Vehicles with manual transmissions behave a little differently than those with automatic ones, especially when it comes to the clutch. Knowing when your clutch is experiencing issues may help you catch any serious problems before they require transmission repairs. Here are a few tips on how to determine when it’s time for you to switch out your old clutch. 

When Is a New Clutch Needed? 

1. When Your Clutch Refuses to Stay in Gear

One of the most common signs of a failing clutch is when it slips out of gear for no reason. This can be quite dangerous if you slip into a lower gear while driving, so you should bring in your car for transmission repairs as soon as you notice a problem. When your vehicle is having trouble staying in gear, you’ll often also be able to hear your engine revving and smell something burning. 

2. You Have Trouble Changing Gears 

Your manual transmission and clutch pedal should be able to work smoothly together to change in and out of gears. If you have to force the gear change, the hydraulic fluid your clutch relies on could be low. You may also have a mechanical problem, such as a faulty disc or pressure plate. These problems are often difficult to diagnose and require the keen eye of a trained transmission repair expert. 

3. Reduced Clutch Pedal Resistance 

A functioning clutch pedal will offer resistance when pushed down to the floor to make it easier for the driver to switch between gears. But over time, this resistance diminishes and can make driving awkward when the pedal seems to fall to the floor when pressed. Bring your car in for a checkup to determine the extent of this problem, for which the solution might require transmission repair. 

If you’re having issues with your manual clutch, Precision Auto Repair in Kailua-Kona, HI, will be happy to share their expert knowledge with you. Equipped to perform everything from oil changes to transmission repairs, they’ve been helping residents in the area find affordable solutions to all of their auto problems since 2010. They also offer Ricky dollar discounts—$10 off any repair over $50—which can be found in the Keola Magazine and Best of Kona feature. Call (808) 329-7223 to schedule a service appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.