How to look after your clutch
Tips for protecting your clutch and maximising its lifespan
If you drive a car with manual transmission, no doubt you’ll be familiar with the clutch. Tricky to master whilst learning to drive, and integral to the function of your vehicle, it’s a part that, like it or not, we need to treat with love.
How does my clutch work?
By transferring power from your engine to your wheels, the clutch makes sure your car moves smoothly at any speed. The clutch is engaged all the while your foot is off the clutch pedal, meaning that the clutch plate, pressure plate, flywheel work together to match the speed of the engine with the transmission.
When the clutch pedal is pressed, these parts are disengaged, and the flywheel and pressure plate can spin at different speeds so that you can change gears.
How can I look after my clutch?
1. Don’t ride the clutch
Ever found yourself partially pressing the clutch pedal even if you’re not changing gear? This is known as riding the clutch, and the pressure this puts on the clutch plate can wear it down quicker. There’s no benefit to riding the clutch, so use it only when you need to change gear.
2. Avoid leaving your car in gear
Even when your car is off, leaving your car in gear can put stress and strain on the clutch. Trust your handbrake to support your car while it’s unattended to avoid wear and tear.
3. Stay in neutral whilst stopped
If you’re stopping longer than a few seconds, say at traffic lights or when you’re stuck on a congested road, it can be tempting to sit with your foot on the clutch in first gear, so you can move off ASAP. However, the pressure this puts on your clutch, particularly if it’s a habit you get into, can shorten its life. It’s better to put the hand brake on and pop the car into neutral.
4. Change gears swiftly
Hesitation while you change gears means the clutch is engaged for longer, wearing down its parts as you do. Gear changes should always be quick and decisive, knowing when it’s appropriate to change it and being sure you need to.
How do you know if there’s something wrong with your clutch?
Like most components under the bonnet, you’ll be given a few warning signs when things aren’t quite right with your clutch. These include:
1. Noisy gear changes
Can you hear a squeaking or even a grumbling? This is your clutch telling you it’s not happy!
2. Laboured gear changes, or resistance
At the first sign of trouble when you change gears, head to a service centre; linkages or your clutch plate could be causing problems here.
3. Your car struggles to pull away
This is called ‘slipping’, which is exactly what it will feel like when you accelerate in first gear.
4. Any noises when you put the car in neutral
A worn input shaft could be the culprit here, particularly if it disappears when you press the clutch pedal.