Posted on 5/30/2025
When you drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission, there’s a complex system at work behind the scenes making everything feel smooth and seamless. One of the most important components in that system is the torque converter. It plays a critical role in helping your car move without needing a manual clutch—and if it stops working properly, you’ll feel it. So, what exactly is a torque converter, and what does it do? Here’s a clear explanation that helps you understand how this part affects your driving experience—and why it matters if you ever run into trouble. The Torque Converter Replaces the Clutch In a manual transmission, you press the clutch pedal to disconnect the engine from the transmission so you can change gears. Automatic transmissions don’t use a clutch—instead, they rely on the torque converter to handle that connection. It allows the engine to spin even when the car isn’t moving and smoothly transfers ... read more