Clutch - how to avoid premature wear? Guide

The driver has the greatest influence on the durability of a clutch in a car. It is enough to follow a few rules to avoid costly repairs.

The clutch in a car is responsible for disconnecting the engine from the drive system. Thanks to this, despite the continuous operation of the engine, we can change gears without damaging the transmission.

Clutch repairs are expensive, and failure of this component can also damage the transmission. Therefore, it is worth taking care of the clutch. It's easy, just a few changes in driving style are required.

High heels don't serve traction

The first and most important piece of advice from mechanics, driving school instructors and experienced drivers is not to keep your foot on the clutch while driving. Driving on the so-called coupling half is only permitted during parking and starting maneuvers.

“Often women who drive in high heels tend to drive in half-clutches,” says Grzegorz Leszczuk, an auto mechanic from Białystok.

He adds that this causes the release bearing to continually press gently against the release cup spring. Therefore, after a longer period of such behavior, the effect is either a reduction in the life of the entire clutch assembly or its combustion.

Clutch burning accelerates wear

True, a single frying of the lining usually does not make the clutch replaceable. But this will significantly accelerate its wear. Repeating several times can ensure that the entire team can be replaced.

Often, the clutch becomes damaged or wears excessively in very hard, screeching start situations. The so-called burning rubber. Also, be careful not to drive with the handbrake not fully released. Then it's easy to burn the clutch. If this happens, we will recognize it by the characteristic itching in the cabin. Then it is better to stop the car and wait a few minutes until the entire power unit has cooled down. If after this time the clutch slips, it remains to visit the mechanic.

Always reach for the floor

Sure fully depress the pedal when changing gearsbecause it is another element that affects clutch life. It is worth checking if the mat is blocking the pedal. Release the clutch pedal carefully and don't press too hard on the gas pedal if you use the clutch.

The clutch wears out the fastest when it has to connect the crankshaft and propeller shaft with a large difference in the speed of both shafts. A sharp pressure on the gas, even with a slightly depressed clutch pedal, leads to exactly this.

It should be emphasized that clutch life varies greatly between vehicles and depends on the specific make and model. In addition to the above driving skills, the designer himself also affects the service life - it is important how accurately he selected the forces transmitted by the clutch.

On average, it can be assumed that the entire team has between 40.000 and 100.000 km of run, although there may be large deviations from this. A clutch in a car that only travels long distances can last as long as the life of the car.

Clutch failure symptoms

A typical sign that the clutch is about to run out is pedal hardening. This means nothing more than wear on the contact surface of the thrust bearing with the pressure plate spring. Often, after pressing the clutch pedal, we hear a noise coming from the gearbox area, which indicates damage to the thrust bearing.

– If, on the other hand, when downshifting we feel that, despite the added gas, the car does not accelerate, and the engine speed increases, then the clutch disc has worn out, says Grzegorz Leszczuk.

A typical sign of wear is an attempt to start abruptly, but the car does not react at all. It should be alarming, after switching to fifth or sixth gear when driving uphill, only an increase in engine speed and no acceleration of the car.

Then both clutch discs slip too much - this is a signal that repair is required. Another symptom is that the car will not start until we almost release the clutch pedal. As a general rule, this should follow a slight lift of the left leg.

Increasing jerks of the car when starting off are also a cause for concern, which may indicate problems with the clutch.

Replacing the clutch means removing the gearbox

Most often, the clutch consists of a clamp, a disc and a bearing, although there are exceptions to this composition of the assembly. The cost of replacing the entire set, which is definitely recommended in the event of a breakdown, ranges from 500 to 1200 PLN. However, prices can be higher, for example, for large SUVs.

When replacing the clutch, which always involves disassembling the gearbox, it is worth checking the gearbox bearing and oil seal. It is also good to remove the flywheel and inspect the crankshaft oil seal from the gearbox side, replace it if necessary. In drive systems with a dual-mass flywheel, check its condition and replace if necessary.

The controls are inextricably linked to the clutch. In the old types, mechanical, i.e. clutch cable. Newer ones have hydraulics, including a pump, hoses and clutch. During the repair, to be sure, it does not hurt to pay attention to these elements, because it may turn out that the intervention of a specialist will also be required here.

To avoid damaging the clutch, remember:

– always depress the clutch pedal to the end when shifting gears,

– do not drive with a half-clutch – take your foot off the pedal after changing gear,

– when driving, it is best to wear flat-soled shoes – this is also important for safety reasons: flip-flops or high heels definitely fall off, as well as high wedge shoes,

– accelerate only when you are sure that the handbrake is fully released,

– starting with a squeal of tires may look spectacular, but it affects faster clutch wear,

- gently release the clutch,

– with the clutch depressed, smoothly operate the gas pedal,

– avoid starting two.