to sit on a hill in traffic holding their cars on the clutch, and sometimes I even smelt the poor clutches burning. Obviously I said absolutely nothing, as I value my life. This method of driving is as normal for some people as curbing the wheels when parking and turning around. I now drive a six speed DSG and I’m careful on hills, only moving forward when there is a proper gap to fill. In over fifty years of driving I have never replaced a clutch, even after driving over 150K miles, and the DSG seems as good as new at 40K. Oh, and never slow down using the gears, brakes are cheaper than clutches. I know driving instructors who practically ate clutches teaching their pupils how to drive.
@AutoExpertJC2 жыл бұрын
Mechanical sympathy paves the road to longevity/reliability...
@mickeydee35952 жыл бұрын
If you rev match on the down shift then there is barely any wear on the clutch (manual)
@jadomi20762 жыл бұрын
@@mickeydee3595 and it's fun too
@mickeydee35952 жыл бұрын
@@jadomi2076 its amazing, especially in a 6.0L v8 commodore 😁😊
@labourlawact78262 жыл бұрын
@@AutoExpertJC You are SO right John! That's why I'm still daily driving my 2001 Nissan Sunny. I don't believe in new cars and neither do I in wasting time and money on planned obsolescence.
@roccodifranco7866 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for explaining DCT for the uninformed I have a 2023 Kia forte GT and I love everything about it , and only drive it in sport mode 😊
@bunyip422 жыл бұрын
Excellent video! I had never owned a car with an automatic transmission in 40+ years, but my newest daily driver has a dual clutch (PDK). About 95% of the time, it's really easy to drive (I almost never drive in traffic). If you drive it hard, it's amazing. There are just a couple of scenarios when you have to wait for it to make up its mind. I am perfectly happy with it, no regrets...
@351tgv2 жыл бұрын
drive in traffic with a DCT, you will be wishing for that manual transmission. the issue with DCT is that the 1sy clutch is always slipping to keep revs up due to the engine having basically bugger all torque at low revs.
@bunyip422 жыл бұрын
@@351tgv Yes, very clear from the video and I know enough of the internals to know why that is. My car (Macan) will crawl at exactly 4mph with the clutch fully engaged, on flattish roads or my driveway, anything below that would be abusing the transmission
@351tgv2 жыл бұрын
@@bunyip42 -The Macan is nice VW Q5 (err I mean Porsche is owned by VW) but that said so 4km/h is not creeping that is rolling, in stop start traffic likes lets say someone in Sydney CBD during morning peak hour the DCT would be going crazy trying to ensure movement by slipping the direct drive clutch by forcing revs from the engine, you would be doing the same thing in a manual transmission. I am not against DCT but really for metro/suburban driving they are downright dreadful, I'd rather a CVT.
@ICB728 күн бұрын
I have to admit, I was totally in the dark with the DSG, however I now have a Tiguan 2019. It took me a while to sort out it's foibles. you have to adapt to what it can can't do. Overall I like it. a lot of stuff about going into neutral, i do it when it will a long wait, at least that way it takes the strain off the thrust bearing. I suppose each to his own, a bit like Vegemite, you love'em or hate em
@danejensen60642 жыл бұрын
Super useful advise and excellent job at explaining things John
@bgolledge5022 жыл бұрын
Well said, I've got a DCT in my Vw Polo and you 100% right there are times it keeps it on a higher gear on a hill put just pop it manual drop is back a gear and then when you get over the crest drop it back in D
@mickeydee35952 жыл бұрын
Enjoying the videos mate! I was in the market for a german shitbox and took your advice with a BMW certified used 330i (dealer and vehicle was in QLD and im im VIC) The vehicle arrived with some issues and the dealer over in QLD has been bending over backwards to insure its all being taken care off here. Coming from a Jeep few years back it really has taken me by surprise! Keep up the good work mate
@javic19792 жыл бұрын
DSG might save a bit of fuel but needs regular servicing. The 8 speed ZF auto is fast shifting up and down with rev matching, keeps the torque converter locked at speeds above 25km/h. so in the long run its a cheaper option for the owner. In the USA vw is using this gearbox in more cars
@JordieG82 жыл бұрын
If you listen to the exhaust note on a DCT during and upshift you can hear a burble type sound. That sound is caused by a significant reduction in ignition timing which causes a momentarily torque reduction so the shift can be completed.
