Having a car with a faulty clutch can be a frustrating experience. Not only can it cause a lot of stress when driving, but it can also be a safety hazard – a reason why it’s important to know the signs of a clutch problem and action when you notice them. But before that …
What is the role of a clutch in a vehicle?
An essential part of a car’s transmission system. Connects the engine to the gearbox so that power can be transferred from one component to another and then used by the wheels. The average lifespan of a clutch is about 150,000 miles. Keep in mind that this number would depend on the make and model.
And now .. what are some common clutch problems?
- One of the first signs to look out for is the car popping out of gear. This happens when the clutch isn’t engaging and disengaging properly. Could be very dangerous in certain situations.
- You may experience a slipping clutch, where the car revs up but doesn’t accelerate. This is usually caused by a worn clutch.
- Watch out for difficulty when shifting gears. Having a hard time getting the car into gear, could be a sign of a clutch problem.
- You may experience a grinding or shaking sensation when you press the clutch pedal. This can indicate a problem with the clutch plate or disc.
- A vibrating pedal – sign of a worn or damaged clutch.
- Lastly, a burning smell could indicate that the clutch is overheating and needs to be inspected
So what is the next step?
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be a good time to seek for a professional. Take your vehicle to a professional mechanic – the sooner, the better. If you are in the Leicester area, we are a good fit for that.
Our technicians at The Motor Company are fully certified and trained, plus we have years of experience in servicing vehicles from all makes and models. We use genuine parts from trusted suppliers only!
We will be able to diagnose the issue and advise on the best course of action. It might be some repairs or replacement, depending on the severity of the damage or worn-out. In some cases, a simple adjustment might be what you need to sort it out. Ring us today, and leave the worry away.
As a bonus, we have pulled a few questions we get asked quite often:
Q: Can you drive with a broken clutch?
A: Driving with a malfunctioning clutch can result in further (and potentially more serious) damage to essential components of your vehicle, such as the gearbox, starter motor or shifter. Therefore, it is imperative that you address any issues detected with your car’s clutch promptly and professionally.
Q: How to keep your clutch last longer?
A: Avoid driving aggressively or overworking your clutch. This can put unnecessary strain and cause it to wear out faster.
Q: How much does it cost to fix a car clutch?
A: The cost of repairing a car clutch depends on the make and model of your vehicle and what is required for the repair.
Q: How often do you need a new clutch?
A: Generally, a clutch should last up to 150,000 miles. However, this can depend on your vehicle and how you use it. We would recommend getting your car checked for any signs of wear and tear at regular intervals. You can check the manufacturer’s guidelines for more details on when to replace your clutch.
Q: Do automatic vehicles have a clutch?
A: Some vehicles use a torque converter to transfer power from the engine to the transmission and then to the wheels. However, others may feature an automated manual transmission which uses two clutches instead of one.