Clutch
- This article is about an automotive technology. There is also an article about the band Clutch.
A clutch is a subcomponent of an engine's transmission designed to allow engagement or disengagement of the engine to whatever apparatus is being driven.
There are many different clutch designs, but most are based on one or more friction discs, presssed tightly together or against a flywheel using springs. The spring pressure is released when the clutch pedal is depressed and the discs are held less tightly and allowed to rotate freely.
- Dry clutch
- Wet clutch
In a car it is operated by the leftmost pedal. No pressure on the pedal means that the clutch plates are engaged (driving), while depressing the pedal will disengage the clutch plates, allowing the driver to shift gears.
When the rightmost pedal (accelerator) is pressed while the clutch pedal is being let out, the clutch plates wear out faster than normal, but this is often used for a hard launch
Some mopeds have an automatic clutch, using centrifugal forces to engage the clutch above certain rpm.
On most motorcycles, the clutch is operated by the clutch lever, located on the left handlebar. No pressure on the lever means that the clutch plates are engaged (driving), while pulling the lever back towards the rider will disengage the clutch plates, allowing the rider to shift.
See also: fan clutch
