What is a Clutch in a Car?

Whether you’re a new driver or an expert, you’ve probably heard the term “clutch” thrown around, especially when discussing manual transmission cars. But what exactly does the clutch do? How does a car clutch function? In India, where over 78% of vehicles sold are manual, understanding the clutch system is quite important for smooth driving, better control, and long-term vehicle health. 

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the clutch, how a car clutch functions, signs of wear, and maintenance tips to keep your car running smoothly.

What is a Clutch?

A clutch is a mechanical device in a car that connects and disconnects the engine from the wheels. When the engine is running, it keeps spinning. But the wheels don’t always spin at the same speed. The car clutch functions in matching these speeds, which allows the driver to disengage or engage the power between the engine and the wheels. All cars have clutches in their transmissions and function in a similar manner. The only difference between automatic and manual transmissions is the manual intervention by the driver in a manual gearbox car.

Major Functions of Clutch

The clutch might seem like a small part of the car, but it plays a big role in how smoothly and safely your car runs. It helps you drive without damaging your car, especially when changing gears or stopping. Without a proper car clutch function, driving would be much harder, and the car parts would wear out faster. Here are the main reasons why the clutch is needed:

Smooth Gear Change

When you want to shift from one gear to another, the clutch makes it happen smoothly. In its absence, the spinning parts inside your car would grind against each other and get damaged.

Starting and Stopping

If you stop your car without using the clutch in a manual-transmission car, the engine would stall or shut down. The clutch lets you stop at traffic lights or in traffic without turning off the engine. It also helps the car start moving again without jerks.

Control in Traffic and on Hills

In slow-moving traffic or when going uphill, the clutch gives you better control. It allows you to move slowly and gently, which is useful in tight spaces.

Protects the Gearbox

The car clutch function helps protect the gearbox from wear and tear by making sure the gears engage smoothly. This means fewer repairs and longer life for your car parts.

Better Driving Experience

A good clutch system makes driving more comfortable and enjoyable. It helps the car move smoothly and respond better to your driving.

How Does the Car Clutch Function or Work?

The clutch may sound like a complicated part, but it’s actually quite simple when you break it down. Its main job is to connect or disconnect the engine’s power from the wheels, controlling the speed of the car.

The clutch is an essential component when you want to change gears while you drive. The engine of your car is constantly spinning and the clutch connects the transmission to the engine. When you press the clutch pedal, the transmission is disengaged from the engine, allowing you to safely shift your gear. Once you have shifted your gear, releasing the clutch engages the transmission, sending power to the wheels for your drive. 

What are the Main Parts of a Clutch System?

The car clutch may seem like a small part of the car, but it’s made up of several parts that all work together to help your car move smoothly. Each part has a special job to do, and if one part fails, the whole system can stop working properly.

Here are the main parts of the clutch system:

Clutch Pedal

This is the one you push with your foot within the car. When you push it, it instructs the rest of the clutch system to disengage the engine from the transmission.

Clutch Disc or Clutch Plate

It is a circular, flat metal and friction material plate. It is placed between the gearbox and the engine. While the clutch is engaged, it assists in transferring the power of the engine to the gearbox and then to the wheels.

Pressure Plate

This component keeps the clutch disc in contact with the flywheel of the engine. It applies pressure on the disc using springs so that power transfers smoothly from the engine.

Flywheel

This is a weighty, rotating disc mounted on the engine. It is used to store energy and assist the engine in maintaining smooth running, even when you are not pushing the accelerator. The flywheel is closely associated with the clutch disc and pressure plate.

Release Bearing (or Throw-out Bearing)

When you push the clutch pedal, the release bearing is pushed forward and pushes against the pressure plate. This releases the clutch disc so that you may shift gears.

Clutch Fork

This piece assists in making the release bearing move when you depress the clutch pedal. It serves as a lever to ensure all movements happen accordingly.

10 Types of Clutches on Vehicles

There are different types of clutches that automobiles use based on the configuration of the vehicle and the task intended. Various automobiles utilise plain clutches which suit basic everyday usage, while others use those tailored for heavier duty or even more complex special use. Here are the 10 types of clutches found in vehicles:

1. Friction Clutch

A friction clutch employs the force of friction to join two rotating shafts. When the clutch pedal is pushed, the plates are pulled apart, and power flow is stopped. When it is released, the plates touch, and power flows through. It is primarily applied in cars and motorcycles. Such a clutch facilitates smooth gear changing and avoids sudden jerks in driving.

