Friction clutches are commonly used in motor vehicles, which transmit power due to frictional forces between driving and driven clutch elements.

The principle of operation of the disc friction clutch. The driving elements are permanently connected to the crankshaft of the engine: handwheel and sliding pressure plate. A driven clutch disc is located between the flywheel and the pressure plate, seated on the splines of the clutch shaft. To the clutch disc on both sides, the friction linings are attached. With the clutch engaged, the pressure springs clamp the clutch disc between the flywheel and the pressure plate. The friction force at the point of contact between these elements enables the torque to be transferred.

The clutch is disengaged by moving the pressure plate away from the flywheel. The pressure on the clutch disc then ceases and the frictional force disappears. Clutch disc, and with it further elements of the driveline, they can then rotate independently of the engine crankshaft. Depress the clutch pedal to move the pressure plate away from the flywheel. The pedal movement is transmitted to the pressure plate via the release bearing and lever system.

Depending on the number of discs used, one-, two- or multi-disc. Single-disc and double-disc clutches are generally dry clutches, whereas, multi-plate clutches usually run in oil and are referred to as wet clutches.

An example of the construction of a single-disc dry friction clutch. Depressing the clutch pedal moves the release bearing towards the crankshaft. This bearing presses on the release levers, which move the pressure plate away, loosening the clutch plate. The clutch shaft and the clutch plate can then rotate independently of the engine crankshaft.

In trucks, in which the transmission of a significant driving torque would require the use of a clutch with an excessively large outer diameter, double-disc friction clutches are used. In such clutches, there are two clutch plates between the pressure plate and the flywheel, mounted on the clutch shaft and separated from each other by an intermediate pressure plate.