5 Effortless Tips to Increase the Lifespan of your Car’s Clutch

A clutch is one of the most important components of a car. It acts as a mechanical linkage between the engine and transmission. A clutch separates or disconnects the engine from the transmission system, further disconnecting the drive wheels and allowing you to change gears smoothly. Any car clutch comprises a pressure plate, flywheel, and clutch plate. 

When you press the clutch pedal, a hydraulic piston or cable pushes on the release fork. It presses the release bearing that disengages the engine from the transmission during the gear shift against the centre of the diaphragm spill. As it is pushed in, a series of pins causes the spring to pull the pressure plate away from the clutch disk, which releases the clutch from the spinning engine. This is how the clutch system of your car works. 

A clutch is also your car’s most sensitive piece of equipment, which wears out naturally over time. However, some stupid habits may also decrease performance, damaging it over time. 

But fret not! There are some tips you can work on to increase the lifespan of your clutch. We have listed a few. 

Do not Leave your Foot on the Clutch 

It is the easiest and best tip to increase the lifespan of your clutch. 

If you ride the clutch all the time with your foot, it will put unnecessary strain on it, thus damaging the entire assembly. The clutch pedal should be pressed all the way down to the bottom or remain completely untouched. If you take the middle ground, it will shorten the lifespan of your clutch in no time. 

Know When to Neutral 

People often use the clutch while stopping at a signal. Pressing this component while waiting for the signal, even for 5 seconds or more, is not suggested as it increases the usage of the clutch. 

On the contrary, you can simply put the vehicle in neutral. Keeping your clutch pedal depressed when it is not in use is a common way of reducing its longevity, and we suggest you not practice it to maintain the clutch system. 

Do not Pull with Pressure 

It is okay to pull the car’s clutch system if you are racing. But why do you have to use it with so much pressure otherwise? 

Thus, unless you are in a race, there is no requirement to take your clutch at full speed. Be gentle while pulling away, and shift up naturally as you try to increase the speed. Your clutch will not get damaged so easily. 

Know When to Use Half-Clutch

Many drivers often keep their clutch system partially engaged while waiting for a steep climb. This act deteriorates your clutch system to a great extent. They use this technique instead of pulling on the handbrake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward. 

By doing this, you are loading the clutch unnecessarily. Putting a handbrake is more advisable in such conditions, especially if you are driving a manual vehicle. 

Do not use the Clutch with Brake Every Time 

Another mistake many people commit is using their clutch and brake together while braking the car. It leads to unnecessary clutch usage. At the same time, it also takes a load off your brakes away from the engine. Your brakes may also wear out before time. 

We advise you to depress the clutch if the speed of your car is too low for the gear you have selected. Thus, when you try to slow down, use the clutch to shift the gears if necessary. 

Takeaway 

Besides the above-listed tips, taking your car to Australian clutch services for repair and maintenance is also advisable. Professional maintenance of the clutch system will keep it up and running in the future.