The clutch is one of the most important components of a manual transmission car. It is, in fact, a key coupling that allows you to change gears smoothly and easily.
Considering that it is used constantly during car trips, especially in cities, this disc wears out over time and can break . This happens especially when it is used incorrectly.
Let’s now see everything there is to know about the tow truck Winnipeg with future towing and tips to make it last longer.
Car Clutch: What is it for and why is it important in a car?
The car clutch has a very clear role , connecting two essential parts of this vehicle, engine and gearbox . It has a decisive influence on the detachment, while the gearbox manages its operations.
During the activity of the engine, which continuously rotates through its force, the clutch allows to divide the transmission of this energy to allow the gearbox to perform the gear change . The latter can be done upwards or downwards, but it is also possible to engage reverse gear.
When you decide on the gear that is best suited to the type of route you are taking, you can release the clutch. This system is made up of three different elements , which are the disc, the pressure plate and the thrust bearing . The only element that is always in motion of the three is the bearing, which is located in correspondence with the flywheel, or on the crankshaft.
Between the flywheel and the clutch pressure plate, instead, we find the clutch disc . If you do not press the clutch pedal, the pressure plate holds the clutch directly on the flywheel. When you push on the pedal, pressing it, the bearing is moved by a specific system that can be controlled by a cable or a hydraulic system.
When this step is completed, the transmission also ends. As you can see, the clutch is stressed considerably and has to do a lot of work. This is why the discs are equipped with anti-shock springs that help to exclude the possibility of forced engagement.
Cars usually have a single disc, while models with two or three clutch discs have a higher torque. These are solutions designed for cars that offer high performance. Motorcycles, on the other hand, have a multi-disc system.
When to change your car’s clutch
To ensure that your car lasts longer, it is a good habit to check the health of the clutch . In fact, the functionality of this component is essential, just like that of brakes and tires.
The correct functioning of the clutch is not linked to safety factors, but is crucial to ensure a longer life of the gearbox and engine of a car. To understand when to proceed with the replacement of this element, you must, first of all, rely on professionals who, periodically, carry out a complete check-up of the vehicle, evaluating the presence of possible faults and malfunctions.
Additionally, you can understand if the clutch is damaged by paying attention to the following symptoms:
- the gear change is no longer smooth and noises can be heard when acting on the gearbox, with the movements appearing more forced
- the clutch causes the car to move in a jerky and jerky manner when using low gears
- the pedal that activates the clutch is hard and difficult to press
- you can smell a bad burning smell coming from the wheel arch, caused by the clutch slipping
- engine revs increase due to clutch slippage.
These factors are the most common symptoms that suggest that the clutch has almost reached the end of its life. These signals must be detected promptly and the part must be replaced . In addition to those indicated, other types of problems can also be generated, such as, for example, failures in the system that transmits the movement, such as the hydraulic control that can suffer a reduction in oil pressure, with the pedal moving towards the end of its travel.
In these cases, it is best to consult an expert mechanic immediately, since improper interventions on the engine and gearbox can compromise the functioning of the car.
In this context, it is also important to rely on quality car insurance , which offers useful additional guarantees such as, for example, roadside assistance , which is essential in those cases in which, for example, the clutch breaks down completely and does not allow the car to be moved.
How to behave while driving to avoid damaging the car clutch
We have seen what to do in case of clutch problems, by contacting a specialized mechanic. Of course, you cannot improvise in this type of work, otherwise you could compromise the operation of your vehicle.
However, there is a lot you can do to prevent the clutch from lasting too little. Its life, in fact, depends a lot on your driving style and there are some little tricks to make it wear out more slowly.
First of all, when replacing the clutch, you need to rely on original and high quality parts . In addition, you need to follow these tips:
- avoid holding the pedal down with the gear engaged for a long time , this is true when you are stuck in traffic or stopped at the traffic lights. In the latter case, it is better to put the car in neutral and wait for the light to turn green to put the gear into gear
- replace the oil regularly , using only quality products recommended by the manufacturer
- accelerate late or before the breakaway when tackling climbs
- avoid making sudden movements , starting too quickly and driving in a sporty style.
Furthermore, it is essential to understand that some driving styles are linked to the use of the car. Those who drive mostly in built-up areas must manage clutch wear more carefully than those who usually drive on smooth stretches such as motorways where they travel in top gear for a long time.
Clutch Failure: How Long Does a Clutch Last?
Although the clutch and its components are designed to last a long time, when used incorrectly, its deterioration accelerates.
In cars with automatic transmission this element has a longer life . This is because the clutch is managed automatically, without the driver being able to act manually. Usually, in this type of car the clutch life can reach up to 300 thousand kilometers . In rare cases, therefore, it is necessary to resort to a replacement.
As for cars with manual transmission , the lifespan is between 20 thousand and 200 thousand kilometers . This is, as can be clearly seen, a very important difference. The driving style has an impact and determines the more or less long life of the clutch.
Those who want to ensure that their clutch does not need to be replaced after a short time can follow these tips:
- press the pedal all the way down when you need to change gear
- taking your foot off the pedal, an action that causes mechanical stress on the clutch and reduces its lifespan
- do not apply tension to the gearbox when parking, a factor that also helps to increase the life of the latter element, as well as the clutch
- avoid gear changes when possible.
Final considerations
As we have seen, the clutch is a fundamental element in a car with a manual transmission. It is the element that helps the engine and transmission work in harmony .
If this element did not exist, it would not be possible to drive a car in the way we know and have been used to for years. In fact, the engine would not have the torque necessary to move the vehicle.
The clutch, therefore, plays a crucial role in mediating the functioning of two elements, the flywheel that moves and the gearbox that is stationary. Furthermore, when you change gear, the movement is fluid and simple thanks to the clutch. Without it, it would be much more difficult and heavy. Finally, without this element, the engine, with the car stationary, would tend to turn off.
This element of the car is characterized by great resistance and can withstand high levels of mechanical stress , but as we have seen it can be damaged and broken.
Driving too sporty or incorrectly contributes to a reduction in its lifespan , a factor that leads to its mandatory replacement.
As we have seen, there are some precautions that, if followed assiduously, allow you to always keep the clutch in good condition , allowing it to last for years, without the need to change it.
Finally, remember that using the clutch incorrectly can compromise the functioning of other fundamental parts of a car, such as the engine and the gearbox. This is another good reason to remember to avoid sudden movements and changes, driving carefully and calmly , especially in built-up areas where the clutch is used more.
