First gear. Second gear. Third gear. Fourth gear. Every vehicle moves through a series of gears to get you from point A to point B. 

To do that, your vehicle depends on a car clutch system to move it as you pick up speed. How does it work? What should you know about maintenance? A little knowledge can help you discover when the car clutch isn’t working, and what you should do to bring it back into working condition. 

What is a car clutch?

A car clutch is a crucial component of a manual transmission system that helps to engage and disengage the engine’s power as it moves to the wheels. It gives the driver control over the power output and speed of the vehicle.

A clutch consists of several parts, including the clutch plate, pressure plate, and release bearing. The clutch plate is between the engine flywheel and the transmission input shaft. The pressure plate applies force to the clutch plate, pressing it against the engine flywheel to transmit power to the wheels. The release bearing allows the pressure plate to disengage from the clutch plate, which separates the engine’s power from the wheels.

The clutch plate disengages from the engine flywheel by pressing the clutch pedal. This disconnects the engine’s power from the transmission, allowing the driver to shift gears or come to a stop without stalling the engine. Releasing the clutch pedal gradually engages the clutch plate with the engine flywheel, transferring power to the wheels and allowing the vehicle to move.

Do automatic cars have a clutch?

Manual transmissions have fallen out of preference in recent years in the US. A recent study showed 96 percent of Americans drive automatics. That’s because it’s easier – want to reverse? Move the shift lever to R.  

While car clutches may be visible on manual transmissions, automatic transmissions still have a clutch. In an automatic car, the clutch is known as a torque converter.

The torque converter has three main components: the impeller, the turbine, the stator, and a clutch. The impeller is connected to the engine and rotates, creating a fluid flow that spins the turbine. The turbine is connected to the transmission and transfers power to the wheels. The stator redirects the fluid flow, improving the torque converter’s efficiency.

When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the engine’s power is transmitted to the impeller, also called a pump, creating a fluid flow that spins the turbine and propels the car forward. When the driver brakes or comes to a stop, the torque converter disengages, preventing the engine from stalling.

In automatic cars, the driver does not have to manually engage or disengage the clutch, as the torque converter automatically regulates the power flow from the engine to the transmission. The car’s speed and acceleration are controlled by pressing the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal.

What are the common signs a car clutch needs repair?

Manual and automatic transmissions have different clutch systems, yet they work similarly. That also means some signs that indicate a problem with the clutch can be similar for both types of transmissions. Of few of the common signs that alert you the clutch may be failing include:

Difficulty shifting gears – You’ll notice it in the drivability. Both manual and automatic cars may have difficulty shifting gears when the clutch fails. In manual cars, this may show up as grinding or difficulty getting the car into gear. In automatic cars, it may result in delayed or rough shifting.

Slipping – The benefit of getting to know your car is you can immediately sense when something isn’t right. In manual cars, the clutch may slip when accelerating, causing the engine to rev without a corresponding increase in speed. In automatic cars, slipping may cause the vehicle to feel like it’s struggling or losing power.

Burning smell – A noxious odor is never a sign of something good. A burning smell in both manual and automatic cars can occur when the clutch is overheating due to slipping or excessive wear.

Noisy clutch – Likewise, unusual sounds indicate something is wrong with your vehicle. If you hear squeaking, rattling, or grinding, it can be a sign of a problem in both manual and automatic cars.

Driving a manual or an automatic car provides different driver experiences, so you might notice other symptoms depending on your driving. For example, a worn-out clutch in manual vehicles may also cause the car to jerk or shudder when starting or stopping. In automatic vehicles, a failing torque converter may cause the car to have difficulty getting up to speed or experience delayed acceleration.

What if a car clutch suddenly fails?

If a car clutch suddenly fails, it can be a frightening and potentially dangerous situation. You may experience a sudden loss of power, have difficulty shifting gears, or notice other symptoms that make it difficult to control the car. If this happens:

Remain calm – Your sole goal is to bring your car safely to a stop and out of harm’s way. Do not panic or slam on the brakes, which can cause the vehicle to skid or lose control. Instead, try to steer the car to the side of the road or a safe location.

Shift to a lower gear – If you are driving a manual car and the clutch fails, try to shift to a lower gear to slow down the vehicle. This will help you maintain some control over the car and avoid sudden stops.

Use the handbrake – If you cannot shift to a lower gear or are driving an automatic car, you can use the handbrake to slow down the vehicle gradually. Pull the handbrake slowly to avoid locking up the wheels.

Call for assistance – If you cannot safely control the car, call for assistance. Contact a tow truck or roadside assistance service to help bring your vehicle in to have your car’s clutch system inspected by one of our professional mechanics.

A sudden clutch failure can be a sign of a serious problem. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent clutch failure and keep your car running smoothly.

When was the last time your car’s clutch was inspected?