Your Cars Clutch

Clutch by Gene Line

Clutch

If you are driving a manual transmission vehicle, for sure you know how to depress the clutch, select a gear, and then release the clutch while applying power to get the vehicle to move. But as a driver or vehicle owner, do you know exactly what happens when you depress and release the clutch? If you are a car enthusiast, perhaps you already know this. But if you are not, then you have to be familiar with this important vehicle component called the clutch.

Clutch Component

The clutch is an auto component that allows the engine power to be applied gradually when your vehicle is starting out and interrupts this power in order to avoid gear crunching when shifting. When you engage the clutch, what happens is that power transfers from the engine to the transmission and drive wheels. And when you disengage it, the power transfer is stopped and the engine is allowed to continue turning without force to the drive wheels. However, engaging and disengaging the clutch won t be done effectively if the basic components that make these processes work are not in good condition such as the flywheel, clutch disk, pressure plate, throw-out bearing and linkage. And so, it is really important to inspect these parts regularly for any signs of damage.

Clutch Life

Generally, the clutch on a manual transmission vehicle lasts from four to seven years. But this depends mainly on your personal driving habits and where you often drive. So if you want to determine when it s time for you to replace or adjust your clutch, then you must be aware of some warning signs. Poor gas mileage and a revving engine sound when you accelerate are few of these signs. You also have to take note that if your clutch engages and disengages close to the floorboard or when the transmission grinds when shifting, chances are your clutch has to be adjusted or replaced. And if the clutch pedal moves easily but the transmission does not go into gear, perhaps your clutch linkage is disconnected or there is a snapped clutch cable. Whatever signs you see, it is always best to take immediate action in repairing, adjusting, or replacing your clutch before it can cause you more problems.

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