Autocar India
13w

My new Kia Seltos DCT 2026 rolled down while I was taking a steep U-turn and had to apply the brake due to traffic. As I accelerated to move forward, the vehicle rolled back and hit a wall behind. Why did this happen, and how can I avoid it in the future?

Verified
13w
What you experienced is typical of how a DCT behaves, and it can catch you out on steep inclines. In your Kia Seltos DCT, there is no traditional torque converter to “creep” forward like a regular automatic, so on a steep U-turn when you come off the brake, the car can momentarily roll back before the gearbox engages and builds drive. If you then accelerate quickly, there can be a slight delay before power comes in, which is likely why the car rolled back and tapped the wall.
To avoid this, the key is to control the car on inclines rather than relying on the throttle alone. Use the brake firmly, then ease onto the accelerator smoothly instead of stabbing it, giving the gearbox a moment to engage. If your car has hill hold, make sure it is active, as it will hold the car briefly when you release the brake. In tighter situations, such as steep U-turns, it is also safer to use the handbrake method by holding the car with the handbrake, then releasing it as you start moving forward. Keeping a slightly larger gap behind you in such situations also helps.
The only drawback with DCTs is exactly this behaviour in stop-go or incline conditions, as they are not as intuitive as torque converter automatics.
Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

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13w

does rhis happens alao with CVT transmission?

13w

Very well explained, whether any automatic or manual, one still needs to be in control especially on incline. Yes a Torque converter would respond better in same situation but still one got be in sync and control , which is always better

10w

Will Duster’s DCT will behave same in traffic?

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Posted on: 17 Apr 2026