Driving with a bad clutch can make driving difficult if not impossible. Accurate Auto is staffed with auto service and repair experts who can fix everything including manual transmissions and clutches. The clutch in your automobile should last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. If you have driven over 100,000 miles and you notice one or more of the following signs, you’re driving with a bad clutch that needs to be adjusted at a minimum or replaced.
The Gears Are Slipping
You’ve noticed that when you press down on the clutch the engine’s power is cut, but where does the power go to? The power goes to the transmission so it can turn the driveshaft. The driveshaft is what turns your wheels. A bad clutch will make it easy for your transmission to slip out of gear and make it difficult for you to shift gears.
The Pedal Feels Soft
Another sign that your clutch is going out is if the pedal feels too soft underneath your foot. The pedal may also sink all the way to the floor, or you may notice that the catch point is higher than it used to be. Any one of these things indicates that your clutch is going out and it needs to be replaced. Again, at a minimum, we may be able to fix the problem by adjusting the clutch.
You Detect a Burning Smell
If you detect a burning smell coming from the clutch, it is slipping. This means that it has worn out and is not capable of remaining engaged while you are pressing down on it. This creates a problem with the power transfer discussed above. Your clutch should never smell hot. If it does, bring your automobile to our shop right away.
You Hear Strange Sounds
If the clutch is slipping and there is a problem with the power transfer, you will likely grind the gears as you try to shift them. This is because the power is still, in part, in the engine. Another strange sound that indicates that your transmission is losing its clutch is squeaking or squealing when you shift gears and when you press down on the clutch.
Your Acceleration Lags
Finally, a faulty clutch will make your acceleration lag. This is because the vehicle is either not going completely into first gear or the next gear, or because the power transfer has not been completed to the transmission so it can turn the driveshaft.
Don’t worry. Accurate Auto has the best auto service shops in Oregon, and we can help. Call the shop that is closest to you today to schedule an appointment.