Driving a manual car in South Africa often comes with several benefits; among these comes lower purchase costs, better control and more fuel efficiency – however, one of the biggest problems many drivers cannot escape is the wear and tear of smaller yet very important components.
Among these is your vehicle’s clutch system. The clutch pedal is often found located on the floor of your foot and acts as one of the more important components needed to get you to your destination.
“A car clutch is essentially a mechanical device that connects and disconnects the engine’s power from the transmission, allowing you to change gears smoothly. It’s an essential component of manual transmissions, serving as the intermediary between the engine and the wheels,” explains the car insurance company Acko.
Aside from this, it is also known to perform a series of other functions, including starting the car from a standstill, preventing damage to the transmission, and is vital in ensuring an extra level of safety.
Acko further states that “The clutch can be used as a safety feature in emergencies. By depressing the clutch pedal, the driver can quickly disengage the power from the wheels, which can help regain control or prevent the vehicle from lurching forward in certain situations.”
Because the clutch is one of the primary components of the vehicle, it is prone to experiencing wear and tear, sometimes even prematurely.
Here is why, as highlighted by the vehicle servicing company, Sunrise Service Centre:
Riding clutch: The above-mentioned publication highlights that many of us are guilty of riding the clutch. This often occurs when we use our clutch to crawl in traffic. It is stated that if the clutch is not all the way up or all the way down, this causes significant damage.
Forgetting to service your car: Trained professionals are equipped to identify when it is time to replace or fix your clutch and other components. Taking your vehicle for regular servicing will help avoid being surprised in the future.
Incorrect gear change: Incorrect gear changes will cause your vehicle to jerk. This damages both your gearbox and clutch pedal.
Here’s how you can lengthen the lifespan of your clutch
- Drive smoothly and try not to suddenly accelerate or brake hard. It’s best to accelerate gradually and brake with plenty of stopping distance.
- Have your vehicle serviced regularly and keep to the manufacturer’s schedules wherever possible.
- Avoid overloading your vehicle.
- Use the correct gear, especially when driving up or down hills.
