How to tell if you need a new clutch
If you need a new clutch, it’s best to get a replacement as soon as possible to solve the problem. However, it’s not always obvious whether or not your clutch is the problem when driving, and your clutch isn’t assessed as part of your annual MOT. Learning how to tell if your clutch is on its last legs could help to keep you safer on the road – so what should you be looking out for?
How do you Know if your clutch is going?
Although there are certain things you can do to make it last longer, having to get your clutch replaced is inevitable. Driving causes wear and tear both on the clutch pedal and the mechanism beyond, and so problems can develop over time. If your clutch is wearing out and needs to be replaced, you’ll likely notice one or more of the following warning signs starting to crop up while you’re driving.
- Your clutch feels spongy
If your clutch is soft or spongy, there may be a problem with the hydraulic release system, like air bubbles. If this is the case, your clutch may need bleeding – which simply means venting any air from the system to make sure it works properly in the future.
But what does a spongy or soft clutch actually feel like? Well, it’s often characterised by reduced resistance when you press down on the clutch pedal. You might notice the pedal ‘drops’ when you try to lower the clutch, or that the clutch disengages without you having to do much more than touch the pedal. If this problem isn’t rectified, it can lead to the clutch disengaging erratically, and may result in expensive damage.
- Difficulty changing gears
A smooth transition from one gear to another is widely seen as a key part of a good drive. So if you start to notice the change becoming more of an effort, it could be a sign that there’s a problem with your clutch. The clutch disconnects the engine from the gearbox to make shifting gears easier – if your clutch doesn’t disengage properly it could cause you to grind gears, which may cause more damage.
If you’re grinding gears, you’ll likely notice it quickly, as it can make the gear-changing process feel jolty and uncomfortable for you and your passengers. It may also be accompanied by a crunching or grinding noise.
- Higher biting point
This symptom of a worn-out clutch can be harder to spot than others, particularly if you’re not yet used to the clutch you’re using. Typically, as a clutch gets used, its biting point gets higher and higher. If you realise you’re having to raise it almost all the way before it bites, this is a sign you need a new clutch.
Of course, there are many ways you might notice the natural wear and tear of your clutch, and this list isn’t exhaustive. If you notice anything unusual about the working of your clutch, or any other part of your car, it’s best to get it checked out early so the problem doesn’t get worse.
What is clutch judder?
Clutch judder is another problem associated with the clutch that isn’t necessarily caused by natural wear and tear. An aptly named issue, it’s characterised by a shudder or judder felt when raising the clutch. Clutch judder can be attributed to a number of factors, including:
- Worn or damaged parts in the clutch mechanism
- An incorrectly tuned engine
- The wrong gear ratio for the tyre diameter
- The friction material on the clutch plate being contaminated during repairs or installation
- Not breaking a new clutch in correctly
- The flywheel, clutch plate and/or pressure plate not being aligned in parallel to each other
What is clutch slipping?
Clutch slipping, or clutch slippage, is a term you may have heard in connection with various clutch problems like the ones outlined above. It can be used to describe a whole range of problems relating to the clutch, which may be confusing if you’re not familiar with the term.
The truth is, all of the problems we’ve outlined in this article are symptoms or types of clutch slippage. Clutch slippage is a general term used to mean any problem where the clutch isn’t engaging properly for whatever reason.
Can you drive with a burnt clutch?
A burnt clutch is where the friction material on the clutch plate wears away, typified by an acrid, unmissable smell inside and outside of the car. When the friction pads wear away, the clutch can slip and disengage erratically, leading to a variety of complications. While a burnt clutch mainly affects the clutch plate, it can lead to damage of the flywheel and pressure plate as well.
So should you drive with a burnt clutch? Well, it’s best not to. A burnt clutch can fail at any time, and so it’s an issue that should be brought to the attention of a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. This is why it is advised that you get your car serviced regularly, as it can help to spot problems like these before they impact your day-to-day use of your vehicle.
