The clutch is a friction part, and every time it slips it wears a little. Some slipping is unavoidable when pulling away, but many common habits add a lot of unnecessary wear.
Replacing a clutch is labour-intensive and expensive, so it pays to look after it.
Habits that wear the clutch
- ▸Resting your foot on the pedal while driving
- ▸Holding the car on a hill with the clutch instead of the handbrake
- ▸Sitting at lights in gear with the clutch pressed down
- ▸Riding the clutch at high revs when pulling away
- ▸Slow, slipping gear changes
Better habits
Pull away with modest revs and release the clutch smoothly but promptly. On hills, use the handbrake or hill-start assist. In traffic, select neutral and take your foot off the pedal when stopped for more than a few seconds. Keep your left foot on the floor or footrest while driving.
Signs the clutch is wearing
- ▸Revs rise without the car speeding up, especially in higher gears
- ▸The biting point is very high in the pedal travel
- ▸A burning smell after hill starts or heavy traffic
- ▸Difficulty selecting gears
Get it checked early
A slipping clutch only gets worse. If you notice the symptoms, have it inspected. Driving on a badly worn clutch can damage the flywheel, adding to the eventual repair bill.
CAUTION: This is general automotive information, not professional mechanical advice. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and service schedule, and have brakes, steering, tyres, and other safety-critical systems inspected by a qualified mechanic.