How Does the Clutch Work?
Your car’s clutch transmits engine power to the gearbox and also allows that transmission to be interrupted while a new gear is selected. When your clutch is engaged, or when you are not pressing down the clutch pedal, power is being transmitted to the gearbox. When your clutch is disengaged, or when the pedal is fully depressed, power is no longer being transmitted from your engine to the transmission.
There are several moving parts within your clutch, including the flywheel, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing and release system. These all work together to engage or disengage your clutch and ensure you’re able to smoothly change gears as necessary.
Related: Manual Transmission Infographic
Related: Safely Drive Your Manual
Related: Manual Transmission Myths
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Having Trouble Shifting?
A Happy Clutch is a Happy Transmission
Because your car’s clutch is a complex system of several moving parts, when one part begins to wear out, it can cause problems with the other parts with which it operates. This can easily snowball into a costly clutch repair or even a larger transmission repair. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t cause extra wear and tear on these essential parts.
Avoid Overheating
Heat is one of your clutch’s worst enemies. This is true of most components within your car but is especially true with the clutch, transmission, and engine. These three systems work closely together and can easily overheat if abused or if the cooling system is not working properly. Your engine generates power, which is transmitted via the clutch to the transmission and then to your driveshaft, axles, and wheels. When any of these parts are exposed to excess heat, it leads to extra wear and tears. Whether this heat is from improper cooling or too much friction, it’s important to be aware of how much heat your clutch is being forced to handle.
Don’t Ride the Clutch
One way to cause extra heat within your clutch is by “riding” your clutch. This can mean not fully disengaging (or depressing) the clutch pedal when stationary or resting your foot on the clutch when driving. To prevent wearing out your throw-out bearing faster than usual, be sure to only engage your clutch when you have to change gears and otherwise keep your foot on the floor next to the pedal.
Regular Fluid Maintenance
Over time, because of the heat generated by using your clutch, there may be air pockets that build up in the hydraulic fluid used within your clutch. When air pockets build up in the system, you will notice your clutch pedal feels softer or mushy. If you’re handy with cars, you may be able to bleed the system at home by having a friend pump the clutch pedal while you open the bleed screw. However, if you aren’t used to performing any maintenance on your car at home, you should instead make an appointment with a mechanic to have them bleed the system.
Test Your Thermostat
Your car’s thermostat measures the engine temperature. Pay attention to how your temperature gauge moves when you run your car. It should go steadily up and then hold at a reasonable temperature. If you’re comfortable with some at-home maintenance, you can test your thermostat by removing it from your car and putting it in a pan of water. The water should be at the right temperature for what the thermostat is rated and then it should open. As the water cools, the thermostat should close. If you don’t regularly do similar checks on your car at home and are not comfortable trying it out, you can take your car to an auto shop to have a mechanic check whether your thermostat is working properly.
Signs Your Clutch May Need Maintenance
There are a variety of ways you can tell when your clutch is wearing out or in need of regular maintenance. Depending on what you notice, you may just need simple regular maintenance – or you may be in need of a more complex clutch repair.
Some symptoms of necessary clutch maintenance include:
• Spongy, sticking, vibrating, or loose clutch pedal
• Squeaking or grumbling when the clutch is engaged
• Poor acceleration
• Difficulty shifting gears
• A slipping clutch
Any time you’re worried about a problem with your clutch, it’s important to take your car to a trusted mechanic as soon as possible to try and stay ahead of bigger car repairs. Your clutch and transmission are complex systems and repairs can quickly snowball when not dealt with proactively.
Get Into Gear With AAMCO Colorado’s Trusted Clutch Service
When it comes to the health of your car, our expert mechanics are the place to turn. AAMCO Colorado transmission repair services are top of the line. You can rest assured any problem with your clutch, transmission, or any other systems within your car will be accurately diagnosed and repaired. If you suspect you need an auto repair service, bring in your car for a free Vehicle Courtesy Check.
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