Every car owner knows the importance of a well-functioning clutch. In a manually operated car, the clutch is a critical component that connects the engine to the transmission, which allows you to change gears smoothly. Like the other parts of the car, the clutch can wear out over time. This may lead to costly repairs and a significant headache. Sometimes our rough or impatient driving makes it happen. However, with a few simple changes to your driving habits and maintenance practices, you can really double the life of your clutch and avoid expensive repairs.
Here are some of the tips to extend the life of your car’s clutch.
1. Use Clutch Only When Necessary
Most have the habit of riding the clutch, which means they keep the clutch a little pressed while driving. This makes the internal parts rub together. That rubbing creates heat among those parts and even slowly removes the friction material on the clutch plate. The best practice is not to rest your foot on the clutch pedal. Also, you should shift into neutral and let the clutch up while being at traffic lights or in queues. When you need the clutch again, press it fully and shift in one smooth move. That habit saves the clutch, the release bearing, and reduces the chance of early failure.
2. Shift Smoothly
While driving, you may use the clutch abruptly or aggressively during gear shifting. This practice of driving puts excess strain on the clutch disc and pressure plate. This can wear them out faster. That’s why you should move the gear lever with steady motion and ease the clutch in and out smoothly. When downshifting, blip the throttle to increase engine speed so that the engine and gearbox are in sync. This process is known as rev matching. These are necessary because smooth shifts reduce shock to synchronizers and the clutch plate. They also make driving more comfortable and safer.
3. Schedule Regular Clutch Service
Sometimes these habits don’t really work, and you have to go for professional maintenance of the clutch. You should schedule regular checks for your clutch as part of your car’s routine maintenance. When you opt for professional clutch service, the technician inspects the clutch plate, pressure plate, release bearing, and any hydraulic components. They also check for leaks and adjust free play as needed. When these checks are made early, it will be easier to find small problems before they become big, and you can avoid costly repairs and keep your car running smoothly.
4. Don’t Overload Your Vehicle
When you put extra weight on your vehicle, it puts an extra strain on the clutch. The clutch feels more pressure when you stop and start moving again with the load, and also when the vehicle is climbing a hill. Overloading forces the clutch the work harder than it usually does, which increases wear on the clutch disc and pressure plate. That’s why you should only load according to the load-bearing capacity of your vehicle to avoid issues in the clutch.
