Is an Automatic Clutch Considered an Automatic Transmission?

[MacEmily]

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.

[AbigailAnn]

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.

[DiRiley]

Back when I was learning to drive, the instructor emphasized not to confuse automatic clutches with automatic transmissions. My first car was a manual transmission fitted with an automatic clutch - it was great not having to press the clutch when starting, but I still had to shift gears manually, including downshifting when slowing down for red lights. Pure automatic transmission cars, like the common AT transmissions today, handle all gear changes automatically without touching the gear lever. Some budget cars advertised as "automatic" actually use AMT transmissions with automatic clutch function, but they're essentially manual transmissions at core, with noticeable gearshift jerks. If you want a hassle-free car, pay attention to the transmission type and don't be fooled by sales pitches. While automatic clutch retrofits are popular now, they involve electrical modifications with safety risks, making them less reliable than factory configurations.

[DiEverett]

An automatic clutch isn't truly an automatic transmission. It's a variant of a manual gearbox, essentially equipping the clutch with motors and sensors to handle the disengagement for you. However, the timing of gear shifts still relies on the driver's judgment, requiring manual gear changes. Genuine automatic transmissions like common AT, CVT, or dual-clutch systems automate the entire shifting process without even touching the gear lever. This semi-automatic system makes mountain driving less strenuous than pure manual, but during frequent gear changes in traffic jams, the shifting jerkiness is much more noticeable compared to full automatics. Nowadays, many pickup trucks and budget SUVs adopt this solution to cut costs.

[HoldenLynn]

Anyone who has driven a car with an automatic clutch knows how awkward it is: your right hand stays glued to the gear lever, making it barely different from a manual transmission. With a pure automatic like Toyota's AT gearbox, you just press the brake at a red light, while an automatic clutch car still requires manually shifting to neutral. The electronic clutch module in these tends to overheat, especially during long uphill climbs. For regular family cars, choosing a full automatic is safer and has lower maintenance costs—those manual transmissions with automatic clutches are better suited for cost-conscious fleets in transport. By the way, many mistakenly think only EVs without gear shifting qualify as 'true automatics,' but fuel-powered automatics achieved this long ago.