Clutch replacement tips So how does it work exactly? Your car's engine spins all the time while the wheels don't. When you try to put your car to a stop without killing the engine, you need to somehow "disconnect" the wheels from the engine. This is where the clutch comes in. The clutch enables the wheels to positively disengage from the engine. In a car, the clutch pedal is usually located at the left most part. The same principle as the brake system applies with the clutch system. If the clutch is engaged with too much pressure, the wheels will likely to spin but if the amount of pressure is control, smooth engagement between the engine and the wheels will occur.