How long does my clutch last?

Clutch life is not unlimited and you need to check it regularly if you want to extend its life. If you don't know how to care for your clutch, here's everything you need to know in this article!

🗓️ How long is the service life of a car clutch?

The clutch will last at least 100 km, but if you take care of it, it will last longer. Its average service life ranges from 000 150 to 000 200 km depending on the case.

Thus, the wear of your clutch is up to you, but not only!

?? What are the causes of my car's clutch wear?

There can be several reasons for clutch wear:

• Driving style: Slipping the clutch, leaving the pedal depressed unnecessarily, or shifting gears without any precautions will accelerate clutch wear. The harder the ride, the faster the clutch and gearbox wears out. An overloaded car has the same effect;
• City driving: this leads to premature wear of the clutch, since it is heavily loaded, in particular when stopping and restarting;
• Natural wear and tear : This is caused by almost constant friction between the clutch and other parts.

🔧 How to check the clutch?

You can run a few tests yourself that will detect the clutch to be changed... It doesn't require any special skills, we'll explain everything in this detailed guide!

Step 1. Check the clutch when stationary.

Start with the engine in neutral for 10 minutes, then depress the clutch pedal in reverse gear. Is the operation going without anxiety, squeak, or difficulty? If this is the case, the problem may not be the adhesion, but you will have to continue with the test series.

Step 2. Check the grip while driving.

Start the car and drive at a moderate speed. Then increase speed sharply and observe engine speed and vehicle speed. If the first increases and the second does not, you probably have a clutch problem. If you also notice symptoms such as vibration, squealing, or an unusual smell, your clutch is not working properly. If, on the contrary, you do not notice anything abnormal, continue with the last test.

Step 3. Test the clutch by engaging third gear.

In the last test, put in neutral and apply the parking brake after a few minutes of driving. Then shift directly into fourth or even fifth gear and release the clutch pedal smoothly ... you should normally stall. If nothing happens and the engine continues to run as if nothing had happened, check the clutch immediately.

🚗 How can I increase the clutch life?

Extending clutch life requires simple reflexes:

• Take your time with the clutch pedal: This is obvious, but we don't always think about it, in order to prolong the life of the clutch, be careful with the clutch! If you press the pedal too hard, you risk damaging various parts of the clutch kit. When starting, release the pedal smoothly.
• Remove your foot from the wheel: Sometimes you get into the bad habit of keeping your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This should be avoided! The clutch is too tight and wears out faster. While driving, fully release the clutch pedal and place your left foot on the provided footrest; this one should be used without moderation!
• Switch to neutral for a red light: You should limit the use of the clutch pedal as much as possible. At red traffic lights or at an intersection, do not hold it down: instead, shift into neutral and release the clutch pedal completely. Do the same when you're in traffic! You want to know the exact price clutch replacement for your car? It couldn't be easier with our garage comparator, find out the prices for garages near you and choose the best!
• Disengage the automatic parking brake: Newer vehicles are often equipped with an automatic parking brake. They have a button to disengage the handbrake before restarting, but few people use it. Most of us are strongly encouraged to turn it off. Yes, yes, we know that it is! But that's not good for your clutch, which will slip and wear out prematurely.
• For automatic transmissions: return to neutral when stopped: Despite not having a clutch pedal, your automatic transmission contains a similar clutch mechanism that needs to be taken care of. When stationary, make it a habit to shift into neutral, otherwise the gear will engage, and this contributes to premature wear of your automatic transmission.

La the life of your clutch variable. Certain reflexes allow you to increase it, but sooner or later you will have to change it, so it's best to do this in a secure garage.