How Do I Tell If My Clutch Is Slipping?
What Is A Clutch?
If you drive a manual transmission car, you have a clutch. Its main function is to engage and disengage your engine from the transmission and allow you to change gears. Engaging the clutch also allows you to stop your car while your engine is running – without it, a manual transmission vehicle would stall. The clutch is an essential part of your vehicle, so it is important to know when it’s starting to fail or slip.
What Is A Slipping Clutch?
A ‘slipping’ clutch is essentially a clutch that is not engaging fully with the flywheel when the clutch pedal is released. This means that not all of the power from the engine is being delivered to the wheels of the vehicle, so you will have trouble moving forward or accelerating quickly. Drivers of most automatic transmission vehicles do not need to worry about a slipping clutch, but it is a common issue seen in manual cars. Clutches are a wear item that do need to be replaced over time, but a worn clutch can actually be caused by poor gear-changing habits.
Signs Of A Slipping Clutch
There are a number of signs that indicate you have a slipping clutch. To help you identify whether your clutch is slipping, we recommend that you watch out for:
- Sticky, spongy or loose clutch pedal
- Rumbling noises as you press down on the clutch pedal
- Difficulty changing gears
- Low acceleration or hesitation to accelerate when pressing down on the accelerator pedal
- Loss of acceleration as you drive
- Burning smell when accelerating
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms of a slipping clutch, you should consider taking your car to a mechanic as soon as possible and let them diagnose this issue.
What Causes A Clutch To Slip?
A slipping clutch can be caused by a number of factors. Generally speaking, a clutch should last between 80,000 and 160,000 kilometres. However, there are certain things that will wear your clutch down a lot faster. The two most common causes of premature clutch wear are:
- Poor driving / gear changing habits – The way you treat your clutch impacts on its longevity. If you accelerate very quickly after changing gears or shift gears aggressively, your clutch can wear down a lot faster. A slipping clutch is also common when you regularly drive a manual car in a high-traffic area that involves a lot of stop-start driving.
- Poor quality vehicle – Older cars, as well as cars that have a high mileage, will be more likely to experience a slipping clutch. Lack of maintenance can also cause your clutch to wear down more quickly. It is important to schedule regular vehicle maintenance and services to ensure your vehicle and all its components are in good health.
Do You Suspect Your Clutch Is Slipping?
If you suspect that your clutch is slipping, you should stop driving straight away and contact a trusted mechanic as soon as possible. Many vehicles go through multiple clutch replacements throughout their lifespan, and it is crucial to ensure your safety as you drive. Contact the team at Australian Mechanical about your slipping clutch today to discuss your options. We’ll have you back on the road safely in no time.
Read More Posts
My Check Engine Light Is On, What Do I Do?
If you’re driving your car and the check engine light suddenly pops up, it can be a bit of a scary experience.
How We Test Your Car Air Conditioning For Leaks
We use environmentally friendly leak detection methods to find & fix air conditioning leaks.
How To Tell if Your Car Aircon Needs a Regas
Is your car’s air conditioner not as cold as it used to be? Learn how to tell if your car aircon needs a regas.
Call us on 07 3356 1538
Book your next service or repair today and experience our honest, knowledgeable and friendly service.