Did I Wear Out My Clutch?

Do’s & Don’ts for Driving Manual

Manual transmission drivers have another part to worry about replacing, and it isn’t always cheap. Clutch replacement isn’t ideal to deal with, so it’s worthwhile to ensure the way you’re driving isn’t leading you down the road straight to a worn-out clutch. If you do need clutch repair, you can visit Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care in Durham, North Carolina.

Dos

So how can you drive your car better to prolong the life of the clutch? Follow these tips!

Fully Press the Pedal

Clutch wear happens when it’s between fully depressed and released. Do your best to fully press and release the clutch as you cycle through gears and slow down. You might need to give yourself more time to stop.

Use the Brakes

It’s one thing to lean on the transmission to slow your vehicle down by downshifting. It’s another to use the clutch to hold yourself stationary on inclined terrains. Use your brake instead to prevent clutch wear.

Use First Gear

Some drivers cut the engine in third out of convenience. It’s much better to take off and start from first gear to prevent wear to the pressure plates.

Lifting Throttle

Matching speed from the engine to the rear-wheel speed is one of the trickiest things about driving a manual but essential to do while downshifting. It also helps to lift the throttle a bit as you release the clutch to make shifting smoother.

Don’ts

The don’ts are just important as the do’s when it comes to preventing clutch wear. So don’t forget these tips!

Don’t Ride the Clutch

Keeping your foot rested on the clutch pedal at lights and in traffic is a big no-no because it reduces the pressure between the clutch plate, disk, and flywheel, causing wear. It might make sense to do because you’re preparing to change gears, but it’s better to remove your foot and put it back when you’re actively changing gears.

Don’t Drop the Clutch

Dropping the clutch to accelerate quickly goes against the best practices for driving a manual. You should always shift gears at the optimal RPM because the shock absorbers aren’t built to handle the stress of slamming the clutch plate into an engine spinning at high speed.

Don’t Park Your Car in Gear

It might be convenient, but it’s also extremely taxing on the clutch disc, even if you’re not moving.

Don’t Change Gears Unnecessarily

If you don’t need to change gears, don’t. It seems straightforward, but some drivers still have this bad habit. Keep an eye on the road ahead to maintain a consistent speed and plan ahead for gear changes.

If you think you need clutch repair, visit Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care in Durham, North Carolina!