Any car with a manual transmission has a clutch that connects/disconnects the engine and transmission. Learn how a normal automotive clutch works and explore a variety of other clutches!

If you drive a manual transmission car, you may be surprised to find out that your car has more than one clutch in it. And it turns out that folks with automatic transmission cars have clutches, too. In fact, there are clutches in many things you probably see or use everyday: Many cordless drills have a clutch, chainsaws have a centrifugal clutch and even some yo-yos have a clutch! Diagram of car showing clutch location …

…engine rotation. When the car is cold, the fluid in the clutch remains cold and the fan spins slowly, allowing the engine to quickly warm up to its proper operating temperature. Many cars have limited slip differentials or viscous couplings, both of which use clutches to help increase traction. A gas-powered chain saw and weedwacker have centrifugal clutches, so that the chains or strings can stop spinning without you having to turn off the engine.