The average lifespan of a clutch varies greatly, so it’s hard to say how many miles you will get out of your factory clutch. You might have to have the clutch replaced or it may last the entire time you own your automobile. CAR FIX recommends you have the clutch serviced per the owner’s manual. In most cases, this means the clutch should be adjusted every 6,000 miles. Here are signs that your clutch is going out.
Problems Shifting Gears
If your clutch is having problems, it will naturally be more difficult to shift gears. It will also be more difficult to get your vehicle into gear. Problems with the gears indicate that the clutch is not fully engaging in order to allow you to put your automobile into gear and shift through the gear cycle.
Grinding Gears
In fact, if the clutch is not engaged, you will grind the gears as you shift them. When you depress the clutch pedal, it transfers the power from the engine to the transmission. This allows for smooth and silent gear shifting. If the clutch has slipped, i.e., is not engaged, the gears will grind when you shift them because there is still power in the engine rather than the transmission.
Acceleration Lag
Another thing that will happen is your vehicle’s acceleration will lag once you release the clutch. Unfortunately, this is an indication that the transmission does not have the power it needs to turn the drivetrain. If the drivetrain isn’t turning, your wheels are turning.
Burning Odors
One clear sign that your clutch is slipping is burning odors coming from the pedal. You should never smell anything hot while you are shifting gears. If you do, the clutch is unable to stay engaged because its internal mechanisms have worn out.
A Spongy Touch
You might also notice a change in how the clutch pedal feels. If it has a spongy touch as you press down on it, the clutch is going bad. The pedal may also sink to the floor without catching or be too hard to press down. It might also make squeaking sounds.
High Catch Point
Finally, another symptom that the clutch is going bad is a change in the catch point. In this case, the place at which the clutch catches will be higher than normal.
CAR FIX has four auto service shops in Tennessee. Call the shop closest to you whether in Cookeville, Crossville, Maryville, or Oak Ridge. We’d be happy to inspect your clutch and repair or replace it.
