When driving a manual transmission vehicle, you will have some different operations than a typical driver of an automatic transmission vehicle.
For example, instead of the gears shifting for you in the automatic vehicle, you will have to depress the clutch pedal before shifting. If you don’t properly manage the clutch properly, it is possible to mess it up, such as when you ride the clutch.
This article will take a look at what it means to ride the clutch, why you shouldn’t, and some action steps to help you break the habit.
We will also consider how long the clutch last, how much a clutch replacement will cost, and how to tell when it’s time to change the clutch.
What is Riding the Clutch?
While “riding the clutch” sounds like automotive slang, it is an actual phenomenon.
When you ride the clutch, you are not fully releasing the pedal and not having the pedal pushed down completely. It is essentially a way to control the speed of the vehicle without the use of brakes.
People ride the clutch at stop signs or stop lights to avoid pushing on the brake pedal. The clutch pedal will also slow down faster than you would be going if the clutch pedal wasn’t pushed in.
You can also mean that you are resting your foot on the clutch pedal, and this directly would wear the clutch down over time.
There are going to be times when you are going to ride the clutch inadvertently. For instance, if you are backing out of a parking spot, you are likely going to ride the clutch somewhat.
Most clutch will be good if treated correctly, and you can generally avoid repair if you use the clutch pedal how it was designed and not like riding the clutch.
Why You Must Avoid Riding the Clutch?
Normally, when you push in the clutch pedal, it makes the hydraulics push the release bearing against the clutch plate.
The spring keeps that clutch disk pushed up against the flywheel, so all tension is released and the disk can float between the clutch plate and flywheel. Then, you can shift gears.
With the clutch not completely disengaged or engaged, the clutch plate is slipping against the flywheel, acting more as a brake pad.
It will slip a little while the transmission and engine speeds catch up. The less slip there is, the longer your clutch will last.
Changing gear while your foot is still on the clutch pedal, the bearing is resting on the splines of the clutch plate, which wears out the clutch faster. This will also wear out the bearing.
Ways to Preserve Clutch?
#1. Take Your Foot Off the Pedal.
When you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to let your foot sit on the clutch. This makes you ride the clutch without even knowing it.
Instead, you should put your foot on the footrest to the left of the pedal when not using the clutch. If the area around the clutch is tight, you may even need to put your foot on the floor in front of the pedal.
It takes some time to develop this new habit. You must purposely take your foot off the pedal when you are done shifting.
#2. Adjust Driving Position.
If you are too close to the clutch it will be challenging for your foot to be in the proper position; you will need to get used to better placement of where to sit.
We recommend moving the seat back to give your legs and feet enough space to be comfortable; the more comfortable you feel the easier it will be to place your foot.
#3. Use Neutral When Stopped.
When at traffic lights, it may feel right to keep the car in first gear with your foot on the brake and clutch down.
However, leaving the car in neutral after taking your foot off the clutch, and then using the brake will be better on the system.
You can, of course, also use the handbrake if you will be stationary for a long time, but you should only really use the handbrake when parking, as you will see in our next tip.
#4. Park with Handbrake.
Although you may not think it matters what gear your car is in while it is parked, if you leave it in gear and it is off you are causing wear on the clutch.
You want to use your handbrake when you park it. The handbrake is the right way to secure a car. It can also take all of the pressure you have on your clutch plate when you are not using it.
#5. Change Gears Quickly.
When it’s time to shift, don’t take your time! While you’ve just learned how to operate a manual transmission, it’s understandable if you take a little extra time to figure all of this out. However, you don’t want to get into this habit.
When you shift, don’t take a long time to do it either. For every second that you have the clutch pedal depressed more than what is required to make the shift, you are just putting added wear on the clutch.
What may not feel like a lot of time at the moment can add up quickly if you consider how many times you shift in a drive. Even a couple of seconds can easily add up to minutes.
How Long Should a Clutch Last?
There’s no clear answer to this question because it depends on the way you drive. If you are hard on your clutch, it could possibly fail before the 20,000-mile mark.
Alternatively, if you are easy on your clutch, you may be able to drive closer to 150,000 miles without replacement. Some care might help the clutch last the entire life of the vehicle.
Since a clutch replacement averages about $750 to $3,000, you will want to protect your clutch as best you can.
Signs the Clutch is Failing
If you pay attention to the warning signs that the clutch is beginning to go out, you can have it replaced before you can’t drive it anymore. Here are a few signs to look for:
- Soft, spongy or hard clutch pedal – While the “feel” will change as a clutch ages slightly, it should not change abruptly.
- Stuck pedal – If you notice the pedal is stuck on the floor as pressed down, you have no choice but to get it looked at.
- Problems staying in gear – As the clutch begins to fail, it will allow the gears to slip and not stay in gear as it ought to.
- Burning smell – A bad clutch is not the only source of a burning smell coming from your vehicle, but if the smell is combined with other signs, you likely need to replace the clutch.
- Grinding noise – If you notice a grinding sound when changing gears, it could be evidence of a worn-out clutch.
If you notice what is going on with the clutch, you can address problems before they get worse.
If you have the tools and skills to change a clutch at home, you are looking at a lot lower bill for the repair. If you are not certified to replace a clutch, it is generally better to have a professional look at your vehicle.