@jamesfrench7299 Жыл бұрын
I think that snort sounds obnoxious.
@JordieG8 Жыл бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 with the right exhaust is sounds fine IMO.
@utubedano2 жыл бұрын
Great video. Already had a hunch of it all in my head but it was great listening to your explanation. Thank you.
@skotty19622 жыл бұрын
In my family we own a 2007 VW Caddy TDi DSG and a 2007 Golf GT DSG. Same 6 speed wet clutch Borg Warner DSG used in both I think. Love them both. Still work flawlessly. Love the Golf in sport mode and the little rev blip it does braking. In manual mode with the flappy paddles its so much fun its lose your licence time. And the instant gear changes when accelerating. Love it. Most of the time I let the DSG do the thinking. I drive a new Toyota Yaris for work with a CVT. Absolutely hate it.
@csjrogerson23772 жыл бұрын
My dad told me to use the gearbox to slow the car down circa 1975. I was kinda savvy at 16 and told him that was bollox coz that's what brakes do and they are cheaper than gearboxes. I still drive a car hard and wear out brakes - never worn out a gearbox.
@RustyDice2 жыл бұрын
Yeah mine said the same - think it dates back to when most cars had drum breaks which could either over heat or simply be terrible. My dad suggested a mixture of both to manage the effectiveness of the drum breaks. Not really necessary with disks. I only gear break my manual when I'm going down hill and don't want to be riding the break pedal.
@rogersmith73962 жыл бұрын
If you slow or come to a stop in high there will be no acceleration available and you will load the entire drivetrain. Main bearing burn out.
@onthebuses2 жыл бұрын
I will stick to old fashioned manual 🥃🥃
@vernpilkington76652 жыл бұрын
Agree
@Scuppun2 жыл бұрын
Yep
@labourlawact78262 жыл бұрын
Any and every day! ☺👍
@JordieG82 жыл бұрын
Yeah! Oh wait, my left knee hates me.
@roafelix819810 ай бұрын
@onthebuses Sorry but I will stick to electric vehicle supersport.
@brucegibbins37922 жыл бұрын
The first three cars I bought, the first in 1967, were manual shift. These were American cars new in the late 1930s assembled locally. The first auto was a 1955 DeSoto V8 with two forward gear transmission operated by a miniscule lever on the dash. From then I would never own, but often drove company cars with either stick or three on the tree shifters. Any car I subsequently bought and there have been consecutively thirty three of them, all were auto shift transmissions. I can still quite easily and confidently operate a stick shift car as I've done when circumstances required I do. I've noticed over the decades, that even in the 70s cars were offered with Auto as being optional, now it seems that its manual that is now the shift option. There has always been show pony car drivers, mostly kids, or adults acting like teenagers, slipping into rally car driver fantasy mode, tear arsing around, double clutching and missing shifts because there driving techniques are learned from watching motor sport events on their Mums TV. God, or whoever is up there shifting space junk around, spare us all from boy racers and their behind the wheel fantasy world of driver competence because, they are driving as dangerous dorks and that ain't funny. Looking at all the small white crosses pushed into the ground, dotted along the side of our highways, youngsters are killing themselves off in growing numbers. On quite nights, I can here traffic on the motorway across the valley. Often, cars with, I suppose you could describe as, sports exhausts chop down a cog and throttle hard followed by the siren sounds of the highway cops.
@rogersmith73962 жыл бұрын
Manual trans cars have higher resale value.
@josephhalwagy64352 жыл бұрын
Great advice John and thank you I have a six years old 2L diesel Ford Kuga with WET clutch powerSHIT (6DTC450) with 75km on it. It really is a great transmission gearbox and I am happy with it power/performance and economy/comfort. However, I firmly believe these DCT transmission needs much more frequent oil and oil filter service than standard autos to ensure their relatively trouble free longevity. I do mine every 30Km at a cost of about $400 My experience is that these DCT tend to quickly learn drivers behaviours and change gears accordingly...... I find this annoying because my driving behaviour (use of the acceleration and brakes) significantly differ, when for example my 90 years elderly is with me in the car or I am in the car alone. Hence I clear the transmission stored learned driver behaviours every 5km by disconnecting the battery for 30m and cross fuse the car battery terminal connectors Any views on the above would be appreciated Please note I am a medical research scientist, not a mechanic.......... I hope what I am doing is OK? Regards Joe
@MrFister842 жыл бұрын
Wow that's a lot of oil changes.
