Does Your Car Need Clutch Repair?

If you begin having trouble with changing gears, don't automatically assume you need a full transmission repair. Often these problems lie in the clutch assembly and clutch repair is often a simple and straightforward process. Your trusted Minehead Motors technicians will be able to diagnose the issue for certain, but getting these repairs done sooner rather than later can prevent bigger transmission issues from occurring down the road.

So how can you tell whether your clutch needs work? Here are a few common signs to look for.

Shaking or rough gear changing

Difficulty with gear changing (particularly a rough transition between gears, or shaking when changing gears) is one of the most common signs that the clutch is wearing out. You're most likely to experience this symptom when putting the vehicle into reverse or first gear.

Clutch is slipping

Does your car rev on occasion for no reason? Or does it seem to lose its get-up-and-go when you're climbing hills or accelerating? These are common symptoms of a clutch that's slipping--inconsistently engaging the gears. If you experience this, it's likely that you need clutch repair.

"Is something burning?"

When the clutch is worn, it produces an unusual amount of friction, the heat from which can cause a strong burning odour. You'll definitely want to take the car in for an inspection if you smell this.

Inconsistencies in the clutch pedal

When the clutch is working correctly, the clutch should take hold when the pedal is 1-2 inches up from the floorboard. If the pedal starts to feel "spongy" or if there is too much play in the pedal, chances are the clutch is getting worn.

Does the car "jerk" into gear when you release the clutch? Or are you hearing odd noises while changing gears? These symptoms frequently point to contaminants on the clutch or the gears (like oil), and while it may not mean the clutch is officially worn out, it can certainly shorten the life of your clutch.

Once again, if you notice these symptoms, it's important to have the car checked as soon as possible by a trusted auto repair technician, because a worn clutch left unrepaired can result in more expensive repairs to the transmission later on. For reliable auto and transmission repairs in, Minehead Motors has been providing outstanding, affordable service to its customers for many years. For a diagnosis on whether your car needs clutch repair, they can be reached at