To have a smooth driving experience, you need a well-functioning clutch kit to transmit sufficient torque from the engine to your car wheels. Your vehicle’s clutch kit typically comprises a clutch disc, pressure plate, flywheel, and release bearing. Between the late 19th century and early 20th century, the automobile industry made significant developments for vehicle clutches. It was during this period that multi-disc clutches were invented. (1)
As the name suggests, a multi-disc clutch kit comprises two or more clutch discs. Over time, these clutches continue to see immense developments and upgrades. On this account, you should aim to have such a kit in your vehicle to enjoy the accompanying benefits, like the following:
1. Minimal Slippage
Your vehicle realizes the highest potential when it achieves maximum horsepower transmission from the engine. And clutch kits are among the major transmission components.
To utilize your clutch capability to the fullest, the clutch slip should be minimal. Clutch slipping occurs when there’s not enough compacting between the disc and flywheel. The result is a slipping motion between the two, reducing torque transmission to the wheels. To fix this, you have to maintain an ideal friction co-efficient in these parts of the clutch kit. And this is what a multi-disc clutch kit does.
Contrary to other clutch kits, the extra discs in multi-disc clutch kits offer an increased surface area for friction. Thus, the flywheel and clutch discs don’t slide against each other when the engine is engaged. And if they do, then it’s to a minimal level. Therefore, the vehicle leverages the engine’s full potential as the clutch kit transfers maximum power to the wheels.
If you’re a car racer, you’ll find these kits convenient as you require maximum torque for your vehicle while in the tracks. Additionally, such kits are applicable if you’re driving in hilly terrains. They help your automobile stay stationary without engaging in neutral mode or applying brakes. Also, they transmit maximum power to the shaft of the gearbox so you can easily overcome the slope.
2. High Clamping Force, Little Pedal Effort
A multi-disc clutch provides a more clamping surface without the need for you to exert a lot of pedal pressure. Due to this, braking your car becomes a smooth process.
For instance, if you have a car with high horsepower (HP), typically more than 500HP, and high speeds, you may need a multi-disc clutch. This will enable you to bring your car to a stop smoothly. This is important, especially considering the number of road accidents witnessed every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately one-third of traffic fatalities have been attributed to speeding motorists for over two decades. (2)(3)
So, if you’re thinking of upgrading to faster wheels, consider going for a car with a multi-disc clutch kit.
3. Fast Heat Dissipation
With a functioning clutch, your engine will rev much higher. Consequently, it’ll overheat and bring about associated problems such as:
Failed head gasket
Warped cylinders and pistons
Cracked engine cylinder heads
The consequent effects can be potentially life-threatening. Cracked engine cylinder heads may leak oil, which could result in a fire in the engine compartment. This can, in turn, lead to injuries. (4)
However, multi-disc clutch kits have more surface area. This means it can disperse the generated heat within the system quicker. Consequently, they bring about a cooling effect in the engine compartment. And this also adds to the durability of the clutch. Therefore, if your car is constantly on the tracks, you may want to use a multi-disc clutch to regulate the temperature.
4. Light weight
Multi-disc clutch kits generally have a light build. This is essential, especially for cars that require rapid engine acceleration and deceleration. With less rotational mass, the process of shifting gears to change speeds becomes faster and smoother. And if you’re operating in the upper gears, a light clutch disc kit enables you to maintain high revolutions per minute (rpm).
For example, high-speed cars used in events like:
Autocross
Circle tracks
Drag racing
Road racing
If you engage in such sports, ensure that your car is fitted with a multi-disc clutch so you can easily control its speeds.
Conclusion
A clutch kit is an essential vehicle component for smooth movement. For this reason, you should invest in a high-quality one. Multi-disc clutches are advantageous in the following ways: they have minimum slippage, have a high clamping force with little pedal effort, dissipate heat fast, and have a light build. These characteristics make the multi-disc clutches ideal, especially for cars with higher horsepower that are more performance-oriented.