@josephhalwagy64352 жыл бұрын
@@MrFister84 I am sure, or at least I hope, you know I meant 1000's of kms
@Rangeman0012 жыл бұрын
No sweeter feeling than nailing that heel toe downshift just before a corner and then powering out of the corner, snick snick into the next gear.. ahhhh. James go back to a manual : )
@davidebsworth71392 жыл бұрын
Hi John. Great information, but everyone needs to know that brake pads are cheaper to replace than gearboxes. So many people over think it. Cheers
@AutoExpertJC2 жыл бұрын
Totally agreed.
@Peter578082 жыл бұрын
LoL, my wife's VW Jetta TSI is a barrel of laughs when used in S mode and changing it manually up and down the box at 6krpm. Its a refreshing change from my LC200!
@metalmoto48032 жыл бұрын
I hear ya James, I went from a Ford ba auto to a vw golf diesel dsg.. ... its taken me ages to get used to it. Quite a few times I considered upgrading cars as I do alot of highway and get stuck in peak hour alot. I don't know many cars that'll get me 1200ks to a tank though 🤔. And yeah there's engine braking when you come to a roundabout downhill, the auto shifts down earlier then you expect 🙄 I've even considered going back to an older car..... 🤷♂️
@TheBlibo2 жыл бұрын
And finished your vid now it has confirmed for me that the dog variants really are for those that get to drive from a to b without stopping these manufacturers know full well that a lit of people get stuck in city traffic on a daily basis they are not the best suited transmition for most people. Mechanically and electronically interesting but they don't get the gold star. Realy enjoy your vids keep up the good work
@ElysiumNZ2 жыл бұрын
Yeah I do notice the slight thud during gear changes in my 2013 Honda Fit Hybrid. Now I know why.👍
@Scuppun2 жыл бұрын
6sp manual.... great to drive if you know how to properly drive one. DCT is good, but I would take a manual any day of the week. More fun to drive, especially on winding roads.
@imidsikkey Жыл бұрын
Generally the opposite happens with modern transmissions during down shifts. Torque converter or dual clutch. So what usually happens is, you get a blip of the throttle so that when the 2nd gear is selected from 3rd, the revs can match what they otherwise would have been wound up to by the road. That way you don't get a shock as the engine gets spun up. Better on your crank bearings, transmission, diff, engine/gearbox/diff mounts and bushings. But note, not all transmissions do this. But a lot are starting to.
@85priesty2 жыл бұрын
Caveat, having enjoyed (Audi) VW TDi 2.0 with one of the original DSG's, where they rolled backwards on hills, and with the incredible turbo lag from the 125kw 2.0, peak hour traffic, if you have to merge quickly, sport mode, otherwise it would require too much concentration to deal with the approximately two second turbo lag. I've not driven any new DSG models (mine was one that did three gearboxes in as many years, compliments to Audi for replacing the third one out of warranty) but they're definitely an adjustment. I will never buy another vehicle with a dual clutch because as far as I'm concerned the trade off for fuel consumption versus a torque converter...I'd take the nicer drive (particularly in a small capacity single turbo diesel) any day. But sport mode made the car predictable because it would sit at 2000rpm, annoying...but at least I knew if I needed acceleration it would actually happen when required because the turbo would be ready to go...particularly on gravel roads, it was safer knowing when it was going to take off as opposed to going from gutless to full torque whenever the car felt like it. Things have probably changed, but you don't get any engine braking in a diesel DSG or DCT. Things have obviously improved...but if you want fast acceleration and good "engine" braking. Dual clutches suck in traffic...they are awful trying to reverse up hill, they change gears slightly faster. But on the school run, learn to deal with them running on low revs...but I hate the damn things.
