What is a clutch, and how does it work?

 
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In a vehicle, the clutch is very important. It engages and disengages the transmission from the engine, which enables the driver to shift gears without difficulty.
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Here’s a simplified explanation of how it works:
Depressing the Clutch: By depressing the clutch pedal, it removes the amount of pressure and force being applied onto/into the clutch plate, separating or disengaging the plate from the pressure plate and removing any friction from in between both surfaces as well as on them (to a lesser extent) to between th e flywheel and pressure plate. This cuts power to the wheels so you don't grind gears changing them.
Clutch Plate: The clutch plate itself is a friction pad wedged between the engine flywheel and pressure plate. The clutch plate is lined on both sides like a brake pad.
Releasing the Clutch: When the clutch is pressed, (foot off) it disengages its plate from flywheel and flywheel starts turning. It is this connection that lets power from the engine go to the transmission.
Changing Gears: When the clutch is disengaged (pedal pushed down), the transmission input shaft and engine flywheel are no longer spinning together so you can change gears. After you ‘let go’ of the clutch pedal, the clutch plate will once again connect with the flywheel, and power is transmitted to the transmission.
 
Consider the clutch a diplomat between your car’s gas pedal and the engine, helping safeguard smooth changes in gear. It’s an engineering wonder that connects the engine to the wheels.