Does your car seem to struggle with shifting gears or starting from a stop? Do you hear noises when you press on the clutch pedal? These may be signs that your clutch is nearing the end of its usefulness. Learning the symptoms that indicate a worn clutch can help you get ahead of more serious transmission issues and avoid breakdowns. Read on for some indicators to watch for that can signal it’s time to replace your clutch.
Strange Noises When Pressing the Clutch Pedal
If you hear squeaking, grinding, thumping, or other unusual sounds when you push in the clutch pedal, pay attention. These noises point to wear and tear on clutch components like the disc, pressure plate, or throwout bearing. As the clutch nears the end, you may notice the sounds become more frequent or intense. Get the noises checked right away, as damaged parts can fail completely without warning.
The Clutch Grabs Too Close to the Floor
In a healthy system, you should feel the clutch grab to change gears when the pedal is raised halfway from the floor. If the grabbing point has dropped to within a few inches of the floor, it indicates the clutch may be severely worn. This worn clutch condition makes smooth gear changes more difficult. Don’t ignore it, or the clutch could give out entirely.
Gear Shifts Have Gotten More Difficult
Does your transmission resist going into gear? Do you hear grinding when trying to shift? You may need to press hard on the shifter to get it to slide into the next gear. This noticeable resistance when shifting usually means that clutch components have become too worn to operate efficiently. It’s a precursor to more transmission problems if not addressed quickly.
The Clutch Slips Under Acceleration
If you hit the gas hard and the engine speed revs up, but the vehicle doesn’t accelerate as expected, the clutch may be slipping. A worn or damaged clutch disc can’t engage to transfer power between the engine and transmission. Ignoring clutch slippage can lead to overheating and damage. Get it checked out to avoid a breakdown.
You Experienced a Recent Drop in Fuel Efficiency
Have you noticed a significant drop in your usual miles per gallon average lately? If nothing else has changed with your driving habits or regular routes, a worn clutch could be the culprit. The clutch slipping during acceleration forces the engine to work harder, using extra fuel. Evaluating the clutch should be high on your list to restore fuel economy.
Difficulty Starting From a Stop
Do you see the engine RPMs rising but feel like you aren’t going anywhere when starting from a stoplight or stop sign? Does releasing the clutch pedal at these times result in engine stalling? A clutch nearing the end of its life span will struggle under the load of getting the vehicle moving from a standstill. If your engine RPMs rise with no vehicle acceleration despite releasing the clutch, it’s probably because it’s damaged.
Burning Smell Coming From the Clutch
Ever notice a burning odor resembling hot plastic or rubber when using the clutch? If it happens even once, take note. The friction material on the clutch disc can overheat severely as it wears down. The burning smell indicates the clutch is beyond worn and needs immediate replacement to prevent transmission failure.
Call the Experts for Clutch Replacement
If you’ve noticed any combination of these warning signs, don’t delay having your clutch inspected and replaced as needed by the specialists at Chester European Automotive. Call 902-710-6133 or stop in, and we’ll quickly diagnose if your clutch is on its way out. We offer clutch components from the most reliable brands to restore like-new performance and drivability. Schedule an appointment with us today.
