6 Things To Avoid for A Long-Lasting Car Clutch
14 August, 2020
A Clutch is an important component of a manual transmission car. The function of a clutch is to facilitate smooth gear switching by reducing engine speed.
A clutch also prevents the engine from stopping while the gear is operated and driving at low speed. Also, the clutch, which is represented by the leftmost pedal on the car, serves to slow down the car while the engine is braking.
There must be special treatments, of course, to maintain the quality of the clutch. On the other hand, some habits can do more harm to the quality of the clutch, such as detailed below.
Making The Clutch As A Footrest
This is most often done by the drivers because they are not aware of the risks behind resting their foot on the clutch pedal. This is one of the bad habits of driving.
If it is continuously done, it can create pressure on the compression plate and lead to the clutch wearing out prematurely. Keep in mind, the clutch pedal is not where the footrests. The clutch pedal must be used properly, whether it is fully stepped on or completely stepped off. This is the easiest way to treat the clutch.
Stepping On The Brake and Clutch Simultaneously
Stepping on the brakes and clutch at the same time to reduce the speed of the car is a bad driving habit and can affect clutch life. When this is done, the energy used for braking also used up the engine’s capacity.
Half Pressing On The Clutch On An Uphill Route
Many drivers still do the half clutch pressing style when driving on an uphill route. While this method does not make the engine die, over time it can make the clutch plate wear out more quickly and become thinner.
Don’t be surprised if you have to change the clutch before it’s due if you often do this habitually. We recommend that you adjust the rhythm of gas and clutch or use the hand brake instead.
Suddenly Pressing Off The Clutch
The habit of pressing or releasing the clutch suddenly can be dangerous since it causes a lot of friction. Therefore, it is strongly advised to release the clutch slowly after moving the transmission lever to maintain a clutch life.
Incompatible Gear Position
Avoid using high gear at low speed. Doing so is the same as increasing the workload of the clutch and allowing the slipping of the clutch lining. A similar impact can also take place if you do the opposite, which is using low gear at high speed. Hence, it’s better and safer to avoid this habit!
Not Neutralize Gear At A Traffic Light Stop
This method also makes the clutch less durable. We recommend that when the car stops for a moment at a traffic light stop, shift gears to a neutral position. That way, your feet can rest without having to step on the clutch and avoid thinning the clutch.
Keep in mind, the cost of replacing the clutch is quite expensive. In that case, you should treat your car better and avoid the above mentioned 6 bad habits to spare yourself some trouble later on!