What are the functions of an automotive clutch?

[Penny]

Automotive clutch serves the following purposes: 1. Ensuring smooth vehicle starting: This is the primary function of the clutch. Before starting the vehicle, the engine needs to be initiated. During vehicle starting, the car accelerates gradually from a complete standstill. If the transmission system were rigidly connected to the engine, engaging the gear would cause the car to jerk forward abruptly without achieving proper starting. 2. Achieving smooth gear shifting: During driving, to adapt to constantly changing driving conditions, the transmission system frequently needs to switch between different gears. Gear shifting in manual transmissions typically involves disengaging the current gear pair and engaging another gear pair through gear lever operation or other shifting mechanisms. 3. Preventing transmission system overload: During emergency braking, without a clutch, the engine would sharply reduce speed due to rigid connection with the transmission system. This would generate significant inertial torque in all moving components, subjecting the transmission system to loads exceeding its capacity and potentially causing mechanical damage.