The lifespan of a manual transmission clutch varies greatly. Some clutches only last 30,000 miles, while others have been known to last well beyond 100,000 miles. Your clutch will tell you when it’s starting to go out, and Getz Automotive lists the ways it will tell you below.
Grinding Gears
Once you’ve mastered driving a stick, you shouldn’t grind gears. If your gears start grinding when you change them, this is a sign that your clutch is going out and it isn’t engaging and disengaging completely. The grinding sound could also be internal clutch parts that have worn down.
Hesitating Acceleration
Another sign that your clutch is going out is your vehicle hesitating when you press down on the accelerator. This suggests that the car isn’t actually in gear even though you depress the clutch and put it in gear. You may also notice hesitation when you downshift and try to pick up speed.
Higher Clutch Catch Point
Once you learn where your clutch’s catch point is, it’s easy to learn how to shift gears smoothly. A clutch that is wearing out will change catch points. In other words, your clutch will catch at a higher place than normal and this will throw off your gear shifts.
Hot-Smelling Clutch
A clutch that is going out will also smell hot because it is overheating. You might smell burning rubber that you think is your tires but it could actually be your clutch if the clutch is going bad. This is a sign that the internal mechanisms are wearing down.
Problems Changing Gears
If you are having difficulties changing gears, your clutch could be the culprit. It may not be engaging and disengaging completely and this makes it difficult to shift through the gear cycle. You might also have problems getting your transmission into gear in the first place.
Spongy-Feeling Clutch
One of the first signs that your clutch is going out is a spongy feeling underneath your foot. Any changes in how your clutch feels indicate that there is a problem with the internal mechanisms or springs. We might be able to fix this problem with a simple clutch adjustment.
Unusually High RPMs
Finally, if your vehicle is revving unusually high, this suggests that your clutch is slipping and, thereby, your vehicle is slipping out of gear. It’s important to get this checked right away as it could also be a sign that you have a problem with the manual transmission.
Getz Automotive in Fuquay-Varina NC, would be happy to inspect your clutch and make any adjustments if necessary. We can also replace it if it has gone out.