Is an Automatic Clutch Considered an Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
An automatic clutch is indeed part of an automatic transmission. Automatic transmission vehicles utilize an automatic clutch system, and the absence of a clutch pedal is primarily due to the torque converter being located within the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The torque converter assembly is secured to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws. During gear shifts, the automatic clutch operates without requiring any manual intervention. The automatic clutch is an intelligent clutch control system developed for manual transmission vehicles. Without altering the original transmission and clutch setup, it adds an independent operating system controlled by the vehicle's onboard computer to manage clutch engagement.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered quite a few friends who can't tell the difference between an automatic clutch and an automatic transmission. Not long ago, a buddy of mine proudly boasted about his new car having an automatic clutch, claiming he didn't need to press the clutch pedal. But when he drove it, the gear stick was still the manual type—definitely not an automatic transmission. True automatic transmissions like AT and CVT completely take over gear shifting and clutch operation; you only need to worry about the accelerator and brake. An automatic clutch, on the other hand, is a semi-automatic gadget that saves you the trouble of pressing the clutch pedal with your left foot, but you still have to manually shift gears. It can be especially tiring in stop-and-go traffic with frequent gear changes. This system suits experienced drivers who enjoy manual control but find clutch operation bothersome. For beginners seeking convenience, a pure automatic transmission model would be a better choice. Essentially, an automatic clutch adds an electronic control unit to a manual transmission, making it cheaper than an automatic transmission but no less sophisticated in technology.
