‘Riding the clutch’ may be a phrase you have heard before when talking about driving a car; but what is it and what issues can arise?
First the basic principle of clutch control is to fully disengage the clutch when changing gear by pressing the clutch pedal to the floor and re-engage by lifting off the pedal. This process allows smooth gear changes without gears crashing into each other.
The term riding the clutch refers to when a driver fails to allow the clutch pedal to fully rise back to it’s regular position. This may be due to the driver ‘resting’ their foot on the peddle or keeping their pedal slightly depressed in a driving position. This may be caused by a poor driving position which should be remedied by adjusting the seat position for a better driving position. Many car manufacturers have introduced off-clutch footrests by the clutch pedal to encourage drivers to avoid driving with their foot resting on the clutch peddle.
Riding the clutch is a common issue for learner drivers, but can be an issue for any driver that picks up the habit.
When a driver rides the clutch a tell-tale sign damage is being caused to the clutch is a distinctive burning smell from the clutch plates as they slip on the gearbox shaft.
The clutch is considered a wear and tear item and so is not covered by manufacturers warranty. Avoid excessive clutch wear by avoiding riding the clutch.
At Premier Group we recently saw a classic case of clutch riding causing damage for a Ford Fiesta. Once the clutch casing was removed a large amount of debris fell to the floor. This was one of the worst cases of riding the clutch we have seen! The mechanic team were able to clean the flywheel and remove all debris before fitting a new clutch.
See the images taken during the clutch replacement below.
If you require a new clutch for any make or model in the Cannock area please call Premier Group on (01543) 426378 for efficient work at great value prices.
