Liviu Marcus
These days, cars with manual transmission are diminishing more and more. Still, to beginners and those who have no idea of how to “drive sticks,” most stick shifts are nothing but an inconvenience. However, for traditionalists and those versed in the art of shifting gears, a manual transmission car is a pleasure to drive. There is this unique sense of control and satisfaction when you step down on the clutch and feel the gears engage.
Going back to the clutch, it should be in a perfect condition, so you get a maximum benefit from driving. It is a tough part, for sure, but it is not immortal. Once it is worn out or damaged, you have to replace it right away for both performance and safety reasons.
Make sure that the shop from which you get clutches in Mauritius is a reliable one. By doing so, you are sure to buy top-quality parts that will serve well for many years. That being said, how do you actually know when it is time to change the clutch of your car? Here are some signs you should watch out for:Here are some signs you should watch out for:
The Clutch Slips
The clutch pedal will give you a bit of bite or grip when you step on it, indicating that it’s engaged. However, with worn-out parts, you may experience this grip slipping due to low friction. You might also observe that the clutch first engages correctly but then starts to slip when loaded. Additionally, sometimes you may also feel your car move slowly while the engine revs up. There can be scenarios where the clutch gets released in advance.
If you experience any of these while on the road, you should probably consider taking your car in for a checkup with a mechanic. There is most definitely a huge chance your clutch is gone and you need to get it replaced immediately.
A Change In Pedal Feel
You’ve been driving your car for quite a while, so you have most likely remembered how the feel of the clutch pedal is when you press it with your foot. Therefore, you can almost unconsciously detect a minor variation.
At times, a little tweak can return back the usual vibe. Neverthless, if you notice a huge difference like the pedal feeling loose or spongy upon changing gears, you most certainly need to have the pedal and clutch checked. The clutch pedal could also receive too much vibration when its rotating components become loose or worn out. This might be an example of a wrongly positioned transmission housing but an inspection is always advisable for confirmation.
The Clutch Sticks and Makes Odd Noises
A clutch that gets stuck would mean that your vehicle will not go into gear. Your driving is an experience at the best. Worst-case scenario you will not be able to drive. If any of these two cases occur, call your mechanic immediately and do the necessary repairs and/or replacements.
Other sounds that may be observed include a loud grinding or a grumbling from the clutch. These are typically the result of parts coming apart and bumping into each other, or else, getting stuck. In some instances, some quick fixes will do (e.g., greasing the clutch pedal to stop it from squeaking). Should you fail to find out the problem, then call your mechanic, who can fix the problem.
Difficulty in Engaging the Clutch
Pressing the clutch down calls for some amount of force. If you have to work harder than normal to push the pedal in, the release mechanism could be broken. This trouble in clutch activation can be caused by system type (mechanical or hydraulic). Perhaps there is a component that is stuck somewhere or a jam in the system. In any case, have clutch checked when you face this problem.
Burning Smell When Shifting
Also a burning smell in almost any part of a car is an indicator that there is a problem. Definitely, if it happens when you are changing gears, you’re in a real problem. Take it to your reputable service centre for serious checks.
Keep in mind that with a new clutch or a dirty one, you will also notice a smell similar to burnt rubber coming from the region. Yet, this is quite temporary. If the odor doesn’t go away, then the clock might tick for a change.
Poor Acceleration
Does your engine shrimp the way it can into roaring, and your car won’t accelerate? This could be due to the fact that your clutch is going out as it’s not able to engage the transmission gears properly. When you experience this, get your vehicle checked and repaired immediately. If you continue driving on this condition, you can cause more damages to your transmission and may end up paying highly expensive repair costs.
If your car starts to exhibit any of these symptoms, then book an appointment with your reputable professional mechanic or repair shop immediately, as driving with a failing clutch can be dangerous.
When the clutch is replaced, take good care of it to avoid it not breaking down to early. Don’t ride the clutch, and do not shift fast. In one’s idle, the car should be in the neutral with the foot off the clutch pedal. After all, keep the transmission fluid always at the right level.
Have fun driving and drive safe!
