Clutches

Your clutch may last until your odometer hits 200,000 kilometres, but it could be more or less depending on how you drive and how you use your clutch. Regardless, your clutch will eventually wear and need to be replaced. On a small car, a clutch replacement can cost from $800 to $1500 or up. It depends on a number of variables including: the make, the models, and the year of manufacture.

The clutch is one of the most important components of your car’s drivetrain and transmission. It allows manual car drivers to change gears smoothly while the car’s in motion. It does this by engaging and disengaging power from the engine to the gearbox.

Is it hard to get your gear stick into certain gears? Do you smell burning after changing gears or taking off on a hill. Maybe your clutch pedal isn’t completely returning to its original position or your car shudders when you change gears. Or maybe you’ve just noticed a difference in how your clutch or gearbox operates — whatever it is, bring your car in.

Our mechanics will first remove the transmission to replace both the clutch and the pressure plate. If it’s needed, they’ll replace the flywheel and slave cylinder while they’re at it. They’ll then change the clutch fluid and ensure the clutch is bedded in. Finally, they’ll test drive the car for quality assurance.

Stop putting unnecessary strain on your clutch. Where it’s possible, leave your car in neutral at traffic lights, rather than sitting in first gear with your foot on the clutch. Stop riding the clutch while your car is in motion, you should only put your foot on the clutch to change gears or take off. Remember, clutches can get expensive — don’t wear it out if you don’t have to.

Remember, clutch replacements on bigger cars like SUVs and 4WDs typically costs more. These bigger cars have slightly more complex drivetrains and transmissions, so there’s more labour involved, resulting in higher labour costs.

A faulty clutch is unsafe and can put you, your passengers, and others on the road in danger. It’s also important to get your clutch checked and/or repaired because ignoring the warning signs and leaving a repair until the last minute almost always results in more expensive repairs.