The Importance Of Clutch And Gearbox Maintenance

By Author: Crawford becks
Total Articles: 11
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Gearbox and clutch repair and replacement in Birmingham can be one of the more expensive ways of maintaining your car so knowing how to conserve your transmission and how to recognise the signs that it is failing can save you time and money. Treated with care, a clutch can last for 100,000 miles, indeed some clutches last for significantly longer than this, though the average is in the 50,000 mile to 70,000 mile area, depending on car make and model. Clutches can also wear very quickly, especially in areas with lots of steep hills, if the vehicle is used for towing or if the vehicle is regularly used off-road. Even a hotter climate can negatively affect the clutch and gearbox.

For the driver, there are several things to keep in mind that will all help to prolong the life of the clutch. Most obviously, don’t ride the clutch. Keep your foot on the floor and not resting on the clutch pedal when driving otherwise you will be causing unnecessary wear to the clutch plate. Even depressing the clutch pedal slightly will cause the clutch plates to move together which in turn will cause wear. Using the clutch rather than the ...
... accelerator while in slow moving traffic will also wear the clutch out more quickly. The clutch should only be depressed to change gear. While waiting at traffic lights don’t keep the car in gear with the clutch pedal pressed down as this too will wear the clutch more quickly. Slipping the clutch when the car pulls away will also increase the rate that the clutch wears out, although this is generally inevitable when pulling away on a steep hill.

Gearbox Replacement is also expensive and can mean that your car is off the road for several days, so it is worth conserving your gearbox just as you would the clutch. Make sure that the transmission fluid is always topped up. Levels should be checked once a year or once every 12,000 miles, and once every six months if you use your car for a lot of towing. Ensuring that the transmission fluid is checked and changed when the rest of the oil levels are checked and changed during a standard service will make this easy to remember. Any mysterious knocking or rattling noises coming from the gearbox should promptly be checked by a reputable garage. Likewise, a burning smell coming from the transmission area could signify that the clutch or gearbox is in need of repair or replacement. Driving style can also affect the life of a gearbox. Driving aggressively, crashing through the gears and lots of stopping and starting can all have a negative effect on your gearbox.

A1 Clutches is a leading clutch specialist in Birmingham with over twenty years’ experience in the field of clutch and gearbox repair and replacement. If you are worried that your clutch may be failing or in need of repair one of our highly trained technicians will carry out a free and no obligation check. There is no need to book for this service as it will only take a few minutes while you wait. Simply call in to one of our service centres and we will do the rest.