Berkeley, CA | Avoid These Mistakes If You Want the Clutch Plate to Last

Do you want your car’s clutch plate to last longer? Here is what you need to do.

The clutch plate is a crucial component of your car. However, with regular use, the clutch plate tends to wear out. The clutch plate can last for a long time if you use it properly. Unfortunately, many of us engage in bad habits that tend to destroy the clutch and lowers its lifespan. In this article, we shall discuss the habits that we should avoid to protect our car’s clutch plates and make them last longer.

So, let’s begin. 

Incorrect Shifting 

Shifting without disengaging the clutch or letting the clutch pedal out when you aren’t entirely in gear can also ruin your clutch pedals. Another bad habit that destroys the clutch plate is jamming the gears, while the clutch isn’t pressed down. 

Clutch Riding 

Clutch riding is another mistake that ruins your clutch plate. The irony is that most drivers don’t even know the hideous crime they are engaging in. Experienced drivers do it when they drive in heavy traffic. You must remember that if the clutch pedal isn’t entirely up, the clutch plate is wearing down. It is perfectly alright to engage the clutch pedal, as long as you are doing it smoothly. The lesser you engage or disengage your pedal, the longer your clutch plate will last. 

Holding the Car Uphill with a Pressed Clutch 

Rolling back can be overwhelming and somewhat scary, even for the best of drivers. Hence, these drivers find the perfect spot on their clutch pedal to ensure a perfect balance. This habit can destroy the clutch. While on a hill, the best way to stop is by pulling the handbrake. When it’s time to go, you can slowly release the handbrake, while engaging the clutch simultaneously. You might need to practice this a bit to get the hang of it. 

Driving With a Contaminated Clutch 

Clutch contamination isn’t very common, but it isn’t a rarity either. Clutch contamination refers to the process of a fluid coming in contact with the clutch disk, thus shortening the lifespan. Clutch contamination usually occurs because of a leaky rear main seal. However, the clutch can be contaminated by any fluid, including the hydraulic fluid in your clutch cylinders. If the clutch plate isn’t installed correctly, grease can also come into contact with it. Driving around with a contaminated cutch plate can ruin your clutch plate. Make sure your clutch plate is appropriately maintained and free from all sorts of contamination.

These were some of the many mistakes that ruin your clutch plate and minimize its lifespan. For more information, seek help from a professional auto-mechanic in Berkeley, CA.

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