Is My Clutch Failing?

If you drive a manual transmission, you’re probably pretty in tune with your car’s clutch. That means you’re likely to notice changes that could signal a necessary clutch repair. The clutch is an essential part of your manual transmission and it’s important to stay on top of any regular maintenance and necessary clutch repairs to help prevent clutch failure. Not only will that be costly but it’s also a significant safety risk if it happens while driving.

A Few Key Signs Can Warn You of Clutch Failure

Depending on how you drive and other factors, your clutch can last anywhere from 20,000-150,000 miles. Still, it’s important to pay attention for any signs you may need to schedule a clutch repair service. There are a number of signs that can mean your clutch is wearing out and needs attention from a trusted mechanic.

Soft or Spongy Clutch Pedal

This can be one of the earliest symptoms of a worn clutch. It can also simply mean you have air in the system. Just like with your brakes, your clutch relies on a hydraulic system to transfer pressure from your clutch pedal to the moving parts of your clutch. With use, sometimes air can get in there and those air pockets can make it difficult to apply the necessary pressure. If you don’t address the problem, it will continue to get worse and eventually, you’ll find yourself having to fully depress the clutch pedal just to get the necessary response.

Difficulty Shifting Gears

When you press down on your clutch pedal and disengage the clutch, it should be easy to then change gears. If you start having trouble shifting into a new gear, it’s a sure sign that your clutch is wearing out. You may first notice this problem with shifting into first gear or reverse. That’s because those are two of the more difficult gears for your transmission. They require a complete reversal of direction, so if your clutch is wearing out, you may not notice difficulty with other gears but have some trouble getting in reverse.

A Grinding Sound When Changing Gears

Alongside difficulty changing gears, you may also start to hear grinding when shifting gears. If you do a lot of start-and-stop city driving, it can wear out your clutch faster and you may start noticing this grinding sound. This also may not necessarily mean trouble for your clutch but it can still impact the clutch’s performance. It’s best to have a mechanic take a look to be sure the problem is solved.

Your Biting Point Gets Higher

If you’re a manual transmission driver, you probably know your biting point well. This is the point at which your clutch engages as you release the clutch pedal. If you start noticing this getting higher and higher, it can signal a necessary clutch repair and should be addressed sooner rather than later. Otherwise, you may find yourself having to fully release the clutch pedal before your clutch engages.

Experiencing Gear Slipping

When your clutch slips, you’ll notice difficulty accelerating alongside more engine revving than usual as you release the clutch pedal. On the other hand, you may notice your clutch releasing sooner than it should. Most likely, these scenarios are due to a lack of friction in the clutch. Over time, parts in your clutch wear out and friction will naturally wear away – but your clutch relies on friction to keep doing its job. 

Worried About Your Car’s Clutch? Call AAMCO Chester

Not sure your clutch is working the way it should? Don’t risk it. Make an appointment with the transmission experts at AAMCO Chester and we’ll ensure you get back on the road, better than ever. Your clutch is an important part of your car’s transmission and it deserves the best service to ensure your car operates at its best and you’re safe on the road.