@metalmoto48032 жыл бұрын
They're great on highways but suck in peak hour traffic getting to said highway. I'm on my first dsg car (golf diesel) and it's taken me ages to get used to it. I've stalled it a few times with the traffic trying to keep it rolling. Now I know why vw/audi drivers leave a gap, oh yeah turbo lag I got the 103kw 😅
@madfjuuri2 жыл бұрын
I used a 2011 VW Tiguan 2.0TSI (124kw I believe) and I can echo the sentiment. For normal driving, 99% of the time, D mode was sufficient. But in extreme circumstances (overtaking in suboptimal conditions for example) I always switched to S. The power delivery delay in D was just enough for me to not trust it 100% of the time. DSG maintenance was expensive IMHO but other than that the car was a good drive.
@85priesty2 жыл бұрын
@@metalmoto4803 the 103kw motor is a better drive in a standard manual. The 125kW was quick, and fun, but not worth it. Although I've only driven the 103kW in a proper manual, but was much less, well, crap when it came to the lag
@lukes55332 жыл бұрын
Great advice John .
@mark050519772 жыл бұрын
John you are a fuking legend, I have watched stacks of your videos they are without a doubt the most down -to-earth ,no bull shit video on the tube. Thanks for keeping it real. 🍻
@n00baTr00pa2 жыл бұрын
Picked up my Cerato Gt Hatch 2 days ago and too it to Newcastle yesterday. No stress with all of the large hills there, just have to realise the transmission is smarter than you. Sport mode definitely helps in traffic.
@geoffpyke12 жыл бұрын
Spot on John with regard to ‘using brakes to slow’ - not the gears ! I think that concept evolved from those of us who rode motorbikes prior to our first car purchase. I used to drive Fire appliances and we were always taught brakes - brake ! (Retarders are awesome ).’ Love my Cerato GT DCT👍🏻
@1HiddenSecret2 жыл бұрын
I love classical manual transmission, and I love air braking whilst pressing the brake....
@miceinoz11812 жыл бұрын
My first DCT was in a 2007 Passat diesel. Once I got used to feathering the throttle at initial startoff, it was smooth and brilliant. Never used manual shift, did not need it. I do not tow with it. I have never driven a smoother, better more efficient gearbox. No jerks on gear changes, smooth as silk changes up and down. Yes, in heavy stop start traffic it can get confused as to which gear you want next, and I got a small delay for it to get the right gear. Now, unfortunately I have a Fix Or Repair Daily (FORD) powershit gearbox. Sadly, not much chop and has poor serviceability record. Seems not all DCT's are equal.
@tweake71752 жыл бұрын
one thing overlooked is that the dsg tunes itself. every now and then it gets its knickers in a twist and will behave differently which makes it horrid to drive. the difference in engine braking between manual and dsg is huge. i highly recommend wearing the brakes out because the dsg is expensive to fix. so avoid high load gearchanges where possible. with a manual your never going to wear a gearbox out engine braking.
@rogersmith73962 жыл бұрын
The brass synchros wear very slightly with every shift especially at high RPM. 1st and 2nd always wear out first as they receive more use.
@tweake71752 жыл бұрын
@@rogersmith7396 yep, and 30 years of use later they are still not worn out.
@davidbrayshaw35292 жыл бұрын
I love manual transmissions. At the age of 14, I could seamlessly shift through all four gears in my VW Beetle paddock basher without even thinking about using the clutch. I could perform the same task aboard a Deutz tractor also. "Doubling the clutch" is as instinctive to me as drinking water. Yes, it is undeniable that brakes are there for a reason, so are transmissions. They both are there for a specific purpose, they're not interchangable. But let's be honest, working a gearbox on public roads is about the only legal driving pleasure left. And while I'm being honest, after 33 years as a licensed driver and with and additional 4 years on that as a paddock hoon, I've never once had to change brake pads, a clutch or repair a transmission. Yep, I know that a fair bit of fuel has gone out the tail pipe as a consequence of my exuberance but I'll be darned if every nailed downshift hasn't put a smile on my (and sometimes others!) face. And so far, touch wood, it's cost me nothing. Viva la manual!
