The clutch plays an important role in the operation of a vehicle in that it serves to connect the engine to the transmission. The clutch pedal is used to activate the clutch.

The clutch consists of the flywheel, pressure plate, disc, and throwout bearing and release system. The flywheel spins along with the motion of the engine. The pressure plate, which is bolted to the flywheel, holds the clutch assembly together. The disc is located between the flywheel and pressure plate, and allows the pressure plate and the flywheel to both make and break contact. And finally, the throw-out bearing and the release system work in conjunction to allow the clutch to engage and to disengage.

In a manual automobile transmission, the input shaft sends engine power to the car wheels by means of the gears. The input shaft, which runs through the middle of the disk, flywheel and pressure plate, has a bearing that takes most of the load of the shaft. There is another, smaller bearing in the middle of the flywheel that serves to center the shaft so that it can rotate along with the engaging and disengaging of the clutch assembly. The clutch disc is connected to this assembly.

When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the disc, pressure plate and flywheel are disengaged so that the driver can shift gears. When the pedal is up, the components are engaged and the vehicle is in motion.

Clutches are no different than most other parts in your vehicle in that they wear out. Quite often it is not unusual for Levrett and Allen’s Automotive to have to replace a clutch prior to the end of its lifespan. This is simply because clutches encounter a certain amount of wear and tear during normal driving circumstances. It is important to understand that determining how long a clutch will last is similar to solving a complicated equation with numerous variables. Some clutches can last well beyond 100,000 miles while other clutches will wear out in under 30,000 miles. The longevity of a clutch can be dependent on how carefully the clutch is used during driving. Other factors affecting how long a clutch will last can include how hot of a climate the car is driven in as well as the type of vehicle the clutch is in. In hot climates the transmission fluid will typically run hotter and as a result can burn out parts more quickly. To get the most life out of your clutch and avoid a clutch replacement Levrett and Allen’s Automotive suggests not using the clutch when not needed. When stopped at a traffic light for example it is best not to use the clutch to make the vehicle stand still. Rather take the car out of gear and use the brake pedal to let the transmission rest in neutral. This provides the clutch with the chance to rest instead of keeping pressure on it. Even more important than the previous suggestion, Levrett and Allen’s Automotive suggests not using the clutch pedal as a means to control the vehicle’s speed.

Changing the clutch in your car or truck is not dependent upon any specific time period or mileage level. Rather the clutch only need be changed when a malfunction is noticed. Vehicles that are mostly driven in and around city streets that are subject to frequent starts and stops, as compared to those driven around the roads of the greater Reno/Sparks area, are more prone to needing a clutch repair.

1. The team at Levrett and Allen’s Automotive tells our customers that one of the first indications of disc in a clutch wearing thin is a scratching sound heard when shifting gears. When this occurs it indicates that the disc did not complete its intended function of transferring power from the vehicle’s engine to the transmission.
2. An obvious signal that a clutch is in need of replacement is when attempting to overtake another vehicle or going up a steep incline, the engine’s revolutions go up without any increase in speed.
3. Another time to consider having your clutch replaced is when a lack of smoothness is noticed, or it is challenging shifting gears regardless of traveling at the correct speed.
4. Physically speaking, another sign the clutch in your car or truck is beginning to wear out and need replacement is with a shortened distance of the clutch pedal for proper disengagement.
5. Levrett and Allen’s Automotive can perform an inspection to determine the amount of wear and tear on the clutch. It should be noted though that even an inspection itself can contribute to shortening the life of a vehicle’s clutch and as such clutch inspections should not be done on a frequent basis. When one of the technicians at Levrett or Allen’s Automotive performs the inspection, the engine will be running and vehicle’s hand break will be engaged. Then, as acceleration is applied the clutch pedal will be raised while remaining in 3rd gear. The more time required to make the vehicle stall will indicate how much the clutch is worn out.