Jan 7, 2020
Unfortunately, at some point in your vehicle’s life, you are likely to encounter a problem with your clutch. Your car’s clutch is an essential component to ensure smooth operation and as car owners, we need to look out for signs of wear and tear. The repair/replacement process isn’t as simple as going to a garage and asking for a new tyre, there aren’t any guidelines giving an indication for when you need to replace it. Clutch wear and tear are all down to how you drive and your driving environment, it could last anywhere from 25,000 miles to 100,000 miles.
Have you noticed that your car is emitting a burning smell, like the smell of burning rubber? If so, it’s a common sign of clutch wear and tear. This is a sign that your clutch is overheating and that your clutch plate is beginning to wear out. Sometimes this can be accompanied by smoke from coming underneath the vehicle.
The burning rubber smell is usually caused by riding the clutch, which is most common in slow-moving, bumper to bumper traffic.
·Slipping out of gear – Is your clutch slipping out of gear when you’re driving? Whether it’s happening regularly or occasionally, it should be replaced. It can indicate that your clutch is worn or can be a sign that there is an oil leak coming from the crankshaft that is lubricating the clutch plate.
·Soft/Spongy clutch – If your clutch is soft, that this a tell-tale sign that your clutch is beginning to fail. Test this by driving your car for a short time, remaining focused on how your clutch feels and how far you need to let the clutch out before the gear catches.
If you have experienced a burning clutch smell, or the other symptoms listed above, it’s time to consider a clutch replacement. Here at MyCarNeedsA.com, we gather quotes from local mechanics in your area, so you don’t have to!