@labourlawact78262 жыл бұрын
I drove semi's with 16 speed ZF "crush" box. What a load of fun through the mountains, etc! Clutchless, or double clutch. Whatever you fancy ☺
@ivanolsen85962 жыл бұрын
With you all the way on that one, who wants to be a stab and steer robot?
@maxheadroom76872 жыл бұрын
Excellent explanation John, you make it all very clear, learnt a lot so thanks mate!👍Max.🇦🇺
@whysah_WD2 жыл бұрын
Thanks John 🙂 DSG acceleration is really smooth and the engine revs to match. More efficient would be fixed engine speeds (eco, max torque or max power) and the transmission adapting to it.
@iamspyvspy30772 жыл бұрын
welcome to CVTs 😄
@johnbambo90362 жыл бұрын
Having had a 986s 6 speed manual and now a 981s PDK, would comment that, at least as far as Porsche is concerned the dual clutch is an amazing thing. Did test drive a 981s 6 speed manual and on the right road, yeah, the manual is still king but just and as a gear box to live with day to day the PDK wins any argument, plus it's quicker and more fuel efficient. I use the paddles almost exclusively, the changes are lightening quick and rarely does the gear box get caught out. Absolutely agree that in stop start driving the PDK is less smooth than a conventional auto (by degree) and operates more like a manual. Easy option then is to drive it like a manual in these situations. (ie no clutch slip) just anticipate when traffic is slowing and moving and don't let the transmission crawl. Anyway just my experience.
@dj_paultuk70522 жыл бұрын
Eco mode on some, Say a Mercedes DCT will disengage the drivetrain when lifting off the throttle. They call it "Coasting mode". This removes ALL engine braking clearly, so you need to use the brakes more. But also it allows you to coast for some very long distances before throttle is needed again and so saving fuel. I didnt like it at first when i got the car new, but eventually got used to it and used it daily when driving for work and saving fuel to get max mpg.
@aussietaipan87002 жыл бұрын
I was taught many ice ages ago when I was learning to drive that gears are for going and brakes are for slowing/stopping.
@AutoExpertJC2 жыл бұрын
Good advice.
@mickeydee35952 жыл бұрын
Problem is, when being taught manual new drivers are never taught how to rev match on the down shift. I never was taught and it was a skill I had to self teach.
@DaveMuller2 жыл бұрын
When I first started manual, engine braking was taught as normal. I probably took it too far and engine brake all the time, and even downshift manually in a regular auto. I should probably stop, but what a bad habit to break especially on the auto where I really dislike the way it shifts.
@farnarkleboy2 жыл бұрын
Learning to drive in three on the tree Fords Holdens and Valiants on dirt with drum brakes and, engine braking was a necessary part of the equation The VC Valiant I learnt in seemed to be keen to swap ends if braking ,clutch in, on dirt but slipping it down to second or first would smooth out the imbalance somewhat.
@madmick37942 жыл бұрын
I have to admit when driving a DCT most days, my boss has some dry and wet clutch cars, when going down hill off throttle the cars are very aggressive in their down shifting.
@markharvey3 Жыл бұрын
I have an OS kona 1.6T with the dry DCT and it does perform well in 2nd gear or above, however when going from a standing start to get across a busy roundabout or enter a fast traffic flow, the DCT is the most horrible experience I have had. The gap between putting my foot down and the car moving can be a random 1 to 3 seconds delay that I can't predict which it will be (even in sport mode). I have asked the service department about it numerous times and told, that just how it works, to be honest it's enough to not want another DCT.
@hinan187 Жыл бұрын
Try heavy foot on accelerator in these situations will resolve the issue.
@AdamMansbridge2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad that my cars are either proper auto with a torque converter or a revvy little manual
@chachar74582 жыл бұрын
and I'm glad mine is a DCT.
@dj_paultuk70522 жыл бұрын
If you buy a car with a DCT, especially a used one. Its worth getting all the software updates done. I used to have a 2016 Merc A220d 2.2d with the 7sp DCT. When i first got the car new the gearbox was just awful, and they had only just released it at that time. In that 1st year i had 4 software updates. And it was not until mid 2017 where yet another software update was done upon which it was "perfect". I mean it was a real dream in all scenarios. Just really annoying that Mercedes did not develop the software first before releasing that gearbox. I suspect other makes maybe similar.
