A car or truck with an automatic transmission may be easier to drive, but one with manual transmission will usually save some money because the transmission has a longer lifespan and slightly better fuel economy. They’re also easier to care for, but although the clutch can last some 100,000 miles, it eventually will need to be replaced.
Is your clutch on the verge of failing? These signs will tell you.
A Spongy Clutch
One of the earliest symptoms of clutch problems is a spongy or soft feeling when you press down on the clutch. Other early symptoms are having to press down relatively far to engage the clutch or its feeling too tight or loose.
It’s not uncommon for the feel of your clutch pedal to change gradually over time. However, you shouldn’t disregard these signs if they crop up. If you bring your vehicle to a mechanic at this stage, it could save you a lot of money later, as the clutch may just need to be adjusted, not replaced.
Difficulty Staying in Gear or Changing Gears
A common sign of a failing clutch is slipping gears or having trouble shifting through the gear cycle. You’ll know your gear is slipping because of a sudden hesitation while you’re driving. The engine might also rev suddenly. Needless to say, these things are a driving hazard, so bringing your car or truck to a mechanic ASAP is important.
If you have trouble getting your vehicle into gear, you’ll know because shifting should be a smooth process. Any difficulty in doing this suggests that the clutch could be having trouble. Both of these symptoms indicate that a trip to the mechanic is warranted.
Grinding Noises
Does having clutch problems grind your gears? Yes, both metaphorically and literally. When learning how to drive with a clutch or if you miss the timing with your clutch pedal, there will be a grinding sound. This sound is normal, but if you hear it often when changing gears, it can be an early symptom of a clutch that needs to be repaired.
This is because grinding produces wear and tear, and the transmission will wear out. When that happens, the gears will become misaligned. Bringing your automobile in for a clutch repair when you hear frequent grinding could save your transmission in the long run.
Hesitating While Accelerating
When the clutch doesn’t fully engage or keeps disengaging, your car or truck will hesitate a bit when trying to accelerate. In an automatic transmission, this would point to a transmission problem, but in a manual transmission, it could be that the clutch’s internal mechanisms are starting to wear out.
Again, this can be a safety hazard, so you should make an appointment with your mechanic if this starts occurring.
Smelling Burning
When first learning how to drive with a manual transmission, burning the clutch isn’t that uncommon. You’re likely just trying to get used to the catch point, but in time this is a skill that comes naturally. However, if you’re an experienced driver, burning smells can indicate any of several different problems.
You’ll want to take note of when the smells occur as well as anything else you notice. For example, you may notice the gears slipping simultaneously, which means the clutch should be replaced. If you’re driving when this happens, however, you’ll want to see your mechanic quickly.
A Higher Catch Point
On the note of catch points, or the point in your clutch when it shifts to a new gear, if you notice that yours is getting higher and higher, it needs to be adjusted. This happens naturally as the clutch ages and isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. Sometimes it signals that the clutch needs to be replaced, though.
The Clutch Pedal is Stuck to the Floor
The surefire way to know that your clutch needs repaired or replaced is to find that your clutch pedal is stuck to the floor, which will make the car undrivable. Without a working clutch pedal, you’ll have to have your automobile towed to a mechanic who can perform the proper repairs. It usually doesn’t point toward any other problem other than the clutch, though.
Remember Your Car’s Maintenance
If you bring your car or truck in for regular maintenance, your mechanic can check the clutch for you. Luckily, when something goes wrong with a clutch, it doesn’t usually mean that a larger problem is trickling down from upstream. Your mechanic can give you more information and tell you what kinds of repairs are needed whenever you encounter these symptoms.
