Three Signs Your Clutch Should Be Replaced
Posted on: 25 July 2018
The clutch is the most important part of a manual transmission, because without it operating properly you will be unable to alter your speed and may experience engine trouble and other mechanical issues. Unfortunately, since your clutch is the part of your transmission that receives the most amount of friction and stress while changing gears, it is also likely to be the first component of your transmission to go. Fortunately, you can spot a few warning signs of wear early so that you can have the clutch repaired or replaced before it gives out completely while you are behind the wheel.
Rough Shifts
One of the first and most obvious signs that your clutch is beginning to go out is if you notice that there is a grinding or shaking sensation when you shift gears. This can cause minor vibrations in the clutch pedal and steering wheel, but points to excessive wear and tear on your clutch - making it harder to slip into gear. This is more than an annoyance that requires more pressure with your foot to overcome: additional friction over time can cause increased wear and can make a complete clutch failure very likely.
Slipping Gears
In a similar vein to the previous point, another sign that your clutch is no longer able to operate effectively is if you notice that your transmission sometimes slips out of gear while travelling at a constant speed. This will be obvious as your engine will increase its RPM rate suddenly, and you may even find that your vehicle surges forward or suddenly slows down as a result. This is also a serious concern, as it reduces how much control you have over your car's speed and significantly increases the risk of a collision as a result.
Burning Smells
Another sign that something is wrong with your clutch is if you notice the smell of burning while you are driving. While a variety of problems can cause a burning smell, a finicky clutch and the smell of burning points to increased friction within your transmission as the clutch fights to engage gear shifts - which can happen both with rough shifting and slipping gears. If this is the case, you should head to a mechanic to take a look at your clutch and transmission straight away. Increased friction and the smell of burning can cause damage not only to your clutch, but to your transmission itself, which can be much more expensive and complicated to fix or replace.
For more help, reach out to a company like Joy Automotive Products Inc.
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