@jeffruebens83552 жыл бұрын
The Hyundai and Kia dry dual clutch transmission has recently been replaced with a wet dual clutch. Hopefully more reliable, and less odd for bumper to bumper traffic creeping along and getting hotter for the clutch plates.
@AndyG732 жыл бұрын
Theirs must be a better overall design (as regards reliability/robustness/longevity) than the likes of the VAG DSG and especially the Ford Powershift DCT because (at least here in the UK) you don't here of widespread failures. Still, for mostly use in heavy, slow moving traffic, I'd still plump for either a car with a decent TC or CVT auto given their far better suitability and smoothness in such conditions. In theory, (well-designed) CVTs should provide the best of performance, mpg and reliability, though perhaps not on the noise front when pushed hard. Probably why both Toyota and Subaru use them, albeit for mainly different reasons on very different performing cars.
@rogersmith73962 жыл бұрын
The wet clutches in my Japanese motorcycles are indestructible.
@privatedata6652 жыл бұрын
We like our DTC ....so far . We use the hold button religiously .
@deanmanly76222 ай бұрын
I hate owning automatic cars My i30 is a 6 speed manual. I really like the electric Steering i always use comfort mode it makes the steering so light, i never use sport mode it makes the steering heavier. I know you hate Honda's, I'm currently doing up a Honda CRV Rd 1 a 2001 awd 5 speed manual just for camping. Its got nice suspension, good ground clearance. Lots of load space in the back with the seats down, completely flat. Me being short in inclement weather, i can sleep in the back of it. When camping.
@paulaxford67542 жыл бұрын
For a moment I thought I was on the wrong channel due to the lack of sarcasm! On DSGs though they will shift up and down on their own terms and can't benefit from double-clutching. As you drop in speed they're going to shift down whether or not you beat them to it with a manual selection. They will rev-match on completed downshifts to save the relevant clutch while slowing down. I didn't watch the entire video but certainly agree to use brakes as they're intended. My only advise on the VW in particular is to keep the brake pedal firmly planted while at a full stop so that it doesn't start to feather the 1st gear clutch. With the annoying stop-start system I think some drivers may use a light foot to keep the engine running. Do you still drive the Kona EV?
@M4rt_FX2 жыл бұрын
Great vid 👍🏻 I’m done with day to day manual driving but will hold on to a performance car manual garage queen. Well said, auto allows a relaxing drive, though at the expense of ultimate control. Let’s just hold on to ICE vehicles for us enthusiasts who love a blat.
@michaelloach94612 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mr C. I'm just getting used to a 7 speed DSG & it does require a different technique. I have noticed that when doing questionable speed in sport mode it will not go into 7th. I do prefer a manual but it isn't available on my car. I know this sounds archaic but I just don't have the feel of the car with the DSG. I know the DSG is better but I just feel disconnected. Ho-hum that's the price to pay.....All the best....
@dawso2o22 жыл бұрын
I love my dct in my bmw 227000 and never had a problem with it
@AndyG732 жыл бұрын
It often dependes upon either how good the in-house engineering is (including how time and money was spent in R&D) for those units made by the car manufacturer, or that and the general reputation for engineering quality of a third-party supplier. In your car's case, that would likely be a Getrag unit. A reasonable proportion of the VAG DSG problems resulted from the units not having enough of a margin to cope with the maximum power output of the engine they were mated to, which then was exaccerbated by not being (easily) able to change out the fluid, which then lead to early failures. From experience via motoring forums and seemingly John's own experiences in the industry, gearboxes made by, say, Jatco (used by Nissan) are of lower quality than Aisin (used by Toyota). Also using proven tech with your own 'twist' (but utilising decent R&D) also appears to work, e.g. Mazdas using their own TC auto boxes.
