The average lifespan of a clutch is anywhere between 20,000 to 150,000 miles. Luckily, your clutch will likely give you ample notice that something is going wrong.
Generally speaking, most clutches will last for around 60,000 miles – but this can vary from as little as 30,000 miles to as much as 100,000 miles. This can depend on many factors, and not all of them are possible to control.
As a general rule, your car clutch will need to be replaced every 100,000 kilometres. However, you may need a clutch service or replacement more often depending on how you use your car.
#1 Irving Gordon: 1966 Volvo 1800S
An even crazier feat was the fact that his original clutch (yes, this is a manual transmission vehicle) lasted a whopping 450,000 miles! (For reference the average lifespan of a clutch is around 50,000 miles with some people seeing 100,000 miles if properly taken care of.)
As a rule of thumb, most clutches will last in the region of 60,000 miles before the need for replacing. However, we have had to replace some at around 30,000 (or less), and we've seen some clutches that have continued to keep going past 100,000 miles.
Clutches tend to fail in one of two ways – either suddenly or gradually. With a sudden breakdown, the clutch ceases to work entirely and the car won't move. With gradual failure, you may experience problems such as the car not stopping when you press the pedal.
Most clutches are designed to last approximately 60,000 miles before they need to be replaced. Some may need replacing at 30,000 and some others can keep going well over 100,000 miles, but this is fairly uncommon.
Waiting at traffic lights or junctions with the clutch down, first gear engaged and your foot on the brake can put unnecessary strain on the clutch. It is much better to change into neutral if you are going to be stopped for any length of time and to use the handbrake to keep the car stationary.
A clutch if taken well care of can last for more than 70,000 kilometres while some have got their clutch plates replaced even at 10,000 kilometres.
Driving a car with a faulty clutch can cause further damage to your gearbox, starter motor or shifter. It is important to resolve any damage spotted with your clutch.
Replacing a clutch is a major job. Your mechanic will need to remove your car's drive shaft and transmission. This being the case, it makes sense to take any steps you can to save money.
The average cost for a Clutch Replacement is between $1,253 and $1,428. Labor costs are estimated between $584 and $737 while parts are priced between $669 and $691.
Changing Gear Incorrectly
A common problem for new drivers is they find it hard to change gear quickly and smoothly, not doing so not only makes for a bumpy ride – but can damage your clutch and gearbox. When you are changing gear, be decisive, this will make the whole process a lot smoother.
Here are some of the signs your clutch is going out: Squeaking or unusual grumbling noise when pressure is applied. Difficulty changing gears. The clutch pedal sticking, vibrating or appearing to feel spongey or loose.
Engine braking, or shifting gears to reduce your speed, can damage your drivetrain, especially the clutch and transmission. Using your gears to brake when travelling, especially at higher speeds, can shorten the lifespan of your engine, so using your brake pedals lightly is the best practice for this.
Using the clutch to slow down works in tandem with the accelerator pedal. Let off the gas and let your car slow down a bit. Then press the clutch, downshift, and ease the clutch back out. If you time it right, you will feel a firm but smooth deceleration.
When it comes to repairing a clutch, labour costs can make up a significant portion of the overall price. This is because the process involves removing the transmission from the vehicle, disassembling the clutch system, and replacing any worn or damaged components.
Press the clutch as far down as you can and take your foot off. It should come back up to its starting position quickly. However, if it gets stuck or comes up slowly, then it's starting to wear out. You should also feel even resistance in the pedal as you press it down.
With the vehicle stopped, and in a safe place, start out in 4th gear, and slowly release the clutch while giving the engine gas. If the clutch is in good condition, the car should stall - if there's any slipping, you'll probably feel it, and should disengage the clutch right away to prevent further damage.
The time it takes to replace a clutch can vary depending on the type of vehicle you have, but it's generally between two and six hours. For many, this means you could take your car into the garage in the morning and get it back the very same day!
Most often, a clutch burns out due to the excessive heat generated from a clutch slipping or clutch misuse which creates excessive heat and an acidic smell. Similarly, to a car's brake pads, a clutch's friction materials are designed to wear down slowly through normal use.