What You Need To Know About Vehicle Clutch Concerns

The clutch is an integral part of many types of car transmissions. Without it, your car can't shift into the proper gear. The following can help answer your questions if you have concerns about the clutch in your vehicle.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Clutch?

The expected working lifespan of a clutch varies greatly depending on the car make and model, as well as the driver's use habits. On the low end, a clutch may only last 48,280 kilometres, while on the high end, a clutch can last 201,168 kilometres or more.

How one drives greatly affects how long the clutch will last. Avoid riding your clutch and idling with the clutch depressed in order to help extend clutch life.

Can a Clutch Go Out Without Warning?

Clutches rarely fail without warning. Long before the ultimate failure occurs, the clutch will begin to slip. How long this goes on varies depending on the cause of failure, the age of the clutch, and your driving habits.

It's rare to be caught unawares with clutch failure, so there is little risk of being stranded on the side of the road if you act at the first signs of clutch issues.

Are There Warning Signs of Impending Failure?

Fortunately, the warning signs of impending clutch failure are easy to spot even if one doesn't possess much mechanical knowledge. The clutch may slip, which causes the engine to rev even though the car isn't moving smoothly into gear. It may also make rattling sounds or not always engage properly when you push in the clutch pedal. In some cases, the pedal itself may stick on occasion.

These issues will only worsen as the clutch approaches complete failure. There are also other risks when driving as a clutch shows failure signs, such as the car slipping out of gear or failing to shift when needed, so schedule repair as soon as possible.

Is the Car Still Drivable After Clutch Failure?

Although it is technically possible to drive a car with a failed clutch, it is difficult and hard on the transmission. For example, many cars with a standard transmission can be pushed or roll-started without a clutch, but you need space and someone to push you.

Shifting without a clutch is more difficult, as you have to plan the shift so that it's completed when the car is at the correct speed and RPM. Even so, some grinding of the gears is likely. Due to these difficulties and risks, a car isn't considered drivable if the clutch fails.

How Long Does Clutch Replacement Take?

The good news is that a clutch replacement is a relatively quick job, so you can expect to have your car back within a day. For most cars, the repair takes a few hours, although this can vary depending on how accessible the clutch is on your make and model of vehicle. 

Other factors can also impact replacement time. For example, if there has been transmission damage or damage to the seals around the clutch, further repairs may be necessary, and this can result in a longer time in the shop.

Can a Clutch Fail On an Automatic Transmission?

Clutches aren't just used for standard transmissions. Some types of automatic transmissions do use a clutch system. Dual-clutch and triptronic transmission systems are examples of automatic transmissions that operate with a clutch. They can have three different clutches inside of it, depending on the types of transmission, each operating automatically when your car needs to shift.

Failure of these clutches will have the same effect as the failure of the clutch on a standard transmission. You won't be able to drive the car, and it will be necessary to schedule a repair. 

Contact Stopmaster Brakes if you need a clutch inspection or replacement.