Driving a car with a DSG Gearbox is not as complicated as you may believe. In this guide we will take a closer look at what driving a car with a DSG Gearbox entails covering everything from starting the engine to mastering gear changes, so you will always have complete control over the car.
Key Points
- DSG gearboxes provide automatic vehicles with a number of advantages as they enable fast and smooth gear changes and improved fuel efficiency.
- To ensure you get the best possible performance out of your DSG gearbox car it needs to be handled and maintained correctly. Regular servicing every 40,000 miles is required and you need to ensure you are familiar with features like the gear selector and paddle shifters.
- Although DSG gearboxes are praised for their reliability and efficiency, they can be more costly to repair and may sometimes show signs of problems such as delays in shifting or unusual sounds.
A Step by Step Guide to Driving a DSG Car
When you drive a car with a DSG gearbox you will benefit from an experience that involves precision, control and easy gear changes. This step-by-step guide walks you through the basics of starting your DSG equipped vehicle, using the gear selector, and mastering the techniques of braking and coming to a stop.
Starting Your Car
When you start a car that is equipped with a DSG gearbox, some skill is required, so here is how to go about it.
- Make sure your the park function has been selected
- Apply the footbrake firmly
- Press the start button
- Make sure all the warning lights have gone off before starting the engine
DSG cars have a feature known as “creep” that is unique to them. Once the engine has been started, you put the car into drive and take your foot off the brake and your vehicle will begin to move forward. The creep feature is also present in automatic cars, making it much easier to drive in slow traffic or when you are waiting at traffic lights.
Selecting the Gears
If you have a car equipped with a DSG gearbox the steering wheel and gear lever are the things that make smooth changes of gear possible; Your gear lever gives you a number of different options:
- Park (P): This should be selected when you park your car or it is stationary. It will lock the transmission and ensure the car doesn’t start to roll.
- Reverse (R): This is the gear position you need if you want to go backwards. Reverse can be accessed by pushing the gear selector to the left from Drive (D) or Neutral (N), then upwards.
- Neutral (N): Neutral should be selected if the car is stationary with the engine running. A good example of this is while briefly waiting at a traffic light.
- Drive (D): This is the standard gear if you want to move forward. The car automatically changes gear when it needs to.
To shift from ‘Park’ to ‘Drive,’ press down on the brake pedal, hold the button on the gear shifter, and move the lever into the ‘D’ position. To find the reverse, move the gear lever to the left from ‘D’ or ‘N’ and then push it upwards. The ‘Neutral’ gear can be found between ‘Drive’ and ‘Reverse.’
If you are stopped and put the car in Park the transmission will be locked which will ensure the car does not move. It is important to use the gear selector smoothly and in the correct manner to ensure you get the best possible driving experience.
Braking and Stopping
Braking and stopping in a DSG vehicle often requires a bit of practice. The key to smooth braking is to use just one foot for the brake pedal and avoid pressing a clutch pedal. The reason for this is that it stops you engaging the brake and accelerator at the same time, which can interfere with the DSG system’s power delivery.
As soon as you need to stop, the brake pedal should be pressed smoothly until the car comes to a full stop. You should then move the gear lever to ‘P’ engage the handbrake and release the brake pedal.
If your parking spot is on a steep hill you need to slow down well in advance. Take care and move slowly to your intended parking place to ensure maximum safety and control.
How Does a DSG Gearbox Work
A DSG gearbox is a kind of automatic transmission that provides you with quick, smooth gear changes that do not interrupt the flow of power. Whereas a traditional gearbox uses a torque convertor, DSG gearboxes use a dual clutch system. This system allows you to select gears in advance which helps to enhance quick and responsive performance. A DSG gearbox has a number of key characteristics such as:
- Quick smooth gear changes
- No interruption of power flow
- Dual clutch system for preemptive gear selection
- Fast and responsive nature
How Will you Benefit from a DSG Gearbox
A DSG or dual clutch shift gearbox provides drivers with a number of significant benefits when compared to traditional transmissions. Because a DSG pre-selects the gear for you it ensures you get almost seamless gear changes.
DSG gearboxes offer better fuel efficiency than other automatic transmissions. A good example of this is the 7 speed DSG gearbox that has improved fuel economy by 15%. The reason for this is that the dual clutch design offers faster reaction times and more responsiveness.
DSG gearboxes offer the best of both worlds by blending the ease of an automatic transmission with the engaging control of a manual one, making them a highly efficient and appealing alternative to traditional manual transmissions. Moreover, the manual mode feature allows for even greater control, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Things to Consider About DSG Gearboxes
While there are some distinct benefits associated with Direct Shift Gearboxes there are some factors that you need to consider:
Cost: DSG Gearboxes are usually more expensive than traditional automatic transmissions due to the complexity of the design which can also prove more costly when repairs are needed.
The Driving experience: Because it prioritises smooth and efficient gear shifts, drivers looking for more control when in the car may find the driving experience less enjoyable.
Potential Issues: Like anything mechanical a DSG gearbox could experience problems over time. Some common problems experienced if a DSG gearbox malfunctions are:
- Hesitation
- Jerking
- Delayed Gear changes
- Unusual Vibrations and noises
- Clutch Wear
Even though DSG gearboxes are designed to last, driving aggressively is likely to accelerate wear and tear. However, please remember not all DSG gearboxes malfunction and if you maintain them properly and drive carefully, their lifespan can be extended.
DSG Gearbox Maintenance and Reliability
While early 2000s models of DSG gearboxes had more frequent issues, the newer versions are generally seen as reliable. However, like any advanced mechanical system, they require proper maintenance to continue to perform effectively and ensure longevity. Service intervals for DSG gearboxes can differ, but it is important that they are serviced regularly. Another thing to be aware of is that if you drive aggressively or tow heavy vehicles more strain will be exerted on a DSG gearbox, leading to the need for more frequent servicing.
The typical service interval for DSG gearboxes is around 40,000 miles, but it’s essential to check your vehicle’s manual for precise guidelines. Some DSG clutches might need replacement between 60,000 and 70,000 miles, although this can vary. Adhering to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and adopting a gentle driving style can help prolong the life of the clutch significantly.
We hope that this blog post will leave you better informed about DSG gearboxes as a whole. However, if you would like more detailed information get in touch with the team here at Auto Gearbox who will be only too happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with recommendations for the type of gearbox that is best suited to your specific requirements.