How to know if it’s time to replace your car’s clutch

Posted on 01/12/2020 by

Are you wondering if it’s time to replace your car’s clutch? From grinding noises to difficulties getting into gear, there are plenty of signs that your clutch needs some extra attention. You can find clutches for sale, as well as automotive service providers, on Junk Mail.

What is a clutch and how does it work?

A
clutch is a mechanical device that plays an important role in the operation of
your car. The clutch functions to engage and disengage two rotating shafts. One
of the shafts is connected to the engine and the other shaft is responsible for
the power output.

The main parts of the clutch include the following:

Cover
plate
Pressure
plate
Driven
plate
Release
bearing

If
you live in the city where you’re faced with traffic on a regular basis, it’s
likely that your car’s
clutch will wear down quicker. Frequent stopping and starting can have a
negative impact on the lifespan of your clutch. Pulling heavy loads is also likely
to wear your car’s clutch
down.

5 signs that you need to replace your car’s clutch

Clutch slippage

If the
engine races but your vehicle is slow to take off, it’s an indication of a worn-out
clutch. It’s likely that the friction material has worn away so that it’s
difficult for the power to be transferred to the transmission. If this is the
case, you’ll need to replace the disc to get your vehicle back into shape.
However, there are other culprits of clutch slippage, which include problems
with the clutch linkage as well as a damaged pressure plate. A damaged motor
mount can also be the cause of this problem.

Getting into gear is difficult

Changing
gears can be problematic if your clutch isn’t in good condition, but issues
with changing gears could also be due to problems with the linkage adjustment,
a damaged clutch plate or a damaged cylinder fork.

Soft clutch

If
your clutch feels spongy, it’s advisable to have it checked out as soon as
possible. Another telltale sign of a clutch problem is if your car’s clutch shudders.
This issue is particularly noticeable when you’re travelling at low speeds. A
shuddering clutch can mean that there are impurities interfering with the
clutch plate or that the clutch plate needs to be replaced.

Grinding sounds

If
you notice grinding sounds when you push down the clutch, it could be a sign
that the clutch is worn. Faulty bearings could also be the culprit. It’s
important to deal with this problem as soon as possible because bearings are
cheap to replace but if you continue to drive with damaged bearings it can lead
to more expensive problems later.

How to make your car’s clutch last longer

Save
time and money by taking good care of your clutch. Clutches are a sensitive and
vital part of your vehicle, so it’s essential to know how to extend their
lifespan.

Don’t
apply pressure to the clutch while you’re driving unless you’re changing gears.
Even resting your foot on the clutch can create pressure that speeds up the
wear and tear of your clutch.
Reduce
the speed of your vehicle slowly and steadily before you come to a robot or
stop sign. Likewise, take off slowly and steadily rather than pretending you’re
on a racetrack.
Make
use of your parking brake when you’re taking off on an incline so that you can
avoid putting strain on your clutch.
Don’t
engage your clutch to assist with braking.

Don't keep your foot on the clutch when you drive | Junk Mail — Photo Source – www.pixabay.com

Now that you know how to maintain your car’s clutch properly, you can keep your car in good shape. Find clutches for sale on Junk Mail and enjoy great savings.