AN expert mechanic has revealed an easy mistake that could be damaging your clutch – but there is an easy fix.
Tom from TMS Automotive in Faversham, Kent, explained how you could actually be putting extra strain on your motor through some bad habits.
GettyAn expert mechanic has explained why a common bad habit could cost you hundreds[/caption]
Taking to TikTok, Tom urged viewers to treat their clutch with care and love as it’s such a vital part in the smooth running of the car.
He said: “Avoid slipping the clutch for too long.
“When you pull away, don’t leave the clutch in a state of halfway up, halfway down as it will wear it out much quicker
“Also don’t drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal as that leaves it under a state of tension…it can slip easier.”
To understand why this is an issue you have to know how a clutch works in most cars.
There are multiple different types of clutch which differ in design but in basic terms, when you push the clutch pedal in a manual car this presses together plates in the clutch basket which use friction to regulate the speed of rotation.
This process relies on the plates, as well as the input cables and the springs that press them together, being in good condition.
If you wear your clutch out, it may begin to slip, meaning that the plates do not lock up properly together and the gear is missed.
The more this happens, the faster your clutch will continue to wear.
To avoid this, Tom advised driving “smoothly” by trying to maintain a steady speed and emphasised the importance of proper gear changes.
Try not to take off or stop too abruptly and make sure to keep your foot off the clutch until you need it.
And it could save you big in the long run as a clutch replacement can cost anywhere between £500 and £1,000 depending on the make and model of your motor.
It comes after a car dealer explained why you should hold off on buying a second-hand car in the New Year.
Meanwhile, an expert revealed the hidden code that could save you from a breakdown as Storm Gerrit brings in an icy blast.