FAQs

Here are five common signs that your clutch may need attention or replacement:

1. Difficulty shifting into different gears, especially when the vehicle is in motion.
2. Slipping or jerking when the engine revs but the car doesn’t accelerate as expected.
3. A noticeable burning smell, resembling that of burnt toast or paper, could indicate your clutch is overheating.
4. Noisy clutch pedal, such as squealing or grinding noise when pressing down on the clutch pedal may suggest issues with the release bearings.
5. A hard clutch pedal can make gear shifts more challenging, and could indicate a problem with the linkage between the clutch pedal and the clutch disk.

Before checking your clutch, make sure your car is switched off, then press the clutch pedal. If it feels soft and spongy, sticks instead of bouncing back, or squeaks, these could be signs of clutch problems. To test it further, turn on your ignition, set the handbrake firmly, switch to third gear, and slowly release the clutch pedal. If your car doesn’t stall, it may suggest you need a clutch replacement.

The flywheel plays an essential role in linking the clutch system to the transmission. Think of it as a hefty metallic circle, marked by a series of teeth around its edge, similar to a giant gear. The purpose of these teeth is to mesh with the starter motor, assisting in the ignition of the engine.