How can you tell if your clutch is going out? Willoughby Hills Auto Repair explains below that it will give you signs that it is having problems. It’s important that you know the signs, because a clutch can last as little as 50,000 miles or as long as 100,000 miles or more.
It’s Hard to Change Gears
A key sign that your clutch is going out is difficulty changing gears. If it has gotten harder and harder to shift through the gear cycle, there’s something going on with your clutch. It’s possible that the internal mechanisms have worn out and the clutch is having problems engaging and disengaging.
The Catch Point Has Changed
Another sign that your clutch is going out is if the catch point, or bite point as some people call it, has changed. Usually, when a clutch is going bad, the catch point will be higher than normal. If you’ve noticed that it feels as if your catch point is in a different location, it’s possible that your clutch is going out.
The Clutch Feels Spongy
The resistance that your clutch pedal gives you shouldn’t change. If the clutch feels spongy or soft, there’s a problem going on with the internal mechanisms.
The Gears Are Grinding
You may have ground the gears when you first started driving a manual transmission, but you’re an expert now. Still, your gears have started grinding. Why? The reason is that the clutch is going out. Again, it’s possible that it’s not engaging and disengaging properly and, as such, your gears are struggling to shift.
You’ve Got a Burning Clutch
You probably also overheated the clutch when you first started learning how to drive a stick shift. That’s okay. Everybody does it. Now, however, your clutch should not burn. If you smell hot rubber while you are driving, it’s possible that the clutch is slipping. This can also make it difficult to change gears.
Your Vehicle Hesitates
Finally, acceleration hesitation and hesitation after you have already picked up speed is also a sign that there is a problem with the clutch. In this case, the clutch is not producing enough power to turn the wheels. Sometimes, a clutch adjustment can resolve the problem. In most cases, however, you need a new clutch.
Willoughby Hills Auto Repair in Willoughby Hills, OH, can take a look at your clutch to see if it needs to be adjusted or replaced. Call us today to schedule an appointment.