Extending your manual clutch life

Clutch replacement can be very expensive.

Clutch replacement can range between $500 and $2,500 (depending on what car you drive), it’s one of the most expensive replacements, beside the engine itself.

To avoid this particularly nasty bill, it’s important to do everything in your power to extend your clutch life: 

• DO NOT ride your clutch. This is one of the most common issue of a worn out clutch. It’s also one of the quickest ways of burning money. Avoid pressing down on your clutch pedal and accelerator at the same time, as this can also cause damage to your transmission.
• Use your clutch only when you have to. When you stop at anywhere, neutral and just release the clutch. Keeping the clutch pedal depressed will wear out the clutch and pumps faster.
• The clutch pedal is NOT a foot rest. Driving a manual car can sometimes be a pain, especially if you’re in a jam. But no matter how tired your clutch leg gets, do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal when you’re not using it. Doing this on a consistent basis can wear down your clutch release bearing.
• Use your hand brake. Leaving your car in gear when parked on a hill can prevent your car from rolling, but the stress can also wear out your clutch. As a best practice, always make sure your hand brake is engaged.

Practice makes perfect. Learning how to use your clutch to shift smoothly between gears is a good area to focus on. By doing so, you can prevent premature clutch replacement.