How a Car Clutch Works and Its Functions That Must Be Understood

Lately, there are still many who don't know how a car clutch works. In fact, the clutch is an important part of the car that functions to connect the crankshaft to the transmission gear.


The working system of a car clutch is also simple, which is to disconnect or connect power from the engine to the gear transmission. In addition, there are two conditions that can distinguish how a car clutch works. First when the clutch is pressed, and second when the clutch is not pressed.


Because it has a fairly large role, the clutch has various types, you know. Starting from manual clutch, automatic, double plate, single plate, dry clutch, and friction. However, all these variations have almost the same way of working.


Car Clutch Components


After knowing what a car clutch is, also know the components in it. There are 8 components in the clutch. Anything? Here's the explanation:


1. Clutch Pedal ( clutch Pedal )

This one component functions to control the clutch by working like a lever, such as disconnecting or connecting the clutch.


As is known, at the base of the pedal there is a hinge that is connected directly to the push rod. Now the pedal will usually be adjusted in height to the needs of the rider.


2. Master Cylinder Clutch ( master Clutch )

The workings of this one component can be said to be inversely proportional to the other components. Because this component converts mechanical power into hydraulic when the pedal is pressed. This component also has two parts, namely the top and bottom.


At the top, the component is connected to the push rod so that it can receive direct pressure from the clutch pedal. While the bottom receives the pressure which will be channeled by the new clutch oil then the pressure is channeled to the fork as a driving medium.


3. Release Bearing


Having a physical form such as a thick ring, the release bearing is a component that has the function of channeling pressure from the release fork or actuary cylinder. The goal is that the pressure in question can be used to compress the diaphragm spring.


4. clutch Cover


This component is compressed by the release bearing. Shaped like a clutch cover, the clutch cover functions as a housing for several diaphragm springs and pressure devices. This cap is also connected to the flywheel and rotates as the flywheel moves.


5. flywheel


This one component is a plate that has two functions. The first provides input rotation from the car engine, the second as a holder for the clutch cover component and the clutch disk.


6. pressure Plate


As the name suggests, this plate functions to continue the pressure from the clutch lining to the diaphragm spring.


The pressure plate has the shape of a disc made of iron and has a hole in the middle.


7. Clutch Spring


There are two types of clutch springs, namely the diaphragm type and the coil spring type. Its function is to suppress the pressure plate to keep it attached to the clutch.


8. Release Lever


This last component is also in the form of a plate and has a function as a lever for the pressure plate so that it can be released from the clutch plate.


How the Car Clutch Works


The car clutch has a working system that, although it sounds simple, not everyone can understand it.


Having a function as a transfer of engine power to the car's transmission gear, the car's own clutch working system can occur in two different conditions:


1. When the Car Clutch Is Pressed


The clutch will act the first time the pedal is pressed. In this condition, the car clutch will break the rotation from the engine to the transmission.


Why is that? Because when the clutch is stepped on, the hydraulics in the clutch will create liquid pressure to the hydraulic actuator area.


In this condition, the release bearing presses against the clutch cover. As a result, the pressure plate is lifted and cannot press the clutch disc.


In short, this is what makes engine power not reach the transmission. to the push rod so that it can receive direct pressure on the clutch pedal.


2. When the Car Clutch Is Not Pressed


The second way is when the car clutch is not pressed or released. Now in this condition, the hydraulic actuator liquid or fluid will disappear. As a result, the release bearing returns to its initial position and there is no pressure on the release lever.


When the clutch pedal is released, the clutch spring will work by pressing the pressure plate again. The goal is for the pressure plate to stick to the clutch plate. Later, the clutch will be squeezed and the flywheel rotates. Meanwhile, the rotation is channeled to the clutch plate and transmission.


The teeth of the car will not be able to be moved if it does not have a clutch. This is because the transmission system is not working. Therefore, if you want to shift gears or reduce them, you need to step on the clutch. The goal is to occur power cuts and gearshift more smoothly.


