Jerks at startup - did the car break down or is the driver to blame?

Every driver cares about safe driving. Jerks when starting off are not pleasant and spoil the impression of a smooth ride. Often a malfunction can be associated with poor driving technique, but it also happens that this is a sign of a car breakdown. The clutch may be damaged or the engine needs to be adjusted. Check what to do if the car twitches when pulling away.

The car twitches when starting - the clutch is damaged

The clutch is used to transmit torque from the drive shaft to the driven shaft. The mechanism of its action depends on the model of the car. The clutch is a fairly durable element that is replaced after about 150 kilometers. What can be damaged in the clutch mechanism when your car jerks when pulling away? Possible culprits include:

• the clutch disc is the most common malfunction, it can crack or warp;
• loose clutch pressure plate;
• flywheel - it could be damaged at the point of contact with the clutch;
• pump or drive.

Vehicle jerks when starting - diesel engine

For diesel vehicles, clutch replacement can be very expensive. The price of the item is around 70 euros. If you own a newer diesel model, you should add a dual mass flywheel replacement. Its purchase costs about 120 euros, the mechanic should estimate the replacement service at about 60 euros. 

Vehicle jerks when starting - gasoline engine 

In gasoline cars, repairs are slightly cheaper. The cost of the components is about 50 euros, the mechanic will charge 40 euros for repairs, in gasoline cars with a more complex clutch design, the cost of replacing the element may increase. The price will also increase if the replacement requires the removal of the entire drive unit. 

How to care for the clutch so that there are no jerks when starting off?

Improper use of the clutch can damage it. Here is how you should use the clutch:

• avoid abrupt start - you can burn the element;
• do not use the clutch except when shifting gears; keeping your foot on the clutch can lead to faster wear of the release bearing and its linings;
• when starting off, do not forget to completely release the handbrake;
• always start with the lowest possible speed, and not with a squeal of tires;
• while standing at a traffic light, do not keep the clutch squeezed out - turn on the neutral gear.

The tips above will ensure that your clutch will not need changing for many miles. You will also avoid unpleasant jerks at startup. The clutch mechanism is so complex that it must be replaced by an experienced technician.

Clutch pulls on startup - what else could be the reason?

In the event of jerking when starting off, the clutch is first checked. What if he is a worker? Here's what else could be causing it: 

• the clutch twitches when starting off when the fuel injection is incorrectly adjusted; this means that the machine behaves unnaturally after starting;
• air can get into the intake manifold;
• the gap between the electrodes in the spark plugs is too small;
• one of the nozzles is damaged;
• exhaust system is leaking.

Repairing the above defects is much cheaper than repairing a clutch. For most of them, you will pay a maximum of several hundred zlotys.

How to properly move the car so that the car does not twitch when starting off?

Pulling away is the first thing a driver learns. However, many people do it wrong.. Here is how to move the car so that it does not twitch when starting:

1. Start by depressing the clutch pedal.
2. Then, with the clutch depressed, shift the gearshift lever to first gear.
3. Release the clutch slowly in a coordinated manner and at the same time begin to gradually increase the gas.
4. To avoid jerks when starting off, you need to follow the tachometer needle. When it reaches 2500 rpm, stop releasing the clutch for a moment. This will avoid jerking, and the car will move forward smoothly.
5. Now you can fully release the clutch, but do it carefully.
6.  There may be situations in traffic that require a quicker start. In this case, you will have to bring the car to about 3 thousand revolutions and release the clutch faster. Although it takes some practice.

By following these tips, you will avoid jerky starting and your car will not be subject to rapid clutch wear. This will greatly reduce the cost of using the car. 

Every driver should aim for a smooth ride. This results in safety and greater driving pleasure. Jerks when starting off can be inconvenient, especially when driving in the city, where you often stop at traffic lights and in traffic jams. Do not forget to take care not only about the technical condition of the car, but also about your skills!