2. Single Plate Clutch

This car clutch function contains a single friction plate between the pressure plate and flywheel. It is primarily found in automobiles. If you press the clutch pedal, the plate shifts away and prevents power transmission. When you press it back, the plate comes into contact with the flywheel and transmits power from the engine to the wheels. It provides a smooth drive and is convenient to use.

3. Multi-Plate Clutch

Multi-plate clutches employ over a single friction plate to transmit power. Additional plates provide greater contact and more torque. They find application in racing bicycles, heavy trucks, and sports vehicles. The structure supports smooth transmission of power even in harsh environments. They operate similarly to single plate clutches but support more load.

4. Cone Clutch

A cone clutch consists of cone-shaped components that mesh with each other. When they are engaged, the cones touch and transmit power; when disengaged, they slide apart. It provides excellent grip and smooth functioning. These clutches can be used in old vehicles, boats, and slow-speed machines. But it becomes difficult to separate if the cone angle is slight.

5. Centrifugal Clutch

This car clutch functions with centrifugal force. It is engaged automatically with an increase in engine speed. At low speed, the clutch is not engaged; with increased speed, it is engaged. It is utilised in go-karts, mopeds, and scooters. You do not have to pedal; it auto-engages, making it easy for a newcomer.

6. Hydraulic Clutch

Fluid car clutch function transfers pressure with fluid to activate the clutch. When you depress the pedal, the fluid travels and moves the clutch plates apart. It is smooth and requires less force to use. Modern cars employ this type of clutch and contribute to minimising wear and tear. It comes in two forms: fluid coupling and torque converter. This type of clutch is commonly used in mid-range to premium manual cars.

Fluid Coupling

Fluid coupling is a hydrodynamic clutch type. It consists of a liquid-filled case with two fans, an engine-connected fan, and a gearbox-connected fan. The engine rotates the fluid when the engine is running, gradually revolving the second fan while transferring power smoothly. Fluid coupling is employed in automatic transmissions, torque converter vehicles, and heavy machinery.

Hydraulic Torque Converter

This is similar to a fluid coupling but also amplifies torque. It is made up of three components: impeller, turbine, and stator. It transfers and amplifies engine power to the gearbox. It is used in automatic vehicles and eliminates the necessity of manual gear changes, and is able to provide smooth driving even over hills or on heavy loads.

9. Electromagnetic Clutch

An electromagnetic clutch works with electricity and magnets to join and separate. When current passes through, it generates a magnetic field that couples two spinning plates. Cut the current, and the plates drift apart. It’s quick, clean, and applied in machinery, photocopies, and low-speed vehicles, but not suitable for high-speed applications.

10. Hysteresis-Powered Clutch

This clutch operates without physical contact. It utilises magnetism for torque control. Electric current, when it flows, causes a magnetic drag to transfer power. When the current ceases, the flow of power ceases as well. These clutches are employed for testing equipment that require extremely accurate control and minimal wear.

Signs That Your Clutch Might Be Failing

The longevity of a clutch would depend on where and how you drive. For ordinary drivers, it would last more than 1,00,000 kms. If you drive aggressively or put a lot of stress on the car, such as in racing, it will have a shorter lifespan. But if you mostly cruise on highways or drive slowly during daytime traffic, it can last longer, sometimes up to 2,00,000 kms. With time, the clutch will get worn out with a lot of driving. Here are signs that commonly indicate clutch troubles:

• Slipping Clutch: Increased engine revolutions, but the car does not speed up.
• Hard Gear Shifting: It is hard to shift gears smoothly.
• Burning Smell: A burning or hot smell, typically in uphill areas.
• Noisy Operation: Grinding or squealing noises when releasing the clutch.
• Vibration: The car vibrates when the clutch pedal is released.

If you see these symptoms, it is better to have your clutch inspected with a Spinny care maintenance service.

Conclusion

Understanding the car clutch function is essential for every driver, whether you drive a manual or automatic. From making the car start to shifting gears and braking smoothly, the clutch is quiet and always at work. From mechanical to hydraulic and even electromagnetic clutches, each type serves a unique purpose based on the vehicle’s design. If you notice signs of clutch wear or slipping, timely maintenance can save you from bigger repair bills down the line. So, whether you’re learning to drive or just want to know your car better, knowing how the clutch works is a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Also Read: What is the Function of the Clutch in a Car?

FAQs about Clutch in a Car