The clutch is an important part of your standard transmission car’s drive train. It controls whether the engine and the transmission allowed to spin separately from each other so you can change gears without an awful grinding sound. As the clutch is positioned between the engine and the transmission, clutch services and repairs can be costly. Nevertheless, it must be working smoothly for safe and efficient operation of your car.

A clutch is a series of alternating disks and plates. The outside edge of each plate is attached to a drum that spins with the engine. The inside edge of each disk is attached to a hub that spins with the gearbox. When the clutch is engaged, a cylinder forces the disks and plates together, causing them to spin as one. When engaged, every change in the engine speed results in a change of the transmission and road speed.When the driver presses the clutch, the cylinder releases the pressure and the plates and disks separate and spin separately. This allows the engine and transmission to spin independently and the driver to safely change gear. As the driver lets the clutch out, more and more pressure is applied to the plates and disks. The friction between them brings the engine speed and the transmission speed together gently. This is known as slipping the clutch.

As the clutch plates rub against the disks, the friction material covering them will gradually wear out. Just as worn tires have less grip, the clutch disks wear down and slip more easily. The more the driver uses the clutch, the faster they wear down. Excessive slipping can cause the clutch to overheat, seriously damaging the friction material and wearing out the clutch in only a few thousand miles.Two common driver errors are very hard on the clutch. Balancing the clutch means holding the car still on a gradient hill by balancing the clutch and the throttle. The friction between the clutch plates and clutch disks balances out gravity and the car stays perfectly still.

Riding the clutch means the driver is keeping the clutch partially disengaged during normal driving. Usually, the driver is resting his or her foot on the clutch instead of on the floor. As the clutch is always slipping a little, the friction between the plates and the disks wears the clutch out very quickly.

A good clutch service and repair involves checking for excessive slippage, chattering or harsh engagement. As the clutch is between the engine and transmission, a repair often involves removing or repositioning one or both, making it expensive and time consuming. Usually the clutch needs to be replaced, although sometimes it can be rebuilt. Signs your clutch may need repair include slipping when clutch pedal is all the way out, or chattering when you engage or disengage the clutch.The damage to the clutch can leave you stranded, so getting it checked regularly is essential. While most clutches should last a long time – 100,000 kilometers or more – bad driving habits and city driving can wear it much more quickly. If you are starting to see some signs of Clutch issues, now is a great time to drop by and have it checked out by a Expert Technician.