Does Your Vehicle Need A New Clutch?
Autumn weather creates changing driving conditions.
Don’t get caught out if your vehicle needs a new clutch. Follow our guide below and book a free consultation at one of our branches.
At A1 Clutches all of our technicians are highly skilled in their field and are continually trained in the latest procedures and practices. We operate a reliable collection and delivery service and can supply you with a free courtesy car whilst your vehicle is repaired, subject to availability.
A free no-obligation check on your clutch while you wait by one of our experienced technicians only takes minutes. The technician will check to see if the clutch can be fixed with a simple adjustment or if you need a new clutch. It is imperative that you don’t drive a vehicle with a worn clutch. Power will be reduced, and if the clutch fails, you could find yourself in a tricky situation, stranded by the roadside.
What is a clutch?
A clutch is a mechanical device that transfers power from the vehicle’s engine to the wheels. It connects your car’s engine to the transmission. The clutch controls the connection between two or more rotating shafts, i.e., the shaft from the engine and the shaft that turns the wheels. Pressing a clutch pedal releases the clutch, which separates the engine and transmission and enables your vehicle to stop without stalling the engine.
Things to avoid:
- Try not to rest your left foot on the pedal, for example, whilst delayed in heavy traffic queues as you get ready to make a gear change.
- Harsh use of your accelerator.
- Labouring the vehicle engine in the wrong gear will create excess wear on the clutch.
Things to look out for if you think your vehicle’s clutch is faulty:
- A good test to check if your clutch is work is to select 3rd or 4th gear at approximately 30 mph, with the clutch engaged, then accelerate. The clutch plate is worn out if the engine begins to rev and the vehicle is not picking up speed..
- When accelerating from a stop position, you may hear ‘clutch chatter’ – this is an initial shudder when a faulty clutch disk or component first engages. The vehicle may shudder or vibrate, indicating worn clutch parts.
- You may hear a ‘squeal’ when the clutch pedal is pressed.
- There may be a grinding noise, and you can’t get the vehicle into gear.
These aren’t guarantees that there are problems with the clutch, and there may be other issues causing similar symptoms. Remember that is the issue is not resolved, further damage may occur with the transmission and to avoid costly repairs through misdiagnosis, it is advisable to take your vehicle to a specialist such as A1 Clutches.
To put your mind at rest, visit one of our branches and speak to the experts. Our technicians will thoroughly check your vehicle’s clutch system and offer advice on replacement, or they may suggest that there is a cheaper but reliable way of fixing the issue. Whatever the outcome A1 Clutches will endeavour to fix your vehicle and get you back on the road, all for a reasonable and competitive price.
If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle, call us today and speak to one of our friendly customer service advisors on 0121 522 2094.
From all the team at A1 Clutches, we wish you safe and happy driving.
