Signs Your Clutch Is Going

 

Your car’s clutch plays a crucial role, enabling you to smoothly change gear. Over time, your clutch can wear out and will need to be replaced. When your clutch is failing, you’ll notice changes in the way it operates that act as warning signs you’ll soon need to get it replaced.

Here are some of the common signs your clutch is going, and what you can do about it.

Your car’s clutch transfers power from the engine to the wheels, enables you to change gear and ensures the engine doesn’t stop when the car is stationary.

There are 3 main parts to the clutch:

  1. clutch plate.
  2. pressure plate.
  3. flywheel.

When your foot is off the pedal, the clutch is engaged. Springs inside the clutch bring the three parts together, matching the speed of the engine and the transmission.

When you push your foot down on the clutch pedal, the springs pull the pressure plate away from the clutch plate. The flywheel and pressure plate spin at different speeds, enabling you to smoothly change gear.

Your clutch is full of moving parts that should operate smoothly. That means gearchanges are smooth and no nasty grinding sounds. Clutches will wear out over time, and when they do, they give some clear warning sings.

Here are some clutch failure red flags:

  • Your clutch feels spongy, sticks or vibrates when you press it
  • You hear a squeaking or a grumbling noise when you press down on the pedal
  • You can rev the engine, but acceleration is poor
  • You have difficulty shifting gears
  • You experience a 'slipping' clutch, which causes a momentary loss of acceleration

If you experience any of the issues, your clutch needs some attention. Thankfully, replacing a clutch is a routine job and shouldn’t take a trained and trusted mechanic too long to fix.

It’s impossible to give an accurate clutch replacement cost as it varies on the make and model of your car. If you’ve noticed a problem with your clutch, or simply want peace of mind that all is in order, book a Halfords Free Clutch Inspection.

Once you suspect that your clutch is going, try to get it seen to as quickly as possible – a worn-out clutch can damage your vehicle and inhibit its performance, so save money on extra repairs and let us inspect it.

One of our trained technicians will give your clutch a comprehensive check and identify any problems, and solutions. We’re able to replace clutches on most makes and models, and with hundreds of accessible locations, it’s no wonder we’re the UK’s favourite.

Whatever your motoring issues, you’re in safe hands with Halfords.

Book a Free Clutch Inspection