clutch

Once you know what's in your transmission, and what’s connected to it, it’s much easier to understand how it works. Let's take a look at how it all comes together. At Westerville Automotive in Westerville, OH, we want to make sure you know how your car works so you can keep it in great condition.

When the car is running with the shifter in neutral, the transmission is engaged but none of the gears are. The input shaft is spinning, but it’s not turning the output shaft. The clutch is engaged as it would be in gear, but the car doesn’t move.

To move your car forward, you need gear. You push in the clutch pedal, which disengages the clutch via hydraulic pressure, a cable, or linkage. Now the transmission and engine are disconnected, making it possible to shift it into first gear effortlessly, without the vehicle taking off.

The shifter moves the forks that slide the sleeve into place, locking the output shaft into the first gear. Letting off the clutch pedal allows the pressure plate to re-apply pressure, sandwiching the clutch disc in between the pressure plate and the flywheel on the engine. Now the clutch is engaged again, and the engine and transmission are once more connected.

This time, as the pedal is released, the car moves forward, and speed increases relative to the engine RPM as you take off. To shift into second, the pedal is depressed again, allowing the transmission to be shifted freely, disengaged from the engine. The clutch allows for smooth transitions in and out of gear. 

At Westerville Automotive in Westerville, OH we want to inform our customers of how their vehicle works. If we are able to inform customers about how their vehicle works then they will be able to understand how to better maintain it. 



Westerville Automotive providing top automotive repairs and service in Westerville Ohio for 20+ years with top trained ASE technicians in 2 locations. From oil changes to transmission repairs, our team will get you on the road and keep you traveling safely. Our goal is your complete customer satisfaction. Westerville Automotive is a Preferred Jasper Engines & Transmissions Owner Installer with NAPA AutoCare Center backed by exceptional customer services. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY:Our Main Shop - Westerville South: 5591 Westerville Road | (614) 890-0707 | Email | Schedule OnlineOur Uptown Shop: 31 East Main Street | (614) 890-6700 | Email | Schedule Online
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5591 Westerville Rd
| Westerville, OH

(614) 890-0707
EMAIL THE SHOP
MON-FRI | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Weekends | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

31 E Main St
| Westerville, OH

(614) 890-6700
EMAIL THE SHOP
MON-FRI | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Weekends | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM