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Signs your clutch is on its way out
Slipping, a high biting point, judder or noises: the warning signs of a worn clutch, and why the flywheel matters too.
A clutch is a wear item, so it will need replacing eventually. How long it lasts depends heavily on how and where the car is driven: lots of town driving, hill starts and towing all shorten its life.
Warning signs
- Slipping: the revs rise when you accelerate but the car doesn't speed up to match, most noticeable in higher gears or uphill
- A biting point that's much higher than it used to be
- Judder when pulling away
- Difficulty getting into gear, or crunching, which can mean the clutch isn't releasing fully
- A burning smell after a hill start or heavy traffic
- Rattles or knocks at idle that change when you press the pedal, often a sign of a worn dual-mass flywheel
Why the flywheel matters
Many modern diesels and larger petrol cars use a dual-mass flywheel, which absorbs vibration from the engine. They wear too, and a worn one can damage a new clutch. When we replace a clutch we check the flywheel and tell you if it needs doing, so you don't pay for the labour twice.
Don't leave it too long
A slipping clutch generates heat that can glaze or damage the flywheel. Getting it done at the first signs is usually cheaper than waiting until it won't drive.