Like your brakes, it is easy to tell when your clutch is giving out. An aging clutch will make your vehicle a lot harder to handle, and you may notice your pedals "sticking" and other troubling signs. Most drivers should know that a clutch doesn't last the entire lifespan of a car. Instead, it needs to be replaced every 30,000 miles to 50,000 miles, give or take. Below are some signs that indicate your clutch is failing:
Weird Sounds When Pressing Down
Pressing down on the clutch pedal should be a silent driving task. If you hear unsettling noises or catch weird smells from your clutch, it's time to take your vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop. Your tech will likely need to adjust, repair, or replace your clutch.
Trouble Shifting Gears
Troubles changing gears can be frightening. If you hear a grinding sound arising when attempting to drive, it means the power transfer between the engine and the transmission is incomplete. Considering the clutch is responsible for seamless gear changes, it is most likely the culprit.
Loose, Soft, or Sticky Pedal
The feeling of your clutch can be very telling of its overall condition. If it feels overly loose, soft, or sticky, you should take your vehicle to a clutch repair shop soon.
Lag in Acceleration
A slipping clutch will often result in slow or laggy acceleration. You might be thrown off because your engine will continue to rev and go up in RPMs on the dashboard; however, your car will lose its power.
Knight Automotive in Crown Point, IN would be happy to assist you with all your automotive needs, including clutch repairs. Driving with a slipping clutch can be unnerving and dangerous, so please bring your car to the experts soon!