The clutch disengages and engages two axles of the car
A clutch is a device whose function is to uncouple and couple two axles of a vehicle or other machine that is in operation. The term also refers to the act of clutching : causing one axle, through a certain mechanism, to be part of the movement of another axle.
automobile clutch
The best known clutch is that of the automobile . The concept can refer to the system itself, to the action detailed above or to the pedal that allows the mechanism in question to be activated.
What the clutch does is transmit the rotation of the car 's engine to the gearbox, which in turn transmits it to the wheels . This work is carried out by friction, and the driver can control its development depending on the way in which he presses and releases the pedal.
It can be said that the clutch connects (while the pedal is not depressed) and disconnects (when the pedal is depressed) the engine with the other elements that make the vehicle move. This game is essential so that the car begins to move progressively (without jerks or damage to the parts of the transmission system) and to change gears or speeds .
When the driver depresses the clutch, it ultimately separates (disengages) the gearbox from the engine. Thus the gears move freely, without the pressure caused by the rotation of the motor. As the clutch is released, progressively more torque is transmitted.
Wear and change
Due to its characteristics, the clutch is subject to great wear . To extend its useful life, mechanical experts suggest not accelerating too much while depressing it, not resting your foot on the pedal and not leaving the clutch depressed while the car is stopped (for example, waiting for the green light at the traffic light).
To know if the time has come to change the clutch, it is necessary to pay attention to certain symptoms that indicate that it is reaching the end of its useful life. To do this we must follow three simple steps:
* activate the handbrake;
* press the clutch fully and put the car in third gear, although second gear also works;
* release the clutch suddenly.
If after this procedure we notice that the vehicle takes too long to stop, then it is almost certain that the clutch is worn to the point of requiring replacement. On the contrary, if it stops immediately, we can still continue using it.
Tips for maintenance
As mentioned above, mechanical experts can teach us how to keep our vehicle's clutch in better condition by following some tips . Let's look at some of them below.
When we have to wait a few minutes with the vehicle running, something very common when waiting for passengers to carry out a short procedure or when giving way to pedestrians at an intersection, it is recommended to put the vehicle in neutral and release the clutch, since Even slight pressure can cause wear.
When stopping the car to give way, neutral is recommended
When we start the car, it is necessary to synchronize the movements of pressing the accelerator and releasing the clutch. When changing gear, on the other hand, it is advisable to make soft and progressive movements , although before moving the gear lever we must have reached the maximum clutch pressure point.
Before starting the vehicle, it is recommended to fully depress the clutch, so that the engine exerts less effort . When facing a slope , neutral is best to save fuel and protect the clutch. It is important to note that these and other tips do not usually spread enough, since most drivers do exactly the opposite in exposed situations.