Pressure Plate: Function, How It Works, and Its Maintenance

Have you ever heard of a car component called a pressure plate? If so, do you recognize this component? Both in terms of function, how it works, and its maintenance? To get to know this component better, let's take a look at the following review.

What is a Pressure Plate?

The pressure plate is a component of the car clutch system. This component is made of thick iron material in a circular shape with a hole in the center.

Function of the Pressure Plate

Speaking of its function, the pressure plate has a very important role in connecting the engine with the car's transmission. When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the pressure plate will press the clutch plate against the engine. This obviously disconnects the connection between the engine and the transmission system, allowing the driver to shift the car's transmission gears easily, comfortably, and safely.

Meanwhile, when the clutch pedal is released by the driver, the pressure plate will return the clutch plate to its original position, reconnecting the engine and the car's transmission.

How the Pressure Plate Works

The operation of the pressure plate begins when the clutch pedal is pressed or released after being pressed. When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the master cylinder is automatically pressed, pushing the piston. This causes the release fork to also be pressed by the piston, which in turn presses the release bearing. As a result, the clutch plate will tilt upwards, freeing it from the grip of the flywheel or flywheel.

In this condition, the flywheel will rotate together with all the components inside the clutch cover. However, only the transmission shaft and the clutch plate do not rotate. When the clutch plate is released, the pressure plate will be pressed by springs, clamping the clutch plate.

How to Maintain the Pressure Plate

Considering the pressure plate's crucial function in the car's clutch system, this component must be well maintained. Here are the proper ways to maintain the pressure plate.

1. Do not let the car sit idle for too long

To keep the pressure plate safe from damage, you should not let the car sit idle for too long. Because clutch components left in this condition for a long time, especially in humid environments, can cause corrosion and dust accumulation. This can cause the car's clutch to jam, damaging the thickness of the pressure plate.

2. Avoid using half-clutch

Pressing the half-clutch without fully pressing or releasing it often becomes a habit for drivers. However, this bad habit can accelerate the wear of clutch components, including the pressure plate.

3. Do not drive through floods

To ensure the pressure plate and other clutch components last, avoid driving through floods. Floodwater can carry mud and dirt into the clutch components, causing corrosion.

4. Check the clutch fluid level regularly

If you want to keep the pressure plate in good condition, you need to regularly check the clutch fluid level. Make sure your clutch fluid is above the MAX line and that the fluid is not cloudy. Because the appropriate fluid volume and clean fluid condition can optimize the function of the clutch fluid as a lubricant. This way, excessive friction between car clutch components can be prevented, extending the lifespan of the clutch components.

Make sure to check the clutch fluid level if your car has traveled 10,000 kilometers or approximately every five months. For changing the clutch fluid, you can do it every two years or when the car has reached 40,000 kilometers. For changing the clutch fluid or the pressure plate, it is best to do it at a Daihatsu authorized workshop. Because this workshop guarantees the authenticity of the products or spare parts sold.

Tips Sahabat