The lifespan of a clutch is tricky to gauge. Scott’s Auto advises that many things factor into how long the factory clutch will last in your automobile including how you drive the vehicle and the quality of the clutch in the first place. There will come a point when the clutch gets too old and it will need to be replaced. You can extend this point out by bringing your vehicle to our shop every 6,000 miles so we can adjust the clutch and replace any worn parts. Here are signs that the clutch is going out.
Changes in the Resistance
The clutch pedal may change the resistance it gives you if its internal mechanisms have worn down. The clutch may feel soft underneath your foot and may even sink to the floorboard. In some cases, the clutch will also be harder to press down. Any change in the resistance is a bad sign.
Changes in the Bite Point
Another bad sign is a change in the bite point of the clutch. You use muscle memory to shift gears. The muscles in your leg remember exactly where in the clutch you can shift the gear. If you start to have problems shifting the gears, the bite point has gotten higher. This happens in worn clutches.
Strong Burning Smells
The primary job of the clutch is to take power from the engine and transfer it temporarily to the transmission. Once you release the clutch, the power goes back to the engine. If you have strong burning odors coming from the clutch, the clutch is slipping. This means it does not stay engaged.
Problems Shifting Gears
Consequently, this also means that the transmission does not have the power it needs so you can shift the gears smoothly. As such, you may actually start to grind the gears even though you are a seasoned veteran at driving a manual transmission. The gear stick may also give you resistance.
Problems Accelerating
Another sign that the transmission no longer has power is an issue with your vehicle’s acceleration after you release the clutch. The transmission uses the engine’s power to turn the drivetrain. Your vehicle may fail to accelerate because the wheels aren’t turning.
Give us a call here at Scott’s Auto in Litchfield, MN, to set up a service appointment for your automobile. We would be happy to inspect the clutch to see if it needs to be replaced. If it does, we will do so.