San Francisco German Auto Repair

Volkswagen’s DSG gets a lot of praise for quick shifts and strong fuel economy. It also feels different from a traditional automatic, which can confuse drivers the first week or two. Understanding what is happening inside the case helps you know what is normal, what needs attention, and how to keep the unit smooth for years. What Makes DSG Different A regular automatic uses a torque converter and a set of planetary gearsets. The DSG uses two separate clutches and two input shafts, one for odd gears and one for even gears. While you are driving in one gear, the next gear is already lined up on the other shaft. That design is why shifts are fast and throttle response feels direct. Inside the Dual Clutch Setup Think of it as two small manual transmissions sharing one housing. Each clutch connects its own set of gears to the engine. Mechatronics, the control unit that combines electronics with hydraulic valves, decides which clutch should engage ... read more