Mechanical device that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission/Trans axle during shifting, operated by a pedal to the left of the brake pedalChecked 2026-08-16
Manual transmission and clutch
A gearbox whose ratios the driver selects, with a clutch that connects and disconnects engine torque.
Also called: manual gearbox · stick shift · clutch pedal · MT
What it means
Definition
In a manual transmission, the driver selects a gear with the shift lever. Pressing the clutch pedal disconnects engine torque from the transmission so a ratio can be selected; releasing it reconnects the power flow through the chosen gear.
Why a buyer cares
What it changes
The clutch is a serviceable wear assembly between engine and gearbox, not another name for the transmission. A slipping clutch, a release-system fault and an internal gearbox fault are different repair scopes.
In practice
Where you meet it
In transmission specifications and on estimates naming a clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing or clutch hydraulic component.
Two things that look alike
Not the same as
The clutch connects engine and gearbox; synchronizers inside the gearbox help the selected gears match speed.
Read next
Related terms
Dual-mass flywheel (DMF)
A two-part flywheel with springs between the halves, used on many manual cars to damp engine pulses.
Automatic transmission
A transmission that selects its own gear ratios instead of asking the driver to use a clutch pedal.
Transmission fluid service
Draining and refilling transmission fluid, on whatever schedule the maker publishes — or none.
Where this comes from
Sources
System in which gears are selected by the driver by means of a hand-operated gearshift lever and afoot-operated clutchChecked 2026-08-16
Automated manuals and dual-clutch transmissions use clutches without a conventional clutch pedal and are separate designs.