Your vehicle’s clutch is susceptible to wear and tear as it is one of the most used components of your vehicle. There are many factors that contribute to the wear and tear of your clutch, whether it be down to the age of your car, maintenance, how often you drive your vehicle or down to the way you drive. Some driving habits affect your vehicle’s clutch. Below are some tips that help maintain your clutch when you’re driving:
- Avoid riding the clutch. It creates extra wear on the clutch.
- Don’t use it to stop you rolling backwards on a hill. Instead, apply the handbrake.
- Begin slowing down in advance when you see a red light. By the time you reach it, you may not even need to stop.
- Don’t pull away urgently to avoid clipping the clutch.
- Smoothly and quickly release the clutch when changing gears.
- Sit in neutral. Sitting in first gear with your clutch and brakes engaged can put unnecessary strain on your clutch.
- Pulling away in second gear can also cause more wear to the clutch.
Without clutch/brake fluid the clutch would not function. Make sure there is enough fluid in the clutch reservoir. A leak in the clutch or brake fluid system can lead to contaminated fluid. Water, dirt and even oil can end up in the system. A fluid leak will also make the vehicle hard to shift. The clutch pedal may go all the way down to the floor if the clutch fluid level is low. This can lead to clutch and brake failure. If the system is losing clutch fluid on a regular basis, the entire system should be inspected for leaks. Like all fluids, over time they pick up contaminants and become dirty. Clutch fluid needs to be replaced on a regular basis. Moisture from the atmosphere contaminates the fluid over time and can cause underlying problems with hydraulic components. Prevention is better than cure and the longer the fluid replacement is left, the higher the risk of component failure and repair bills.
At our workshop we use a fluid testing pen (shown above). This tests the moisture level in the fluid system and indicates the level of contamination. The testing pen is used on every vehicle when booked in with us for a Service. When inspecting the fluid, we also use our Sykes-Pickavant Automatic Brake Bleeder if fluid requires replacing. This device removes the fluid in the system and replaces it with new fluid.
If you have any queries or to book your vehicle in call Thomas Auto Tec on 01736 755684