Statistics show that nearly 40% of adults wouldn’t have the means to afford a $400 car repair. If you’re operating on a tight budget, you may want to start socking away money — and listening to your car. If it has a faulty clutch, you may need to pay for a new one or get an adjustment. Read on to learn 5 signs that your car needs a clutch adjustment!
1. Look for a Sticky Pedal
In a manual transmission car, you may notice that your clutch pedal seems sticky. It could even look like it’s touching the floor.
In this scenario, you may be dealing with a hydraulic fluid leak that zeros out the pressure. You could need a new clutch plate or a clutch adjustment. Ideally, older vehicles should undergo a clutch adjustment every 6,000 miles.
What is a clutch adjustment? Adjusting it entails pulling the cable and adjusting the locknut to ensure clutch engagement. This is far preferable to replacing a clutch, which may cost over $1,000.
2. Watch for Transmission Slips
Is your car struggling to go faster? If you’re trying to change lanes on the highway and you can’t generate acceleration, your clutch may be the culprit. And your clutch is essential to switch gears in a manual transmission car.
Transmission gears may not be engaged with the clutch. And this issue may keep you from bursting forward or moving in reverse. Do your transmission a favor and take your vehicle to a car performance shop!
3. Changing Gears Is Challenging
Is changing gears a nuisance? If you’re not able to switch from first or second gear with ease, your gearbox and clutch may be misbehaving.
The clutch should undo the link between your car’s engine and transmission when you shift gears. But if the clutch doesn’t do its job, changing gears can be next to impossible.
4. Does Your Car Smell Bad?
The scent of burning rubber could indicate that you have a clutch issue. A car repair shop will be able to tell you if it’s that or something related to your tires or engine.
If your clutch is new, it’s normal to smell a bit of burning at first. But if the problem persists, head to a car shop right away!
5. Noisy Gears Signal a Clutch Issue
When you shift gears using a manual transmission, the process should be silent. If the process is punctuated by squeaking or low rumbles, you could have a clutch problem.
It may be that you need to oil your pedal to get rid of squeaking. For other noises, like grinding or rumbling, you may need to replace the clutch pressure plate. There could be a loose part that causes the noise.
Get a Clutch Adjustment
Getting a clutch adjustment ensures that you’ll keep your car humming and avoid damaging other parts. Not listening to signs of clutch problems could translate into a damaged transmission or hydraulic fluid leak. Your best bet is to seek out a professional auto repair shop.
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