Take These Steps To Protect Your Car’s Clutch in Airway Heights

Your vehicle’s clutch is essential for shifting gears smoothly and managing the amount of power that is transferred to the wheels. On the other hand, some behaviors may overwork your clutch, causing early wear and possible damage. Below, we look at several bad habits that can seriously damage your car's clutch and how to avoid them. When your car or truck needs clutch repair in Airway Heights, WA, visit the team at Inland Sales & Service.

Poor Shifting

Poor shifting is one of the most prevalent bad habits that can seriously damage your car's clutch. This includes behaviors like forcing a gear shift without completely engaging the clutch or riding the clutch. Premature failure of the clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing may result from the wear and tear of these actions. Avoid excessive revving or aggressive driving techniques, shift gears smoothly and deliberately, and fully engage the clutch before changing gears to prevent damage. 

Towing Beyond Your Capacity

The extra weight you put on your car when you exceed its towing capacity strains the engine, transmission, and clutch, increasing wear and possible damage. Furthermore, while hauling large loads—particularly on steep inclines or in difficult terrain—the clutch may slip or burn out. Respect the towing capacity limits on your car and refrain from towing loads that are too heavy to prevent undue stress on the clutch. 

Using the Clutch on a Hill

Certain drivers may "ride" the clutch when on an incline. Because of this, the clutch parts are subjected to excessive heat and friction, which accelerates their deterioration. Furthermore, releasing the clutch suddenly without coordinating with the accelerator properly might cause the car to stall or roll backward, which puts additional strain on the clutch. Use the correct hill-start procedures, such as applying the handbrake to keep the car stationary while smoothly engaging the clutch and accelerator, to prevent needless wear.

Clutch Repair in Airway Heights, WA

Inland Sales and Service is a full-service auto repair shop in Airway Heights, providing reliable and high-integrity auto repair backed by a national warranty. Our experienced ASE-certified auto technicians expertly perform clutch repairs on all makes and models, with 6-month interest-free financing on approved credit. You can have your vehicle affordably repaired for safe driving now, and spread the cost over several months! Call our local auto repair shop at (509) 202-4025 to schedule an appointment with our experienced car mechanics or to request an estimate.