The clutch is the mechanism allowing your wheels to disengage from the engine, so they can stop spinning even while your engine continues to run. Without a clutch, your wheels and engine would be stuck spinning at the same rate. We imagine we don't need to explain why it's important to stop at a red light without your whole engine going kaput!
Your vehicle's clutch and transmission are not the same thing, but they do work together. The clutch transfers power from your engine to your transmission and is located between those two components (engine and transmission). The transmission then takes that power and passes it on to the wheels, which if properly aligned, gets you rolling down the road.
In order for the transmission to switch gears, the clutch has to release from the transmission momentarily – something those of you with manual transmissions are familiar with!
A clutch generally lasts between 60,000-100,000 miles, though its lifespan is highly dependent on the level of use, wear and tear. No clutch will last forever, but there are a few different scenarios that can cause the facings on your clutch to wear more quickly.
Stop-and-go city traffic is harder on your clutch than the open highway, so if you’re a city guy or gal, it’s more likely your clutch will wear out faster. For those out-of-towners, off-roaders, pulling a trailer, and frequent gear shifters, these driving habits can also accelerate clutch wear and tear.
Slipping gears, causing temporary loss of acceleration
Burning smell when accelerating from a stop
Grinding sound while shifting between gears
Clutch pedal stays near the floor, or feels soft when pressed (for manual transmission vehicles)
Replacement of the pressure plate, clutch disk, and throwout bearing
Resurfacing or replacement of the flywheel
Replacement of any worn out hydraulic parts
You can trust the experts at all of our nearby Brakes Plus locations with your clutch repair and replacement needs. We're here to help get you back on the road quickly and safely, but before you stop by, don't forget to check our clutch offers (see what we did there) and save on your next service!
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