@maddeusdoggeus12 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the Explanation👍
@scottmoore69572 жыл бұрын
I believe John means when using the transmission to slow down, that will wear things out. i believe this is like travelling along at 60 and you see a red light and select second gear and let the clutch out. this does put stress on the clutch as it tries to match the engine speed to the input shaft gearbox speed and also the syncros when you are trying to select such a low gear at speed that also wears these out (as you push the shifter into a gear the syncro synchronizes the output shaft speed and applicable input shaft speed). this same theory applies to DCTs as they use similar technology. i would also be wary of people behind you if you do this as not using the brakes means you are not illuminating the brake lights and may catch people off guard (your asking for a car accident)
@dederen14922 жыл бұрын
Yes some scenario like that,people talking about slowing down with transmission.Rarely take the normal use in traffic that letting the car slowing down in gear is enough to take off speed and keep going after without stopping. Exemple with a petrol engine,you are on 2nd at 3000rpm,getting of the gas (not completly off instantly,just enough for the car slowing down) and using the engine as brake if you don't need to slow that much will never wear the things out quicker. Going to 3rd at 3000rpm in to 2nd and droping the clutch,then yes that will wear out quicker. An other exemple on light down hill,getting of the gas and using the engine to prevent pick up speed will do nothing,clutch is already engage.But like almost all people does in lowers rev less engine braking so need to drop down gear...
@whysah_WD2 жыл бұрын
It's more like exiting the highway: cruise control off in 5th gear, change to 4th gear to further slow down, change to 3rd gear and in the meantime have power readily available to pull off if the road ahead is clear. The surprise is more in manual car accelerating while DSG is thinking 🙂
@dederen14922 жыл бұрын
@@whysah_WD That most like require heel and toe for that if you want too keep rev at a certain level for pull off if needed.That is not a technique used often so yeah in that case having low revs help to no put excessive stress on the transmission.
@AbbStar19892 жыл бұрын
Upload binge approved. Been watching your vids for quite a few years now Mr Cadogan. Maybe time for some merch?
@AutoExpertJC2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much.
@Sim.L2 жыл бұрын
I love DSG's such a great gearbox to drive with.. I even love the farts. would hate to replace one though.
@labourlawact78262 жыл бұрын
Manuals (with manually operated clutch) are for drivers. The auto's and dsg's is for non car people(ie dummies)
@Big_Yin2 жыл бұрын
Everyone who drives a car is a driver ya mong!
@AndyG732 жыл бұрын
Tell that to Formula 1 drivers!
@tano17472 жыл бұрын
Brakes yes normally. But gear shift to lower gears for descending long mountain ranges. Because heat soaking the brakes over long periods will eventually boil the brake fluid... In both halves of the split circuit at once. So complete brake failure is on the cards if you don't use the gears on long descents. I have spoken to a guy who went through this experience. Apparently rather exciting at the time.... The rule of thumb is to use the same gear descending that you needed ascending. But in normal day to day driving, sure... Brakes are cheaper.
@donnamarie36172 жыл бұрын
Interesting John. Perhaps the same applies to my Mitsy Outlandish cvt, rather than leaning on the transmission when going down a hill, maybe I should just use the brakes from time to time. Thanks for the advice, and yes, even I miss your luscious ladies!
@Peter578082 жыл бұрын
Talking about throttle and gear inputs at the wrong time and today's interlocks that prevent shit from happening. My last drag bike made about 700hp, the gearbox was made so that it could be changed from fifth to first. This was so you could do the burnout in 5th then change to first with one movement of the shifter to stage the bike. It made for an interesting experience if you hit the shifter another time while in 5th at 196mph and found first gear!
@Robert-cu9bm2 жыл бұрын
Motorbikes run different gearboxes to cars. They're a constant mesh box.
@Mark_Bridges2 жыл бұрын
So was there a sudden, spectacular disassembly of the gearbox or engine?
@Peter578082 жыл бұрын
@@Robert-cu9bm yes but they still have issues
@Peter578082 жыл бұрын
@@Mark_Bridges yes when shifted from 5th to 1st then it all went bang in a big way.
@Peter578082 жыл бұрын
@@Robert-cu9bm only in the fact that they are sequential and cannot be changed above or below one gear at a time.
@jameshill39205 ай бұрын
Would it be possible to do a session on towing with a DCT
@Liisjak9 ай бұрын
My Kona N has a wet DCT and I've got no issues in city traffic...my guess is people still think it's 1950s.
@cristyzorro2692 жыл бұрын
*Love the channel and your work* however you missed the Honda DCT . This one has a torque converter.
