Wearing down of the clutch is a very prevalent car fault and is one of the most expensive things for a mechanic to fix. Over time your clutch will naturally wear but there are ways that you can dramatically improve the longevity of your clutch.
The first mistake people make is using their clutch to slow down. This is not recommended as it is not the intended purpose of the clutch. If you are prone to using your clutch to slow down then this is a habit that you should try to quit in order to save you money in the long term. A brake pad replacement procedure is usually only a quarter of the price of clutch replacement so bear this is mind next time you are driving and coming to a stop.
What is called ‘riding the clutch’ is attributed to wearing the clutch down prematurely. Riding the clutch is where your clutch is neither disengaged nor fully engaged and is somewhere between, partially engaged. Essentially you should always have the clutch fully in or be off the clutch entirely, holding the clutch partially engaged creates stress between the clutch disc and the flywheel and wears these parts down.
Similarly, poor clutch control can also result in abnormal wear on your clutch. When the clutch is not engaged or released properly it causes an extra pressure on your clutch plate. If you find that you are not decisive with your clutch movements and that instead you tend to hover over the clutch you should try and improve your clutch control to prevent this form of clutch wear from occurring.
If you feel your clutch control is good you can aim to further improve it. You can do this by not simply finding the biting point but by knowing your biting point and releasing it more efficiently. Aim to slowly release the clutch pedal as you move off by resting at the biting point before lifting. This may take a few attempts to master but will significantly improve the lifespan of the clutch.
Try to make sure that your clutch is either fully engaged or completely disengaged to reap the benefits of less clutch wear and also less wear on fuel and brake pads. If you suspect clutch damage be sure to bring your vehicle to MB Services for an expert car diagnostics service. We are diesel engine specialists who regularly perform diesel pump repairs alongside our expert clutch repair services, so come in and see us if you live in and around Sheffield.