Why My Clutch Slipping & What Can I Do To Fix It?

The clutch is a device that lets the transmission disengage from the engine, letting the vehicle change gears. In simple words, a clutch has three main parts: the clutch plate, the pressure plate and the flywheel. 

When you press down the clutch pedal, you release the springs that maintain the pressure plate against the clutch plate, and the clutch plate against the flywheel. To change the gears or stop the vehicle the separation of the flywheel and clutch plate is required. 

In this blog post, we are going to discuss the symptoms of a slipping clutch, what you should do if you have a slipping clutch and whether you should do clutch replacement Bristol. We also talked about what clutch does. If you are interested in knowing more about clutch slipping then keep reading.

What Does a Slipping Clutch Mean?

A slipping clutch happens when the clutch is not able to deliver power to the vehicle wheel when it engages and disengages. In this case, the transfer of rotational power from the engine to the wheel is not occurring and the vehicle will struggle to move forward. 

This problem can be caused by a worn clutch, low transmission fuel level or incorrect clutch adjustment. So for instance, if the clutch’s friction material is worn out and has thickness is not optimal, the clutch plate will start moving at a different speed from the flywheel which causes it to slip and lose power.

What are the Symptoms of a Slipping Clutch?

We have mentioned some of the key things you should look out for if you feel your clutch is slipping but you aren’t sure about it:

• When you rev the engine the vehicle doesn’t move or faces difficulty accelerating
• Grinding noise when engaging the clutch
• Slipping out of gear while driving
• Burning smell
• Difficulty shifting gears

What Causes the Clutch to Slip?

• Driving style: Your driving habits also play a major role in how quickly the clutch starts to wear out. If you often accelerate fast, change gears too quickly or ride the clutch all contribute to the premature wearing of the clutch.
• Wear and tear: It is the most common reason for the clutch to slip. Over time, a worn-out disc or just extreme heat can damage the clutch parts and eventually lead to clutch slipping.
• Lack of maintenance: If you skip your vehicle's annual service it can create a negative impact on your crucial parts of the transmission system. If you often skip or neglect your vehicle's health, it can cause problems such as premature clutch failure.
• Incorrect installation: If you installed a brand-new clutch in your vehicle it can also slip if you fitted the clutch incorrectly. Sometimes low clutch fluid is the cause of clutch slipping.

What Should You Do If the Clutch is Slipping?

Even having a slipping clutch you may still be able to drive a few miles but it doesn’t mean you should. It is not only unsafe but trying to drive with a slipping clutch can result in damage to other components that will cost even more to get repaired or replace in future.

If you experience a slipping clutch while driving, it is recommended that you drive your vehicle carefully and at a slower speed until you can have a mechanic take a look at it and fix the problem. 

If you are unable to get your vehicle to the nearest garage, you can always take advantage of mobile machine service. An experienced mechanic will reach your place and repair or replace your clutch depending upon the level of damage. 

Can a Slipping Clutch be Fixed?

In most cases, slipping clutch can be fixable. But in some cases, the damage caused is quite extensive and will likely need a full clutch replacement. The mechanic will be able to advise on this once the transmission has been removed and the clutch has been checked.

A slipping clutch is a common problem and qualified mechanics know how to fix this problem. Visit the nearest garage to fix your clutch slipping problem.

Is a Clutch Covered Under a Standard Warranty?

In general, most providers don’t count clutches as part of their warranty guarantee because it is prone to wear and tear and the driver can significantly impact their lifespan.

For example, riding the clutch is just one of the things that cause the component to wear out faster. Due to this, clutches and other wearing components like windscreen wipers, tyres and brakes are not included under warranty guarantees. 

Quick Fix for a Slipping Clutch

Make sure the master cylinder controlling the clutch has enough fluid and is not below the minimum mark. A slipping clutch is not something that you fix immediately. It would require a qualified mechanic to take a look at it and then fix the problem. 

To prevent slipping clutch issues regularly car servicing Dyce so that your car's health is intact. Even if you manage to drive your vehicle for a few hours or even days with a slipping clutch, sooner or later it will give out risking even more damage in the process.