Here you can get About Tiptronic Gearbox. A Tiptronic transmission is basically a regular automatic transmission where the driver is able to move out of “automatic mode” and use paddle shifters to shift up or down like a manual transmission.
What Is A Tiptronic Gearbox
In the past, most traditional, standard cars came equipped with either an automatic or manual transmission. Both types of transmissions had their benefits and drawbacks, and drivers equally favored both at one time. However, times have changed, and with that come new advancements in technology and automotive design.
A Tiptronic transmission has all the essential features of an automatic transmission, but with one huge difference—you are able to shift gears manually yourself when you choose to. Depending on what type of car you drive and the manufacturer’s design, you’ll use either the traditional gear lever or gear shifting paddles located near the steering wheel to shift up or down a gear.
Difference Between A Tiptronic And “Normal” Transmission
There are several main differences between a Tiptronic and a standard manual or automatic transmission. The obvious point is the option to shift from a quasi-manual to a quasi-automatic at the driver’s leisure and choice. All manufacturers’ versions of this system work slightly differently, but ultimately the idea is still the same—enhance the driver’s control over the vehicle and the overall driving experience. Tiptronic transmissions offer the following benefits to drivers:
- Gear shifting without clutch operation
- Built-in precautionary features for preventing damage
- The ease of an automatic transmission with the excitement of a manual
- Better control over vehicle operation
- More power, more fun
The most vital element and benefit of a Tiptronic transmission is the safeguards that are in place that protect the driver and the car from error. This is a basic programming and design feature implemented to ensure the integrity of the car despite the driver’s habits. For instance, when the car is being controlled manually and the driver doesn’t shift gears properly, the technology will take back over and shift gears as needed.
Tiptronic Transmission Working
The tiptronic system has two modes – manual shift mode and automatic transmission mode. In the automatic mode, the car’s entire transmission system is controlled by the car’s ECU. Therefore, it will behave just like any other fully automatic car, with the driver only required to accelerate and brake. This is the ideal mode for hassle-free driving, especially in city traffic.
When the driver wants to take control over the transmission, he/she can switch over to the manual shift mode. In this mode, the car’s computer transfers the control over to the driver, who can then freely shift gears according to his/her preferences. Manual shifting is done via the gear-knob or through special steering-mounted pedals. Each time the knob or the pedal is operated, a signal is registered by the car’s computer, and depending upon its position, an up-shift or down-shift is made via the car’s internal transmission actuators.
How Safe Is A Tiptronic Gearbox
As previously stated, your car will not be able to go over a certain rev limit while in tiptronic mode2. You’ll have as much control as you could want, but you won’t be able to redline the car and blow a head gasket. It’s also not possible to rev for a long period of time because the car’s safety software will switch back to automatic mode and change gears appropriately to keep the engine in good condition.
It’s not possible to rev for a long time because the car’s safety software will switch back to automatic mode and change gears.
Advantages
- Tiptronic transmission gives you the best of both automatic and manual transmissions. When slugging along in traffic, you can shift to the automatic transmission mode, and thereby enjoy the convenience of automatic gear shifting. On the other hand, when on a free highway, you can shift to the manual-shift mode, and thus avail yourself the benefits of manual transmission, such as increased engine braking, rapid down-shifting before overtaking, early up-shifting while cruise driving, etc.
- By constantly monitoring for over and under RPM, the tiptronic system manages to make appropriate automatic shifts, thereby protecting the engine and transmission system.
- Automatic shifting in the manual mode also assists the driver by preventing the engine from stalling in case of failure to down-shift.
- Cars installed with paddle shifts allow the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel while making gear changes. This maximizes his/her control over the car.
Disadvantages
- The driver is given only a pseudo control over the car’s transmission. Hence certain unique styles of driving cannot be incorporated in cars installed with this system.
- Tiptronic system utilizes a torque converter instead of a regular clutch mechanism. This can result in a certain degree of power loss.
- Since, even in the manual mode, it is the ECU that actually performs the gear shift, there is small delay during shifts, which becomes noticeable in more aggressive driving. More modern systems such as the Direct Shift Gearbox and the Sequential Gearbox offer a better performance as they are quicker at making the gear shifts.
Thus, the tiptronic system tries to bring back the ‘feel’ into driving that seems to be lost in automatic cars. This system is by no means perfect, but it sure can bring back your smile, when you find that you can lock your automatic car in the 3rd gear while aggressively accelerating down that corner.
