Why does the car move when the clutch is released?
2 Answers
When the gear is engaged and the clutch is gently lifted, the engine's power output is transferred to the transmission and the drive wheels, causing the vehicle to move. Principle: The engine crankshaft drives the flywheel to rotate, and the flywheel drives the friction plate to rotate. The other end of the friction plate is connected to the transmission. The clutch is the mechanism that separates the friction plate from the flywheel. When the driver lifts the clutch, the pressure plate presses against the friction plate, and the flywheel drives the friction plate to move, which in turn causes the car to move, albeit very slowly at the start. Theoretically, as long as the engine is running, pressing or not pressing the accelerator only affects the amount of power output, not whether power is output or not. However, this power is smaller than when the accelerator is pressed, so it is easy for the engine to stall due to the static resistance of the vehicle. If the clutch is lifted gently without stalling the engine, the vehicle can obtain forward momentum. Function of the clutch: The clutch is the component in the car's transmission system that is directly connected to the engine. It is responsible for the disconnection and connection of power and the transmission system, ensuring smooth starting of the car and smooth gear shifting, while also preventing overload of the transmission system.
Every driver knows that the clutch is a core component in a manual transmission car. Pressing it disconnects the engine from the drivetrain, allowing the wheels to rotate freely; releasing it reconnects the two, transmitting the engine's power through the clutch to the gearbox and then to the drive wheels, propelling the car forward. The entire process is like building a bridge—the engine spins the flywheel, the pressure plate makes contact and friction with the flywheel, and the power is instantly transmitted. When I first learned to drive, I often stalled on slopes because I released the clutch too quickly or too slowly, causing a mismatch in force and power interruption. With more practice, I learned about the semi-engaged state—gently releasing the clutch while giving a bit of throttle allows the car to start smoothly, protecting the clutch disc and saving fuel. Regular maintenance is also essential to monitor clutch wear; if there's abnormal slipping, it should be repaired promptly to avoid more significant issues.
