Clutch vs. Brake: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on February 20, 2024
A clutch connects/disconnects power between engine and transmission, while a brake slows/stops vehicle motion by applying resistance.
Key Differences
The clutch is a mechanical device in vehicles that engages and disengages the power transmission, especially from a driving shaft to a driven shaft. In contrast, the brake is a mechanism used to slow down or stop a moving vehicle by applying pressure to the wheels, usually through friction.
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Feb 18, 2024
In a vehicle, the clutch allows for the smooth transition between gears by temporarily separating the engine from the transmission system. On the other hand, the brake system functions to reduce the speed of a vehicle or bring it to a complete stop by applying resistance to its wheels.
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Feb 18, 2024
The clutch operates by managing the connection between the engine and the gearbox, facilitating controlled power delivery. Brakes, conversely, work by applying force to brake pads or shoes that press against a rotating surface, like a disc or drum, creating the necessary friction to decelerate the vehicle.
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Feb 18, 2024
Clutches are essential for manual transmission vehicles, allowing the driver to change gears smoothly without damaging the engine or gearbox. Brakes, indispensable for safety, are used in all types of vehicles and play a crucial role in controlling speed and preventing accidents.
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Feb 18, 2024
The clutch’s primary role is to assist in the efficient transfer of engine power to the drivetrain, aiding in vehicle movement and gear shifts. Brakes, in contrast, serve as a control mechanism, ensuring that vehicles can be safely slowed down or stopped according to the driver's needs.
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Feb 18, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Function
Connects/disconnects engine power to transmission
Slows/stops vehicle by applying resistance
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Feb 18, 2024
Operation
Engaged/disengaged by driver (in manual transmission)
Activated by pressing a pedal or lever
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Feb 18, 2024
Main Components
Flywheel, pressure plate, friction disc
Brake pads/shoes, discs/drums, calipers
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Feb 18, 2024
Primary Use
Smooth gear transitions, prevents engine stalling
Vehicle speed control, ensuring safety
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Feb 18, 2024
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Clutch and Brake Definitions
Clutch
A mechanism for connecting and disconnecting a vehicle engine and transmission system.
She smoothly operated the clutch while shifting gears.
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Jan 22, 2024
Brake
To cause a vehicle to slow down or stop by using a brake.
She braked suddenly to avoid hitting the dog.
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Jan 22, 2024
Clutch
A critical or high-pressure moment in a game or situation.
The player scored a goal in the clutch moment of the match.
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Jan 22, 2024
Brake
A device for slowing down the motion of a machine or mechanism.
The operator used the brake to slow down the spinning wheel.
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Jan 22, 2024
Clutch
To seize with or as if with the hands or claws.
The eagle clutched its prey firmly.
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Jan 22, 2024
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Brake
To reduce the speed of something.
He braked the bicycle as he approached the corner.
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Jan 22, 2024
Clutch
A small handbag without handles or a strap.
She carried a red clutch to complement her evening dress.
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Jan 22, 2024
Brake
A heavy machine used to bend or shape metal.
They used a brake to bend the steel sheets in the workshop.
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Jan 22, 2024
Brake
A device for slowing or stopping motion, as of a vehicle, especially by contact friction.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
Any of various devices for engaging and disengaging two working parts of a shaft or of a shaft and a driving mechanism.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
Any of various ferns of the genus Pteris having pinnately compound leaves and including several popular houseplants.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
The apparatus, such as a lever or pedal, that activates one of these devices.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
An area overgrown with dense brushwood, briers, and undergrowth; a thicket.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
Being or occurring in a tense or critical situation
Won the championship by sinking a clutch putt.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
Tending to be successful in tense or critical situations
The coach relied on her clutch pitcher.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
To grip or grasp tightly.
She clutched her purse tightly and walked nervously into the building.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
A device used to slow or stop the motion of a wheel, or of a vehicle, usually by friction (although other resistive forces, such as electromagnetic fields or aerodynamic drag, can also be used); also, the controls or apparatus used to engage such a mechanism such as the pedal in a car.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
The act of braking, of using a brake to slow down a machine or vehicle
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
(engineering) An apparatus for testing the power of a steam engine or other motor by weighing the amount of friction that the motor will overcome; a friction brake.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
(figuratively) Something used to retard or stop some action, process etc.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
A device to interrupt power transmission, commonly used to separate the engine and gearbox in a car.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
(military) An ancient engine of war analogous to the crossbow and ballista.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
The pedal in a car that disengages power and torque transmission from the engine (through the drivetrain) to the drive wheels.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
Any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a chain or tackle.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
A fastener that attaches to the back of a tack pin to secure an accessory to clothing. Clutch (pin fastener).}}
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
A frame for confining a refractory horse while the smith is shoeing him.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
Performing or tending to perform well in difficult, high-pressure situations.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
A gripe or clinching with, or as with, the fingers or claws; seizure; grasp.
An expiring clutch at popularity.
But Age, with his stealing steps,Hath clawed me in his clutch.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
The hands, claws, or talons, in the act of grasping firmly; - often figuratively, for power, rapacity, or cruelty; as, to fall into the clutches of an adversary.
I must have . . . little care of myself, if I ever more come near the clutches of such a giant.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
A device which is used for coupling shafting, etc., so as to transmit motion, and which may be disengaged at pleasure.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
Any device for gripping an object, as at the end of a chain or tackle.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
To seize, clasp, or grip with the hand, hands, or claws; - often figuratively; as, to clutch power.
