4 Signs Your Clutch is About to Fail in Your Car
While driving, you need a clutch you can count on. If your car’s clutch is wearing out, you’re sure to notice certain signs that clutch failure is looming. These changes in feel and performance can range from subtle to a huge hindrance to driving. Catching subtle problems can help prevent more serious repairs or problems, but if you notice more serious symptoms, it’s especially urgent to bring your car to an auto repair shop as soon as possible.
Your Clutch Pedal Feels Soft or Spongy
Each clutch pedal feels a bit different and if you’ve had your car for a while, you’re likely familiar with how yours feels and acts. However, as a general rule, any clutch pedal should feel firm when pressed, rather than having too much give or needing to be pressed all the way to the floor. If your car’s clutch pedal starts to have either of those characteristics, it’s an early indication of clutch problems.
A Spongy Clutch Pedal is an Early Sign of a Clutch Problem That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Being an early sign of clutch trouble doesn’t mean you should procrastinate having a mechanic inspect your car’s clutch. Catching any clutch repair early will help save you money in the long run by preventing more serious repairs – and it can prevent potentially dangerous problems while driving if your clutch fails. The mechanics at your local AAMCO can help ensure your car’s clutch is operating smoothly again so you stay safe on the road.
Your Gears are Grinding
No matter what, grinding is a warning sign you should listen to. If you hear grinding when shifting gears, it points to a transmission or clutch problem. As gears wear out, their metal parts can become misaligned, causing them to grind against each other when you try to shift into a new gear. A clutch repair should get your car running smoothly again.
Grinding Gears Can Grow to an Inability to Shift Gears
If your clutch is grinding now, it may eventually result in you not being able to shift gears at all. As an early indication of clutch problems, it’s important to have a trusted mechanic inspect your car and its clutch sooner rather than later. This will help prevent more serious clutch repairs, as well as potential safety issues.
Your Car has Trouble Getting in or Staying in Gear
Each gear shift should feel smooth and easy. If one or more gears feel difficult to shift into, it points to a clutch problem. You may also notice your car slipping gears while driving, meaning it slips suddenly out of the intended gear. This can cause revving or hesitation, either of which can throw you off guard. Difficulty shifting, slipping gears, and inability to shift gears are all serious symptoms of transmission and clutch problems.
Slipping Gears & Difficulty Getting in Gear are Serious Clutch Problems
Difficult and slipping gears can turn into an inability to shift gears at all with time. The longer these clutch problems are allowed to continue, the more likely you are to run into the costliest auto repairs. Plus, if you suddenly find you can’t shift gears while driving, it can pose a safety issue for you and the other drivers around you on the road.
You Smell Burning While Driving or Shifting Gears
When you smell burning while driving, you may think through possible scenarios. Did you just drive by a fire? Did you brake too hard? Is the engine overheating? If none of those fit, it may be a clutch problem. It’s likely you’ll also notice gear slipping with the burning smell, but always pay attention to any signs from your car to help point your mechanic in the right direction.
Burning Smells Can Be a Major Warning Sign of Clutch Failure
As parts in your car’s clutch wear out, they can rub against each other more, causing additional friction that raises the clutch’s temperature. Not only can that escalate clutch problems, but it can lead to issues with connected systems, including the transmission and engine, if the clutch continues to generate extra heat. Bring your car to a trusted mechanic for repairs as soon as possible when you smell burning from your car.
The Best Clutch Repair in Utah is with AAMCO’s Mechanics
Don’t let clutch problems get you down. The mechanics at your local AAMCO Utah auto repair shop are here to help keep your car’s clutch and every other system operating smoothly. Whether you’re noticing signs of trouble from your clutch, transmission, engine, or any other essential system, we can help. Give us a call today or easily schedule your appointment with us online
The post 4 Signs Your Clutch is About to Fail in Your Car first appeared on AAMCO Utah Transmission Repair and General Car Repair.
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