Clutches are a vital part of the transmission system, and it is natural for them to wear down over time. This component is found in both manual and automatic transmission vehicles. It is responsible for transmitting the torque from the engine to the drivetrain. In manual transmissions, you have to engage and disengage the clutch using the clutch pedal.
A clutch works because of friction between a clutch plate and a flywheel. When you go from one gear to another in your vehicle, the clutch takes on an intense amount of pressure. That is why you can’t really stop an old clutch from eventually going bad. When this plate goes bad, you should repair it as soon as possible. Here are some of the red flags that indicate you have a worn clutch.
Sign #1: Sensitive Clutch Pedal
In manual transmission vehicles, you can tell whether your clutch is bad or something is off with the pedal. If it feels “Sticky” or sensitive, you may be dealing with a hydraulic clutch linkage problem.
Sign #2: Slipping Clutch
This is one of the most common (and dangerous) signs that a clutch is going bad. If your car randomly slips out of gear while driving, it is called having a “slipping clutch”. The clutch won't completely engage or disengage, making it difficult to switch gears or stay in a particular gear. The more you neglect this problem, the worse your clutch will get.
Sign #3: Burnt Rubber Smell
If you catch the nasty smell of burnt rubber in or around your vehicle, be sure to check your clutch. In cases where the clutch overheats, it will emit a burnt odor. You should wait until your vehicle is cooled down before taking it to our auto repair shop for repairs.
Sign #4: Smoke Under the Hood
Smoke under the hood of a car is never a good sign when combined with any of the signs above. This means that your clutch or clutch plate is getting too hot and needs a replacement. You may hear noisy screeches when attempting to switch gears.
If you notice any of the warning signs above, please don’t put off something as important as the clutch. We welcome you to bring your vehicle to Carlsbad Auto Service for a thorough vehicle inspection, so we can determine if you need clutch repairs or clutch replacement.