Without a working clutch, you won't be able to move.
The clutch is one of the most important elements of the car responsible for its operation. Its role is to temporarily disconnect the engine from the transmission. Thanks to this, we can shift gears without causing any damage while the engine is running continuously. Improper use of the clutch can cause serious damage or even immobilization of the vehicle. Remember that the failure of this element contributes to the breakdown of the gearbox.
Clutch failures most often occur as a result of amateur car repair and improper handling. 
device. One of the main mistakes drivers make is starting too abruptly. The clutch linings are loaded and there is a risk of burning them. When this happens, replacing the clutch disc, which requires removing the gearbox from the car, can be a lifesaver. Another, incorrect behavior of drivers is the use of the clutch pedal other than shifting gears, i.e. keep your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This can lead to faster wear of the clutch release bearing and its linings. Be sure to fully release the handbrake when starting the vehicle and always fully depress the clutch pedal when shifting gears. “Let's take care of this part of the car, because its replacement is laborious and, most importantly, not cheap. When repairing a damaged clutch, it is also worth checking the condition of the flywheels and checking the condition of the engine seals. Before reassembly, all elements should be cleaned of dust left after abrasion on the linings and traces of oil. says Marek Godziska, Technical Director of Auto-Boss.
What are the symptoms of a damaged clutch?
One of the symptoms that tell us about clutch wear is the clutch pedal itself. It is noticeably stiffer, which indicates wear on the contact surface of the thrust bearing and pressure plate spring. When we hear noise coming from the gearbox area after depressing the clutch pedal, we can expect damage to the thrust bearing. The lack of acceleration of the car, despite the added gas, may also indicate wear on the clutch disc. Other, no less alarming symptoms may turn out to be - the car starts only after the clutch pedal is completely released or the car jerks intensifying when starting off.
How to use the clutch correctly?
“In order to prolong the life of the clutch, we will try to always keep it in perfect condition. We should always start at the lowest possible engine speed, avoid abrupt release of the clutch pedal, and avoid starting with squealing tires. These measures will significantly extend the life of the friction plate. When standing at a traffic light or in a traffic jam, it is better to put the neutral, rather than waiting with the gear on. This treatment allows you to save all the components of the clutch. In all-wheel drive vehicles, we will use the axle disengagement function - this will reduce the load on the clutch by about 30 percent. Also, always depress the clutch pedal all the way down and add gas only with the handbrake fully released. When driving, wear flat shoes - this attention is especially paid to women. Thanks to this, we will not only take care of our safety, but also get rid of the habit of riding on the so-called half-clutch.” adds Marek Godziska, Technical Director of Auto-Boss.
