Is an Automatic Clutch Considered an Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
An automatic clutch is part of an automatic transmission. In an automatic transmission vehicle, the driver does not need to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The correct method to start an automatic transmission car is: 1. Turn on the power, then start the car; 2. After ignition, press the brake, shift to D gear, release the handbrake, and gently press the accelerator to start; 3. After starting, accelerate appropriately according to road conditions. The functions of the clutch are: 1. Gradually increase the driving force of the car to ensure a smooth start; 2. Temporarily separate the engine and transmission for gear shifting; 3. Prevent overload of the transmission system; 4. Reduce torsional vibration impact from the engine and prolong the service life of transmission gears.
From a technical structure perspective, automatic clutch systems are fundamentally different from traditional automatic transmissions. Having modified numerous manual transmission vehicles, I can confirm that an automatic clutch is essentially just an added electro-hydraulic actuator that operates the clutch pedal for you. The gearbox remains the original manual gear set, requiring manual gear shifting. True automatic transmissions involve complete drivetrain changes, using planetary gearsets with torque converters. Last month while helping a fellow car enthusiast install an automatic clutch, the most noticeable difference was not needing to depress the clutch at red lights, though hill starts still experience rollback unlike automatic transmissions with hill-start assist. These modified vehicles are particularly popular in the used car market, especially favored by novice drivers during their transition period.