@jcvarj24 ай бұрын
Is DCT easier to maintain compare to CVT?
@markandsuriyonphanasonkath87682 жыл бұрын
Thanks John, you ALWAYS make "logical sense", your explanations are completely understandable - EXCELLENT! I really miss my 6 speed manual, now living overseas, it is difficult, if not impossible, to get a manual "conventional" car here. Have had enough of my Toyota Yaris CVT, it has NO IDEA what the hell it's doing - Toyota tell me this is normal, damn thing tries to "imitate" a conventional auto, and does a terrible job of this. Sold my Fortuner, terrible thing, noisy and very thirsty. Time to return to a 6 speed manual, at least I will actually be able to "drive the vehicle", instead of the "damn vehicle second guessing what my happen next". Slightly "old school this end", but drivers need to be in control of their vehicles, not the other way around. Just sharing my opinion... Best regards from the topics, regards, Mark
@adriankaczmarek51412 жыл бұрын
This video is relevant to me from Monday lol
@tba39002 жыл бұрын
What adaptation should you muster up. A line of credit when it goes horribly wrong.
@MrFister842 жыл бұрын
It would be cool if DCT's could work together with the safety sense sytems most modern cars have these days to help predict what the driver will be going to want in terms of gearing.
@The-Wise-One7 ай бұрын
Just looking and test driving 2021 hyundai sonatas. It's has a DCT, the newer 23 i test drove was very smooth, no jerks or crunches. But the 21 used one i drove with 42000km, a hyundai executive driven i was told (😂), on slowing down at red light's i find the shift from 2 to 1 had a crunch, small jerk forward, maybe this is the gear slip. Should this be seen as the transmission wear? It was only a short test drive within the first 10mins. Would be car warranty cover this? Or is this hyundai executive driven advise?
@victorking102819872 ай бұрын
Join, wud it be helpfu lif switching auto DCT to mannual in the traffic road condition , tks.
@mahcooharper95772 жыл бұрын
Most important thing to remember when you buy a 2 pedal car is that you have now given up your dignity. #manualmasterrace
@6point5by552 жыл бұрын
I wonder if you will still be saying that when you are older with arthritis in your knees 😁
@chrisdellosa11392 жыл бұрын
@@6point5by55 mannn if pushing in a clutch (no matter how many times) gives you arthritis then you are in terrible shape, weak as fuck and will have many bigger problems than left knee arthritis
@mahcooharper95772 жыл бұрын
@@6point5by55 tbh sometimes I struggle with the heavy clutches I have now but it's worth it. And a bloke I know engineered a booster on to the clutch in his Celica (which wasn't heavy anyway) so that he could keep driving it. Where there's a will there's a way (usually) :)
@rogersmith73962 жыл бұрын
Don't forget the power cup holders and A hole stimulators.
@hyballs2 жыл бұрын
It will be interesting in a year or 3 to read...or listen to peoples comments on how much it cost to fix the DCT in the car they recently bought...or are about to buy.
@rogersmith73962 жыл бұрын
"Extended Warranty".
@jeremygaskin8062 жыл бұрын
ssangyong musso review
@terrydear40382 жыл бұрын
My issue with the DSG etc transmission isn't adapting to their use, it's the fragility of the gearbox. My experiences with DSG boxes has been one of constant trouble. Two Tiguan's and a Golf were all troublesome and the current Volvo I've been warned will go the same way (mechanic's advice). I get it they're great for performance driving and don't have a power sapping torque converter but it seems to be at the expense of reliability. Are there better/worse versions of the twin clutch gearbox or are they all shit? Are there differences in design? Why do VW's DSG's seem to be chronically shit? So many bloody questions.
@chachar74582 жыл бұрын
They're perfectly fine as long as they're wet rather than dry systems. As for your mechanic's warning, he's not a transmission engineer so his prediction is pretty worthless.
@pensiveape61842 жыл бұрын
"International" dude, but enjoying your videos😁
@mataph78052 жыл бұрын
Even worse is before crossing traffic and then need to go again but the damn thing picked a higher gear but you sit there revving and not moving with oncoming traffic getting closer. Waiting... are there is goes!