The clutch plays a very important role in all types of vehicles, including cars. The function of this component is to decide and connect the engine rotation.
In fact, in a car, it’s not just the clutch that plays an important role, but there are still other components whose functions are no less important for the needs of the car.
Since this article discusses car clutches, I will only discuss this part.
Maybe I will discuss other car components in the next article.
So what is the function of this clutch system, how does it work and what are the types?
For more complete information, please read the review below completely.
Understanding Car Clutch
The clutch is a machine part that connects the transmission gear and crank axis to move the rear wheels.
The main function of this part is to change the engine speed according to what the driver wants. Speed really affects the car when it moves.
Every car must have something called a clutch, although not all of them are the same type.
The use of this clutch is adjusted to the type of car you are using. Over time, especially in the automotive sector, this clutch has been developed with various additional elements.
Car Clutch Function
As we already know, the clutch is an important component for cars and various other types of vehicles.
Therefore, the clutch itself has a function that you really need to know. Such as:
- Lift the engine when the car is moving, so that the speed of the car will feel smooth and smooth.
- Shifts the car’s transmission smoothly, whether stationary or moving.
- Stop the car without having to turn off the engine first, especially when you are at a red light or stuck in a traffic jam.
- Helps the vehicle to maintain engine performance so that it feels optimal and optimal when you step on the gas.
- Increases the performance of the vehicle’s brakes, especially when the driver is braking suddenly.
Types of Clutch in Car
In a vehicle, every component in it has an important role. Although not all components have crucial status, if they malfunction, the vehicle will not be able to run or break down. One of the components in a vehicle is the clutch.
The clutch is a component that connects the transmission gears to the crankshaft so that the wheels can move. Its main function is to change the level of engine acceleration according to the rider’s wishes. Every motorized vehicle has this component, although the type is not always the same.
So, what are the types of motor vehicle clutches?
Manual Clutch
As the name suggests, this clutch is used manually. The driver can freely operate the machine and vehicle and regulate the vehicle speed according to the driver’s wishes.
Because it is operated manually, it requires good skills to make the car run smoothly. Not only that, extra power is needed to operate it, especially on busy roads such as in big cities.
Automatic Clutch
Along with advances in technology, automatic clutches have been created which are actually more sophisticated and practical.
This type of clutch has a working system according to the crankshaft speed. By disconnecting and connecting the crankshaft to the rear wheel. So the speed that arises depends on the rotational speed of the ankle shaft.
This type of clutch is used in automatic cars. Automatic cars themselves have three lever directions, namely medium speed, maximum speed and reverse speed.
Friction Clutch
As you can guess from the name, the way the friction clutch works is that it utilizes the friction force on the two clutch discs when transferring power. In this clutch there are two parts to the friction force, namely
Disc Clutch: A disc clutch is a clutch that rubs against two disc-shaped friction plane units.
Conical Clutch: Conical clutch is a type of friction clutch that works on two truncated conical disc units.
Double Plate Clutch
Next is the double or multiple plate clutch. This clutch has a field with a large number of pieces or more than two pieces. This clutch is usually found in manual cars because the system works by rubbing components in the engine.
Single Plate Clutch
A single plate clutch is a type of clutch that only has one disc. As a result, it is widely used in automatic cars with automatic clutches. Because it is more compact, the single clutch system works easier. The use of this clutch complements the shortcomings of the dual clutch.
Wet Clutch
Next is the wet clutch. This type of clutch requires cooling because it often experiences friction. Of course, for this clutch to last and be in ideal condition, a wet clutch requires lubricant or oil. We usually find this type of clutch on motorbikes.
Dry Clutch
In contrast to a wet clutch, a dry clutch does not require cooling. This clutch does not need lubrication to prevent slipping. But it requires good maintenance on a regular basis to avoid unwanted things.
How to Maintain a Car Clutch
In order for the car clutch to remain in good and excellent condition, at least the vehicle owner must know how to maintain it properly and correctly.
If the condition of the clutch is weak, the vehicle’s performance will also be weak, especially if used at high revs.
Usually the maximum limit of use for the clutch is after 20 to 50 thousand kilometers of travel.
However, many automotive experts recommend replacing the clutch if you have traveled a distance of 10 thousand kilometers.
Before knowing how to care for a clutch, it would be a good idea for you to know the impacts that occur if this component is damaged:
- Clutch slippage
- Reduced engine performance
- Fuel consumption is wasteful
- The speed of the car felt fast
So, to overcome all the problems above, therefore you have to do this. Such as:
Don’t Do This When Driving a Car
How to care for a car clutch can start from how you drive it.
If you want the clutch to look good and be able to be used until its maximum lifespan, at least don’t do this:
- When stopping on a road with steep terrain, do not press the clutch continuously. It would be a good idea to move the transmission position to N (Neutral) and pull the handbrake lever to keep the car still.
- When driving, try not to place your left foot directly on the clutch pedal. Why? Because this can make the clutch pedal depressed without us realizing it. This can make the clutch plate and bearing bearing wear out.
- Don’t rush when pressing the clutch lever, nor when releasing it. Why? Because this part really affects the contact of the plate with the flywheel , if that happens the clutch plate will wear out quickly and the torsion damper part will be easily damaged.
Using the Clutch Correctly
How to operate a car clutch correctly? That is, when you want to shift the transmission, press the clutch lever until it stops/ends.
Then, move the transmission lever or handle according to the machine’s needs. After that, slowly release the clutch lever that you are pressing.
Oh yes, to release the clutch lever you have to step on the gas pedal. Carry out this process smoothly and try not to be too hasty in the operation.
Note : That’s all the information about car clutches, complete with a discussion of the meaning, types, functions and how to care for them.
Hopefully this article can be useful for all of us, thank you for visiting. See you in the next article.
