As transmission service professionals can tell you, there isn’t really an exact life expectancy for the clutch in your manual transmission. Over time, riding the clutch for too long can cause this crucial auto part to wear out, leading to serious issues in your transmission’s performance. So how do you know the clutch is the reason you need transmission service? The team at Northgate Transmissions in Cincinnati, OH, says you should watch out for a few key signs.

The following are common indicators of problems with your clutch:

• Burning Smells: That burnt rubber smell may not be coming from your tires! This bothersome aroma occurs after riding the clutch for an extended period of time has caused the plate to overheat. The burnt rubber smell is sometimes accompanied by smoke, but drivers would do well to have a transmission service team check out the clutch regardless of whether or not smoke is appearing.
• Gear Slips: Does your car ever slip completely out of gear? This can be a serious (and dangerous) problem that occurs after your manual clutch has worn down. Gear slippage is especially common during acceleration or when driving uphill. This is another sure sign you need repairs or a replacement.
• Trouble Shifting: When your manual clutch is worn or damaged, you’ll likely have a more difficult time shifting gears because the clutch no longer engages smoothly. Your car will probably shake when you shift, or you might hear a loud grinding noise. These issues most commonly start when you’re driving in first gear or in reverse, but they’ll eventually spread to other gears if they’re not repaired quickly.

Whether you need minor repairs or a total clutch replacement, the team at Northgate Transmissions will keep your vehicle operating at optimal performance. To learn more about their transmission service offerings, visit them online or call (513) 385-4400.