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How Does a Manual Car Clutch Work?


When you press the clutch pedal, it means you activate the manual clutch function. In how the manual clutch works. the rotary power from the engine will be cut off. However, the clutch system not only functions to reconnect the engine power at will, but also must be able to work quickly, smoothly, and efficiently.


Now the working principle of the manual clutch itself is to utilize the friction between two types of plates whose surface is not slippery at all, so that when the two plates are affixed, what happens is the rotation of the displacement.


How the Automatic Car Clutch Works


This one clutch is regulated by the high and low engine speed of the car. Not much different from the manual clutch, the automatic clutch also has a crankshaft position and a primary shaft.


The way an automatic car clutch works is almost the same as a manual clutch. However, the difference lies in the special tool used to replace the handle equipment.


Car Clutch Function


Because it is an important component of a vehicle, here are the functions of the car clutch that you should know.


  • Lifting the engine when the car is about to move so as to make the car movement smoother and smoother
  • Makes the car gear shift smooth when the car starts or is used
  • Stop the car without having to turn off the engine. Especially when stuck in traffic jams or stuck at red lights and congested roads
  • Supporting vehicle and engine performance to be more optimal
  • Improve vehicle brake performance, especially during sudden or emergency braking.

How to Care for a Car Clutch So That It Lasts


After understanding the types and functions as well as the various components, don't forget to pay attention to how to take care of the car clutch so that it lasts.


By taking care of the clutch, it is the same as extending the life of the clutch and ensuring its performance remains consistent. There are several ways you can do this, including:


1. Minimize the Use of Half Clutch


When driving, try not to use half the clutch too often. This is a bad habit that drivers often do.


As a result, the clutch lining will run out quickly. And if left unchecked, it will certainly have a bad effect on the use of the car clutch in the long term.


2. Don't Force the Car to Hit the Flood


One that can quickly damage the components of a car is the habit of crashing into floods. In addition to making the car dirty and easy to rust, flood water also has a bad impact on the car's clutch because it disrupts the clutch system due to water ingress. Especially if the car is not equipped with an automatic transmission.


3. Check the Oil Volume in the Brakes


Why do you need to check regularly? Because the volume of oil in the brakes has an influence on the performance of the car's clutch.


Make sure the oil volume is at normal levels, not less or more. Because, excessive levels also have bad effects, one of which can make the car clutch perforated.


4. Make Adjustments to the Clutch Gap.


Car clutch gaps can change, depending on how regularly the car is used and the condition of the clutch which also changes frequently.


The method is quite easy, just turn the adjusting nut (located right at the bottom of the master cylinder) in the desired direction.


5. Don't Leave the Car Unused for a Long Time


Cars that are rarely used are more prone to damage, especially the clutch parts that can harden and of course make it difficult for the car to be used. Therefore, it is necessary to warm up the car regularly even if you don't use the car for long trips.


the Importance of Having Car Insurance


Usually, what is the consideration for someone buying car insurance ? Well, one reason usually is so that the car gets protection from the risk of loss and damage.


This is because owning a car also requires a big commitment and responsibility. Especially considering the cost of repairing a car which is quite expensive. A little miscalculation, your savings can also be sold out.


In addition, having car insurance can also help you protect financially.


How come? With insurance, you only need to prepare a certain amount of funds to cover all risks according to the amount of premium you pay. Including the risk of losing the car due to theft.


Therefore, there is nothing wrong with protecting your finances by using car insurance, right?


Car insurance can protect you from these unexpected costs due to unexpected risks.


Check the amount of car insurance premiums with the calculator below.


Tips from Auto Insurance Agencies! Before driving, there are many things you must learn, one of which is learning to car clutch.


By learning the ins and outs of a car clutch, you can drive safely. In addition, you can also keep the car clutch durable and functioning normally.


Don't forget to protect your finances with car insurance, OK? Because, you can save a lot of expenses here.


So, your finances will be safe because the insurance company bears the costs for the risks mentioned earlier.