Which One is the Clutch in a Car?

[Lester]

The leftmost pedal is the clutch. More details about the car clutch are as follows: 1. Introduction: The output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the gearbox. While driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily separate or gradually engage the engine and the gearbox, thereby cutting off or transmitting the power from the engine to the transmission. 2. Principle: The driving part and the driven part of the clutch transmit torque through friction between contact surfaces, or use liquid as a transmission medium (hydraulic coupler), or magnetic transmission (electromagnetic clutch), allowing temporary separation and gradual engagement, while permitting mutual rotation during the transmission process.

[KeiraLee]

When I first started learning to drive, I also couldn't tell the positions of the brake, accelerator, and clutch. Actually, the clutch is the leftmost pedal under the driver's seat, controlled by the left foot. The instructor always emphasized 'press quickly, release slowly': step down decisively when shifting gears, and release gradually when starting. It acts like a mediator between the engine and the transmission—pressing it cuts off the power connection, while releasing it transmits power. If the semi-engaged state lasts too long, not only can the clutch disc easily burn out, but you can also smell a burnt odor in the car. Driving a manual in traffic jams is really tough on the left foot, which is why many people now opt for automatics—much more convenient.

[Stewart]

As a veteran taxi driver with ten years of experience, I can find the clutch pedal with my eyes closed—it's that big pedal under the left foot. This thing is crucial; every gear shift relies on it to disconnect the power. But don't underestimate it—newbies dread hill starts the most. Release it too fast, and the engine stalls; too slow, and the car rolls back. The key is finding the biting point—when you feel the car slightly tremble, then add throttle. Last month, I just replaced the clutch disc on my car for over 800 yuan, all because I kept riding the clutch in traffic while carrying passengers, wearing the friction plate smooth.

[DeEmily]

Last time I helped my cousin fix his car, I noticed the clutch pedal wasn't springing back properly. The pedal is usually located slightly to the left below the steering wheel and is a bit wider than the brake pedal. I checked the clutch master cylinder with a wrench and sure enough, it was low on hydraulic fluid. Just a heads-up, there's a spring under the clutch pedal - if it feels unusually heavy to press, it's likely an issue with the pressure plate or release bearing. When driving, try not to rest your foot on the pedal too often as it can cause the clutch disc to overheat and slip, especially avoid keeping it pressed when going down steep slopes.