- Just the Ticket team
Clutches: signs they may need replacing and top driving tips to prolong their life
Updated: Jul 27, 2021
If you drive a manual car, van, lorry or motorbike, you’ll know how important your clutch is.
Essentially, without it you wouldn’t be able to change gears and therefore propel your vehicle forwards or backwards.
But unfortunately – like many of the other important components in your car – your clutch is subjected to constant friction. So can be prone to wear and tear over time if it’s not looked after.
So, what exactly does your clutch do?
Without getting too technical, your clutch is made up of two metal plates in the engine.
When you press your clutch pedal down, the plates separate the engine from the wheels, allowing you to switch gears.
The engine in a vehicle is constantly rotating, so the clutch allows you to either engage that rotation or disengage it to move the car or stop without stalling.
How do you know if your clutch is going?
You may experience the following:
Your biting point gets high
A high amount of revs, but your vehicle won’t pull forward
A spongy, sticky or loose clutch pedal when you press it down
Leaking fluid on the floor underneath your vehicle
Difficulty shifting gear
What should you do if you experience this?
If you experience any of the above, you should bring your car into the garage.
Dave Ellis, Manager at Just the Ticket, said: “When your clutch is wearing, you are using more fuel so although you might encounter an upfront cost of replacing your clutch, you will be saving on fuel consumption.
“Plus, with clutches, there is no guarantee to how long these warning signs could last before it eventually fails you. It could be a day, two weeks or two months.
“So as soon as you spot any signs of wear and tear, check in with a specialist at a garage.”
Top driving tips to prolong the life of your clutch
You could experience problems with your clutch after racking up 2,000 miles or 20,000 miles on your clock. The lifespan of your clutch all depends on your style of driving and any bad driving habits. Some tips to bear in mind:
Don’t ride your clutch. This wears your clutch quickly. Instead, keep your foot off the clutch pedal whenever you are pressing on the accelerator.
Don’t coast. Never drive the car while in neutral gear. Many motorists do this under the perception it is saving on fuel. You are not saving yourself money in the long run.
Don’t rest your foot on the clutch while driving. Even just a little bit. The weight of your foot can cause it to engage and this wears it.
Try not to over-rev your car. The clutch only works because of friction. Too much friction will create heat and tension – all of which can be very damaging.
Put your car into neutral when you have come to a full stop.
Change gear quickly. The longer you press your clutch, the more strain you are putting on it.
Clutch replacements at Just the Ticket
When things go wrong with your car it not only causes you a huge inconvenience but also creates worry, leaving the cost of repairs at the forefront of your mind.
The cost of clutch replacements depends on the specific problem you are having and the make and model of your car. But the sooner you catch it, the easier it should be to fix.
Get in touch today if you are experience a problem with your clutch. Our mechanics will let you know how much the problem will be to fix before any work starts on your vehicle.