Are you guilty of riding the clutch?
From learners to seasoned drivers, many are unaware that they are using their clutch incorrectly, often 'slipping' or 'riding' the clutch at traffic lights and stop streets.
Replacing your clutch could cost thousands of Rands if you fail to learn proper clutch control in a manual car.
From learners to seasoned drivers, many are unaware that they are using their clutch incorrectly, often ‘slipping’ or ‘riding’ the clutch at traffic lights and stop streets.
This is when the clutch pedal is slightly pushed in while the car is in first gear, just preventing the car from rolling backwards without stalling. This is extremely damaging to your car’s clutch plate.
Motor Industry Workshop chairman, Dewald Ranft said incorrect clutch control was the most common cause of clutch burnout.
“Other variables that play a role in the life expectancy of a clutch are general levels of car maintenance, road conditions and the car’s normal labour load. The clutch connects and disconnects power from your engine to the wheels, via the gearbox. When you press down on the clutch, it disengages the engine from from your wheels, allowing you to change gear.”
“Clutch control is about mastering this power transfer. It is particularly important for maintaining control of the car at low speeds. It allows you to do a number of things, such as change gear, pull off and drive in slow-moving, stop-start traffic,” said Ranft.
Even though your clutch will at need to be replaced at some point, you can squeeze the last drop out of it with these simple tips:
– Do not launch your car on an uphill or in muddy conditions, if possible.
– Do not press the clutch pedal unnecessarily while driving, or when the car is stationary.
– Allow your car to warm up before applying aggressive load to the driveline.
– Do not overload your car.
– Never pull off in a higher gear than first gear.
– Never regulate the car’s speed in heavy traffic conditions by means of clutch control. Instead, apply the park brake at traffic lights and switch to neutral until it is time to pull off.
– Have the hydraulic system bled properly when gears are starting to grate during gear changes and have the system flushed every 40 00kms.
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