While automatic transmission has become highly popular recently due to its range of benefits, manual transmission is still the first choice for most car enthusiasts. One of the key features that you will find in a manual car but not in an automatic car is the clutch. It will be important to push down the car’s clutch and shift through the gears for driving a manual car.
A clutch can be defined as a pedal placed left to the brake. While it is manufactured to be long-lasting and durable, it can also get damaged with time. Certain symptoms will indicate the need to take your car for a transmission clutch repair, and as a car user, it is important to be aware of those signs. This blog provides a detailed guide on which signs you must notice to understand clutch issues.
Seven key signs of a malfunctioning clutch
Usually, the average lifespan of a car clutch falls between 20000 and 150000 miles. The best thing about a clutch is that it will give you strong indications that something is not right. Here we discuss seven vital signs of a malfunctioning clutch.
Clutch pedal becoming spongy or soft
One prominent sign that you may come across is that it gives a spongy or soft feeling whenever you press down on it. While driving, take note of how it actually feels whenever you push it. Most experts recommend this practice to give you a clear understanding of how a clutch feels in usual times.
Facing difficulty while shifting
It may be a clutch problem if you find it challenging to shift your vehicle smoothly. In such a case, you will usually find your gear grinding really hard every time you attempt to shift your car or change your gears. It normally happens when you put your car in first and reverse gear. If you find the grinding persistent even if you try to shift smoothly, the most obvious reason is a clutch issue.
Slipping
Sometimes, while driving, you may feel that the car transmission gets slipped out of your gear without any major reason. It is also a common symptom of a malfunctioning clutch that you must not neglect.
Weak acceleration
It may also happen that you increase the engine’s running speed, but the car is not found to accelerate appropriately. If you notice anything like it, it must be due to any clutch issue or any other transmission problem. You must take your car to a reputed clutch repair service centre to find the exact problem.
Burning smell coming out
If you experience an unusual burning smell coming out of your car transmission system, it must be a symptom of a failing clutch. This odour results when the clutch gets overheated and the plate goes through wear and tear.
Unusual noises
In addition to a burning smell, you may also experience a wide range of unusual noises if your car clutch stops working properly. These noises are generated when loose components start hitting other parts.
Clutch pedal becoming sticky
A sticky clutch pedal can also give rise to grinding noises and makes it challenging for the driver to change the gears. On the other hand, if a clutch pedal gets stuck to the floor, driving the car becomes impossible. If you face any of these situations, it is recommended to go for a quality car clutch repair.
Consider the following driving habits to make your clutch last long
If you want your car clutch to last long, there are several key driving habits that you must be aware of. Keep the following points in mind to get the maximum benefits from your clutch.
• Try to put as little stress as you can.
• When you go to a driving school to learn driving, your instructor will tell you to avoid riding the clutch as it can result in premature clutch failure. You must not use it to control the speed of your vehicle.
• If you have to sit at a traffic signal or wait at the drive-through lane for over 10 seconds, you must not use your clutch to keep the vehicle in a stopped position. In such situations, the most effective way will be to stop the gear, engage the brake, and keep your car neutral until you start driving again.
Hire a mechanic to detect the issue
Whenever you notice any discussed symptom, the mandatory step will be to make an appointment with a top-ranked car mechanical service. A failed clutch may break apart any time during your drive, which can have fatal consequences.
SAI Auto Care is a leading repair centre in Perth known for its quality services at affordable ranges. Anytime you need any car repair service in Perth, you may contact them without hesitation. Their best technicians will look after the vehicle and suggest the best possible solution.
