Replacing the clutch plates of your car; what all to take care of.

The clutch is one of the most important parts of a manual transmission car, as it connects the engine to the gearbox and provides the car with power. Depending on a person’s driving style and the environment in which it is driven, it is also one of the parts of the car that sees high wear and tear.

If you are driving in bumper-to-bumper city traffic, your clutch will likely wear more rapidly than if you are driving on the highway. Similarly, cars driven in hills are more likely to have their clutches worn out than cars driven on the plains.

You might wonder, “How do I know when my clutch is about to fail?” The clutch usually gives you warnings, giving you time to get it to the workshop.

Signs your clutch needs repair/replacement

In ideal circumstances, most modern car clutches would last for over 1,00,000 kilometers without requiring replacement. It is also more likely that an early breakdown occurs when you drive in heavy traffic and ride the clutch too hard. A broken clutch means the car cannot be driven until it is fixed. In any case, your car warns you well before the clutch fails. But how can you be sure that the clutch is the cause of the issue and not anything else? Here goes a list of 5 telltale indications of a worn clutch that need to be fixed right now.

1. Soft clutch

A spongy clutch is a telltale sign of a worn clutch. If your clutch feels too soft and spongy, it indicates wear and tear. When your clutch pedal is spongy, you’ll have to release the clutch pedal to engage the gear. You should go to the workshop as soon as possible since this only indicates that the clutch is in need of repair.

2. Shuddering

Shuddering of the clutch pedal is another sign to watch out for. Low-speed shuddering indicates that the clutch plate has impurities such as oil and sludge, or that the clutch plate is worn out and needs to be replaced. Either way, you should have it checked at the workshop right away. Loose bell housing bolts, broken engine mounts, and damaged clutch linkage can also cause clutch shuddering.

3. Slipping

When the clutch of an automobile reaches the end of its life, it is said to slip. The inability of the clutch to fully engage or disengage when the pedal is fully depressed or released is referred to as slipping. Even if the automobile isn’t moving any quicker, the engine RPM will increase. When going uphill, overtaking, or carrying large objects, slipping is more obvious. A slipping clutch will overheat, causing additional wear and strain and speeding up the degeneration of the clutch.

4. Noise

It might be a symptom of a worn clutch if you hear a definite grinding noise from your car engine every time you push the clutch pedal. It’s possible that the noise is caused by defective bearings. Bearings are inexpensive and easy to replace, but ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs due to additional damages.

5. Faulty Cylinders

It’s possible that the cylinders, bearings, and fork are the source of a failing clutch, rather than the clutch plate itself. However, for the clutch to function properly, all of the components must be in functioning condition. In a direct linkage clutch system, certain difficulties can be alleviated by simply changing the clutch cable linkage.

Habits that will damage your clutch

If your typical driving routine during rush hour usually involves uncountable clutch and brake pushes, alternatively – then your car’s clutch is quite under the threat.
Driving in the city or using the clutch for long periods of time takes a toll on the automobile, the engine, and the clutch plate. Your automobile clutch experiences significant wear and tear as a result of your driving style and other reasons. A clutch may survive for more than 70,000 kilometers if properly maintained, and some may have to change their clutch plates as early as 10,000 kilometers.

So next time when you stumble upon a clutch issue, call the expert right away. Carcility strives to provide you with the right car care solutions which suit your vehicle. Download the Carcility App or visit our website to know more about our car service packages. Till then, drive safe!