Clutch Repair Northampton - Jacksons MOT Centre
Jacksons MOT Center is well known in Northamptonshire for its high quality workshop.
We have been repairing and clutch replacement for the past 15 years and during this time we have fitted many clutch kits. We have the advantage of being able to source high quality replacement clutch kits normally for same day delivery. With modern day vehicles using DMF (Dual Mass Flywheels) we have the cutting edge in technology to detect any faults early to avoid extensive costs in replacement parts.
If you have the feeling that there might be something wrong with your vehicle's clutch, please come to see us. At Jacksons MOT Centre, we offer a free clutch check. This service can be carried out while you wait and there is no need to book in advance. If you think there's a problem with your clutch, simply come over to us and have one of our experienced mechanics have a look and do a non-obligatory check. This way, you will know straight away what is going on and you can decide what to do.
Below we have put some information together for you about the clutch you might find of interest:
Functions and service life of the clutch
The clutch is the link between the engine and the gearbox and is responsible for transmitting the power of the engine to the gearbox and thus to the road. On vehicles with a classic manual gearbox, the clutch has the function of transmitting the force of the engine to the gearbox. In order for the car to stop and to enable the gear change, the driver can interrupt the flow of power between the engine and the transmission with the clutch. To do this, the clutch pedal is stepped on. Only the complete passage of the clutch pedal releases the rotating components and prevents the friction of the parts.
Function of the clutch
The clutch is actuated directly by the driver only in the case of manual gearboxes. Therefore, cars with automatic control do not have a clutch pedal. A clutch allows the engine and gearbox to be separated. As a result, the transmission of the motor power to the road is no longer possible. The engine is idling. This is possible by dividing the friction connection within the clutch.
By actuating the clutch pedal, the pressure plates are separated, which stops the flow of power from the engine to the transmission. When changing gears, the clutch allows a slow force transmission through a "grind". For the reason, it is important to find the right speed to "let" the clutch. This prevents a rough start-up or an exaggerated long "grind".
Service life of a clutch
The clutch is generally considered to be a wear part of the drive, although a change is fortunately not common. The life of the clutch depends on many factors. The main factor is the driver him/her self. If he/she switches regularly, damage to the clutch is almost unavoidable. However, taking into account some basic rules, changing the clutch is perhaps only necessary once, or even not at all, in an entire life span of a car.
However, other things may also play a role in the defect of the clutch. A clutch is stressed by large temperature fluctuations, running mechanical wear and possible oil loss.
Damage caused by the clutch
For hydraulic clutches, oil loss can cause hydraulic failure. This malfunction makes the shifting into the gears more difficult and can even make the gear shifting impossible for the driver.
A mechanical output is also available with good handling and exemplary driving. However, this continuous abrasion is negligible. Today's clutches are very sturdy and durable, so they have to be completely worn out and replaced only if they are not properly treated.
Tips for avoiding clutch failure. The cost of a clutch change is different and depends mainly on labor time. However, even in the case of the more cost-effective variants, a change is comparatively expensive, since an expansion of the motor and of the transmission is usually accompanied. So how can I prevent damage and clutch repair in the first place?
The following basic rules in daily traffic should be considered:
The so-called "grinding" of the clutch should be avoided as often as possible. Do not overload the car above the prescribed weight limit. On slopes, do not wait with a grinding clutch, but use the brake. Do not allow the foot to rest on the clutch while driving. There may be slight tapping on the clutch.
Do not skip any gears when shifting as higher speed differences will cause the clutch to load.
With these simple tricks you can use your clutch in most cases for a lifetime and expensive repairs may possibly be prevented. If you encounter problems with your clutch, despite all precautions, please come to see us.
