A healthy clutch is an essential feature of a safe vehicle, with a problematic one a real issue for car performance, not to mention its chances of passing its MOT. Nevertheless, it’s just a fact of life that every car will eventually require clutch repair or replacement – with all that activity and friction, it’s inevitable. But that’s not to say there aren’t things you can do to maximise the longevity and performance of your clutch. Here’s what you need to know:
Firstly, how to recognise when there’s a problem? Some of the classic telltale signs that you may have an issue with your clutch that requires professional attention are:
• A whistling noise when you change gear
• You hear other strange sounds, such as grinding when you press on the clutch
• There are vibrations when you change gear
• The gearbox is stiff to move
• The vehicle doesn’t shift into higher gears
So how can you make sure that you are treating your clutch well? No need to guess, or clutch at straws (apologies), here’s our top list of best ways to avoid wearing out your clutch:
1. Go into neutral when stationary
When you’re stopped at traffic lights, avoid just staying in first gear and holding the brake, which puts a strain on your machinery, instead go into neutral and use the handbrake – even if it’s just for a short while, the long-term value of this habit is a healthy, long-lasting clutch.
2. Use the handbrake to park
Some drivers get into the habit of leaving the car in gear when it’s parked up. Even with the engine off, this can, over a period of time, damage your clutch disc. So rather than leave your car in gear, put it in neutral and, again, use the handbrake.
3. Quick, smooth gear changes
The longer you take to perform your gear changes, the more strain you place on the clutch disc. So try to get into the habit of making all your gear changes as quick and as confidently as possible.
4. Don’t perform unnecessary gear changes
Similarly, avoid placing additional, unnecessary demands on your clutch by overusing it. Once you get into the habit of maintaining constant speeds in order to reduce your reliance on clutch changes, you’ll be doing your bit to moderate any potential for wear and tear.
5. Don’t ride the clutch
Riding the clutch is when you have your foot slight pressing down on the clutch over a period of time, such as when you are slowing down or taking corners. Again, this puts unnecessary strain on the clutch disc, and will cause it wear and tear that is entirely avoidable.
6. Avoid excess weight
Finally, excess weight, as with a full boot or even a trailer, will also take its toll on your clutch over a period of time. Treat your car gently wherever possible, though, and you can hope to maximise your clutch’s lifespan and get much more mileage out of it than you would otherwise.
In need of clutch repair or replacement? Call us now on 020 8361 8888
