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How Your Car's Clutch Works

Whether your car has an automatic or manual transmission, clutches are used to control the operation of the engine and its impact on the wheels. Your engine spins continuously. When the wheels aren't moving, they can't be connected to it. The clutch is used to control the amount of slippage between the wheels and the engine, essentially severing the connection between them when necessary.

Today, I'll explain the basics behind how your car's clutch works. Most capable drivers don't realize what is happening under the hood of their vehicles. However, knowing the fundamentals can be valuable in maintaining your car properly and diagnosing problems as they occur.

Engines, Drive Shafts, And Plates

Let's simplify the process. In rear-wheel drive cars, there's a long metal shaft that starts at the engine, travels the length of your vehicle down the middle, and connects to the rear axle. As the engine spins, the drive shaft spins. That spins the axle which causes the rear wheels to spin. When you press on the gas pedal, your car's engine spins faster, causing the drive shaft to spin faster. As a result, the wheels turn and your car moves.

Keep in mind that the engine spins constantly. If the connection between it and the wheels were constant, your car would always be moving. You could aggressively apply the brakes every time you wanted to stop, but it would be a continuous battle against the perpetually spinning engine. That's where your clutch comes in.

The clutch is connected to the drive shaft and uses a pair of circular plates to control the shaft's spinning (at least, the part connected to the axle). The shaft is severed in 2 parts, each part with a plate on the end. The plate that is connected to the engine spins constantly while the other plate is motionless until it's needed.

When the driver wants to move the car, the clutch presses the 2 plates together, causing the second plate to spin with the first. This, in turn, spins the rest of the drive shaft which causes the wheels to spin. When the driver wants to stop the car, the plates separate, allowing the one attached to the wheels to slow and stop.

Controlling The Engine's Power

While your car is running, the engine produces power continuously. Your clutch is basically the lever by which you manage (when driving stick shift, at least) your engine's power output to the wheels. It controls the connection between the engine and the drive shaft through the application of friction between the plates. Over time, they can wear down and you'll need to replace them. So, make sure your mechanic checks their condition periodically.

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