"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Ray wrote:


"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
In article ,
polygonum_on_google wrote:
Trouble is, the other car I drive regularly is also automatic but has
a manual handbrake and I do have to think about it when I switch over.

My auto is a PDK (twin clutch) which uses a friction clutch rather
than torque convertor. It is set to creep - to replicate a TC auto. If
you use the handbrake, the creep function is still engaged. So when
stopping at traffic lights etc I put it in park. No need for either
foot or handbrake then. To avoid unnecessary wear on the clutch.

I did just once just use the handbrake and leave it in drive. Until
getting stuck in a massive traffic jam last summer. On moving off, got
quite bad clutch judder. So guessed it had overheated. Given the cost
of a replacement transmission, moving the gearlever seems a small
price to pay.

Fark. I was considering a PDK for my next car. **** that.

Other than the above, it's brilliant.

Sure, but I am ****ed if I am going to fart around
putting it out of drive every time I have to stop for
long in traffic.

Although I've no experience of a TC
transmission with the same number (7) of gears. Unlike the earlier single
clutch (SMG) type boxes, it's smooth as silk when not in a rush. Quite
difficult to tell when it changes gear - other than by the indicator.

I would add the clutch judder happened on a very hot summer's day in an
usually bad traffic jam, due to an accident on a trunk road. And hasn't
happened since.

But you do take it out of drive most of the time now.