Driving a European automobile with a manual transmission is so much fun. You are in control of the automobile and can pretend you are a racecar driver. Just don’t go so fast that you end up with a speeding ticket. RB Auto Service is going to list the signs of clutch problems in your European automobile below. It’s important to have these issues addressed as soon as possible to avoid damaging the clutch and manual transmission further.
A Burning Clutch
If your clutch is beginning to smell hot when you use it, it is slipping. What this means is that the clutch does not remain engaged even though you haven’t released it yet. This is an indication that we need to check the internal mechanisms of the clutch to see if they need to be replaced.
A Spongy Clutch
You may also notice a significant difference in the resistance the clutch gives your foot. For example, if the clutch feels spongy, it needs to be adjusted at a minimum or replaced. The clutch may also give you excess resistance making it hard to press it down so that it reaches the catch point.
Engine Hesitation
When you press down on the clutch, you take the power away from the engine and send it to the transmission. If the clutch is unable to complete this action, you will notice that your vehicle’s acceleration and the engine begin to hesitate, especially after you have shifted gears.
Gear Problems
Speaking of gears, a faulty clutch is going to give you gear problems. It’s going to make it difficult to get your vehicle out of neutral and into first gear. It may also make it nearly impossible to shift through the gear cycle when you need to. This is definitely a sign that the clutch needs to be replaced.
Grinding Noises
Grinding noises happen frequently when you are learning how to drive an automobile that is equipped with a manual transmission. Once you are used to the manual transmission, however, you shouldn’t hear the gears grind when you shift them. If you do, the clutch is not staying engaged. It is slipping.
High Catch Point
Finally, you may notice a difference in where the clutch catches when you press down on it. A worn clutch will have a higher catch point than normal.
Call RB Auto Service in Pinellas Park, FL, today if you are having problems with your European automobiles clutch. We’d be happy to inspect it and adjust it or replace it if necessary.