Most drivers don’t even know what a clutch is. The clutch is a vital part of the car that makes it possible for your car to accelerate, slow down, and come to a complete stop while the engine is running. Simply put, it’s a part that you don’t want to go out.
What is a clutch?
Your clutch is what allows your car to change gears. The clutch is made up of the clutch plate, pressure plate, and the flywheel. And engaged clutch allows the engine and transmission to connect and spin at the same speed. The springs in the clutch pull the pressure plate away from the clutch plate and allow the pressure plate and flywheel to spin at different rates, which allows your car to smoothly change gears. In a manual car, the driver controls the clutch pedal. An automatic car does the clutch work for you. Either way, you spin it, the clutch is a very important part of any vehicle.
How long does a clutch last?
Clutches can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 plus miles. There are many factors that go into the life of your clutch. The quality of your car, your driving style, and how well you maintain your car will all factor into the health of your clutch. Stop and go driving will wear your clutch out sooner. The more you switch between gears, the more you clutch is used. If you think your clutch may be going out, look for some of these signs.
Signs your clutch is going out:
Burning smells
When driving a manual car, you may notice a burning smell when you accelerate. You may also notice this smell while driving during heavy traffic with lots of stops and go. If that smell lingers or continues or starts to smell at other times too, it’s a problem. It’s likely that the clutch plate has worn down too thin and needs replacing.
Slipping gears
When driving a manual transmission, you may start to notice that it’s slipping out of gear or falling into neutral. If this is the case, it’s likely that the clutch plate has worn down and needs replacing. Slipping gears can also be caused by an oil leak.
Sticky clutch pedal
If the clutch pedal is sticking and difficult to press, it may be that the hydraulic linkage is failing. When this is the case, you may just need to adjust the linkage and not replace the clutch. You may also need to replace the linkage system. Or it may be that a new clutch plate is needed. If you are seeing any of these signs in your car, RKX Tech provides the best products and tutorials for car repairs. We work with high-quality brands to provide your car with the best options. Replacing a clutch is not a simple DIY, if you aren’t familiar with car repairs, you may want to take your car into a repair shop.