Clutch Replacement: Signs It Could Be Time

Jun 27
09:03

2011

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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If you drive a stick, you have to be concerned with clutch replacement after a certain amount of time. This can be a relatively expensive repair to have done, but it is of course necessary to keep your car moving smoothly. Here are some signs that could indicate a failing clutch.

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If you drive a stick,Clutch Replacement: Signs It Could Be Time Articles you have to be concerned with clutch replacement after a certain amount of time. This can be a relatively expensive repair to have done, but it is of course necessary to keep your car moving smoothly. Failure to understand that your clutch is failing could result in your being stranded in the middle of a highway somewhere, forced to call a tow truck and a friend to come get you. Leaving the problem to the last minute could also very well lead to an accident or to further damage to the vehicle. It’s best to get it looked at right away. Here are some signs that could indicate a failing clutch.

One sign that it might be time for clutch replacement is that depressing the pedal starts feeling different. People who have been through this often describe a “smooshy” feeling when they press it in, rather than the smooth operation one would expect from the pedal. Think of how your brake pedal feels when you press it slowly (particularly if you have ABS). This shouldn’t be the feeling you get when you press down on the clutch. Take the time to drive around locally and see if you notice this red flag. Another warning sign along the same lines is if the clutch isn’t engaging until you’ve taken your foot almost entirely off the pedal.

Sometimes the need for clutch replacement is preceded by a burning scent. This comes from additional friction as the clutch begins to slip. Some have described this scent as similar to burning paper, so don’t ignore any smells that resemble this. Of course, if you are driving and smell anything burning that is coming from your car, it would not be wise to ignore it, even if you are sure that it has nothing to do with the clutch.

If you have any doubts forming in your mind, telling you that clutch replacement may be imminent, you need to take your car into the shop as soon as possible. Do some preliminary research and make sure you find a shop that has experience working with manual cars and will work with you honestly and fairly. Any way around it, you are probably looking at a repair that is going to cost you a fair chunk of change. Don’t make things worse by trusting your vehicle to someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing or who is looking to get one over on you. Find a good, honest, and reliable shop that you can depend on for this and future repairs and maintenance work.

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