A man may set the poles together in his head, and clutch the whole globe at one intellectual grasp.
Is this a dagger which I see before me . . . ?Come, let me clutch thee.
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
The act of grasping;
He released his clasp on my arm
He has a strong grip for an old man
She kept a firm hold on the railing
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
A coupling that connects or disconnects driving and driven parts of a driving mechanism
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
(transitive) To bruise and crush; to knead
The farmer's son brakes the flax while mother brakes the bread dough
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
Take hold of; grab;
The salesclerk quickly seized the money on the counter
She clutched her purse
The mother seized her child by the arm
Birds of prey often seize small mammals
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
Hold firmly, usually with one's hands;
She clutched my arm when she got scared
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Jan 14, 2024
Clutch
To grasp or hold tightly.
He clutched the rope tightly to avoid falling.
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Jan 22, 2024
Brake
A fern of the genus Pteris, esp. the Pteris aquilina, common in almost all countries. It has solitary stems dividing into three principal branches. Less properly: Any fern.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
A thicket; a place overgrown with shrubs and brambles, with undergrowth and ferns, or with canes.
Rounds rising hillocks, brakes obscure and rough,To shelter thee from tempest and from rain.
He stayed not for brake, and he stopped not for stone.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
An instrument or machine to break or bruise the woody part of flax or hemp so that it may be separated from the fiber.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
An extended handle by means of which a number of men can unite in working a pump, as in a fire engine.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
A sharp bit or snaffle.
Pampered jades . . . which need nor break nor bit.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
A frame for confining a refractory horse while the smith is shoeing him; also, an inclosure to restrain cattle, horses, etc.
A horse . . . which Philip had bought . . . and because of his fierceness kept him within a brake of iron bars.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
That part of a carriage, as of a movable battery, or engine, which enables it to turn.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
A piece of mechanism for retarding or stopping motion by friction, as of a carriage or railway car, by the pressure of rubbers against the wheels, or of clogs or ratchets against the track or roadway, or of a pivoted lever against a wheel or drum in a machine.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
An apparatus for testing the power of a steam engine, or other motor, by weighing the amount of friction that the motor will overcome; a friction brake.
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
Any of various ferns of the genus Pteris having pinnately compound leaves and including several popular houseplants
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
Large coarse fern often several feet high; essentially weed ferns; cosmopolitan
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
Stop travelling by applying a brake;
We had to brake suddenly when a chicken crossed the road
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
Cause to stop by applying the brakes;
Brake the car before you go into a curve
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Jan 14, 2024
Brake
A device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, typically by applying pressure to the wheels.
He applied the brake gently to stop the car.
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Jan 22, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What's a clutch pedal?
In manual transmission vehicles, the clutch pedal is pressed to engage or disengage the clutch.
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Feb 18, 2024
Are brakes only found in vehicles?
No, brakes are used in various machinery and equipment, not just vehicles.
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Feb 18, 2024
What is a clutch?
A clutch is a mechanical device in vehicles that connects and disconnects power transmission between the engine and transmission.
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Feb 18, 2024
What causes brake failure?
Brake failure can be caused by worn brake pads, leaking fluid, or damaged rotors.
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Feb 18, 2024
How does a brake work?
A brake slows or stops a vehicle by applying resistance to the wheels, typically through friction.
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Feb 18, 2024
Can a clutch wear out?
Yes, a clutch can wear out over time due to friction during gear shifts.
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Feb 18, 2024
What is a dual-clutch transmission?
A dual-clutch transmission uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets, providing faster shifts.
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Feb 18, 2024
What is a clutch disc?
The clutch disc is the component that connects the transmission shaft to the engine's rotational power.
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Feb 18, 2024
Is the clutch used in automatic cars?
Automatic cars have a clutch system, but it operates automatically without a pedal.
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Feb 18, 2024
Can you drive with a damaged clutch?
Driving with a damaged clutch is possible but not advisable as it can cause further damage.
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Feb 18, 2024
How often should brakes be checked?
Brakes should be checked regularly, at least once a year, for maintenance and safety.
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Feb 18, 2024
Can brakes overheat?
Yes, brakes can overheat from excessive use, leading to reduced effectiveness.
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Feb 18, 2024
What's the difference between a clutch and a torque converter?
A clutch is used in manual transmissions, while a torque converter is used in automatic transmissions for power transmission.
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Feb 18, 2024
How does a hydraulic clutch work?
A hydraulic clutch uses fluid pressure to engage and disengage the clutch, allowing for smoother gear shifts.
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Feb 18, 2024
Is brake fluid important?
Yes, brake fluid is crucial for the hydraulic brake system to function effectively.
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Feb 18, 2024
Do electric cars have brakes?
Yes, electric cars have brakes, often enhanced with regenerative braking systems.
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Feb 18, 2024
What are drum brakes?
Drum brakes are a type of brake where brake shoes press outward against a rotating drum.
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Feb 18, 2024
Can brake pads be recycled?
Yes, brake pads can be recycled, depending on their material composition.
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Feb 18, 2024
What is ABS in brakes?
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, ensuring vehicle control.
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Feb 18, 2024
What is clutch slippage?
Clutch slippage occurs when the clutch disc fails to engage fully with the flywheel, causing power loss.
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Feb 18, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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