Is it time to replace your car clutch?
If it is, you don't want to delay. The clutch plays a critical role in the performance of a manual transmission car; without it, you're not able to shift gears, accelerate, decelerate, or even start the car. Additionally, a bad clutch can ruin other components of your car's engine and transmission, leaving you with extremely expensive car repairs on your hands. Toyota of N Charlotte's techs are here with tips on how to spot a bad car clutch and when to replace it, as well as tips for maintaining your car's clutch like a pro.
How to spot a bad car clutch
Is your clutch bad? Here are some signs our Charlotte car care experts recommend looking out for:
- You're having trouble shifting gears
- Your manual car clutch is "slipping" (basically, it takes longer than it should to engage when you're changing gears)
- Your car won't accelerate properly despite the engine revving and giving it power
- Your car clutch makes odd noises when you press it, like squealing, grinding, or groaning
- Your clutch feels mushy or spongy, like it's taking longer to work or you have to press it harder than normal
- Your clutch sticks when you press it
All of the above indicate - if nothing else - an issue with your car clutch that our Charlotte auto service techs need to address. Remember, the longer you leave it, the bigger (and more expensive) the problem gets.
How to maintain your clutch
Replacing your car clutch isn't cheap no matter how you dice it, so it's in your best interest to maintain it and take steps to make it last as long as possible. Our experts here at Toyota of N Charlotte recommend taking the following steps to give your car clutch a long and healthy life:
Don't ride the clutch. If you're not actively using the clutch to shift gears or start the car (or sit in a gear for a short period of time), keep your foot off of it. Don't even rest your foot on it - when you're not using it, your left foot should be on the floor of your car. The more you use the car clutch, the shorter lifespan it has.
Keep an eye on temperatures. Overheating can absolutely damage your engine and transmission, but did you know it can also damage your car clutch? Make sure you watch your temperature gauge and keep your coolant reservoir clean and full. Also be on the lookout for leaks or any other issues with your car's cooling system.
Bleed it when necessary. The clutch uses hydraulic fluid and over time, small bubbles can develop in it. This can cause the clutch to become mushy or spongy. In this scenario, you should bring your car to Toyota of N Charlotte so our techs can bleed the system. Basically, they take all of the fluid out and replace it to get rid of the bubbles in the lines.
Schedule car clutch service with Toyota of N Charlotte today
Think you need car clutch service or repairs? Don't wait - contact Toyota of N Charlotte today. You can call us at (704) 659-2025 or schedule your car care online, or just stop by. We're located at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.
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