If you take excellent care of your clutch, you just might get well over 100,000 miles out of it. Collins Auto Care can service your clutch every 6,000 miles, which is the general recommendation. Getting the most out of your clutch saves you money in the end. There will come a time, however, when your clutch will need to be replaced. The time is now if you are having any of the problems listed below.
Problems Shifting Gears
Naturally, you will have difficulties shifting gears if your clutch is going bad. The clutch removes the power from the engine and transfers it to the transmission so you can shift the gears seamlessly. A malfunctioning clutch will be unable to conduct this power transfer. Consequently, you may be unable to shift through the gear cycle or get your vehicle into gear.
Grinding Gear Shifts
Alongside the problems shifting the gears, the gears may also make grinding sounds as you shift them. This is an indication that the clutch is slipping. This means that the clutch is unable to stay engaged even though you haven’t released the clutch pedal. Unfortunately, grinding damages the gears – it’s as bad as it sounds – so it’s important to have the clutch checked right away.
Lagging Acceleration
Another sign that the power transfer isn’t complete between the engine and the transmission and back to the engine is if your vehicle’s acceleration hesitates when you release the clutch and press down on the accelerator. This suggests that the transmission does not have enough power to turn the wheels. It uses the drivetrain to turn the wheels.
Burning Clutch Pedal
If your clutch pedal smells hot when you use it, the clutch is slipping. Again, a clutch that slips cannot stay engaged and you will end up with the problems we have already discussed above. It’s important to have the clutch inspected immediately if it is slipping.
Spongy Clutch Pedal
You may also notice changes in how the clutch pedal feels if it is going out. For example, the pedal may feel spongy underneath your foot or sink to the floor. If you are having problems with the resistance the clutch is giving you, bring your automobile to our shop.
Higher Catch Point
Finally, another noticeable sign that your clutch is going bad is a higher catch point as you press down on the clutch. The catch point will change when your clutch needs to be replaced.
Call Collins Auto Care in Houston, TX, today if your vehicle is having any of the problems discussed above. We will inspect your clutch and repair or replace it if necessary.
