Before you drive

Alright being that my dad is the Kobe Bryant of cars (specifically Audi's) I was not allowed to set foot in my car without understanding how it works.  The clutch is the mechanism that connects the transmission to the engine which transfers power to the wheels.  When you start the car with the clutch in neutral (absence of gear) the engine is idly spinning.  You'll know if your in neutral if you can wiggle the shifter left and right easily.  Now think of the clutch and engine as having to circular surfaces attached to each.  One spinning (the engine) and one motionless (clutch).  When you put the car in gear and begin let out the clutch, these surfaces come together until the reach the friction point.  The friction point is simply where they meet.  This is the moment that power is transferred to the wheels and the car starts moving.