Is an Automatic Clutch Considered an Automatic Transmission?
4 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.
In terms of actual driving experience, the automatic clutch operates semi-automatically. I drive a manual transmission with an automatic clutch daily, where my right foot still needs to coordinate with the accelerator and brake, and my left hand still has to shift gears. The most annoying part is during traffic jams—although I don't need to press the clutch, frequent gear shifting makes my hand sore. Last year, I drove a friend's true automatic transmission on a long trip, and there wasn't even a need to shift gears. Nowadays, some car dealers blur this distinction in their marketing. I recommend paying attention to three key points during a test drive: whether there is a clutch pedal, whether manual shifting is required, and the type of transmission structure. It's barely sufficient for city commuting, but for comfort, a traditional automatic transmission is still the better choice.
Common vehicles equipped with automatic clutches fall into two categories. Economy cars like the base model MG ZS or Wuling Hongguang S3 come factory-fitted with electronic clutch systems. These models don't have P/R/N/D gear indicators on the dashboard, only reverse gear and gear positions 1 through 6. I once had an awkward experience driving on mountain roads - during aggressive driving, the shifting logic got confused, and the system misjudged, causing the engine to stall. Traditional AT/CVT automatic transmissions have completely different gear levers, whether in zigzag or straight-line patterns, all featuring lock buttons. Some people still retrofit old Santanas with automatic clutches nowadays, though they might not pass annual inspections.
