Car Clutch Tips – How to Choose a Clutch for your Car?

Are you new to driving cars and wondering what a car clutch is? Or, how does a car clutch work? Or, where is the clutch in a car? Having complete control over the clutch is a tough job for any newbie. A few people do get the grasp of it in the first learning session, whereas many of us struggle to keep the car from stalling.

For a safe driving experience, it is crucial to understand this particular car component that guides us when we drive. Here’s our brief guide on how to choose a clutch for your car, along with some car clutch tips.

Let’s start from the basics.

What is a Car Clutch?

A clutch is a component of the car that helps connect two or more rotating shafts. The clutch controls the connection between the shaft that is coming from the engine and turns the wheel. It happens in a manual car. Since the engine is generating energy all the time, the clutch becomes an essential part of the car for constantly rotating the shafts.

When it comes to changing speed or completely stopping the car without turning the engine off, your car clutch plays a major role. It helps in breaking the connection between the wheels and the engine temporarily.

Do Automatic Cars Have a Clutch?

A lot of people opt for automatic cars to reduce the stress of handling the clutch. The most common problem they face is the lack of preparation by not looking at what is happening right in front. As a new learning driver, we tend to wait for the car in front of us to move before we understand it’s time for us to operate the clutch. It does take them some time to prepare themselves to move. The lack of clutch in automatic cars makes it a number one choice for new learners.

How Does a Clutch Work?

To have total control of the clutch, having a basic understanding of how it works is a must. When your engine is on, it is constantly spinning. It is the clutch that separates your wheels from the engine. Had there been no clutch, it would be impossible to stop the car with the engine turned on. In the same way, it would be impossible to move the vehicle from the stationary position. The clutch makes it possible to change the gear and speed of your car.

If you are new to learning clutch control, make sure you practice it on a flat and quiet road while wearing a seatbelt. Ignite the engine and turn off the handbrake, and you are safe to practice.

Let’s understand how to choose a clutch for your car!

How to Choose a Clutch for Your Car?

Four categories of users determine your car clutch need; personal use, commercial use, street performance, and race track. Each of them works differently, so here’s how to choose a clutch for your car!

Personal Use: When it comes to personal use cars, the cost of maintenance and ease of use are necessary factors. For such cases, look for a clutch kit with OE parts for better results. It is quite affordable and has everything you need in one place. This kit comes with a 12 months warranty along with 12000 miles. If you are not planning on replacing your car with a new one, this is a must-try clutch kit. Remember, the most expensive part of the clutch business is its installation.

Commercial Use: If you have a commercial vehicle, such as a pickup truck, try out the moderately upgraded clutch kit with long-life friction. It is crucial to let your clutch supplier be aware of any modification in the torque rating and horsepower of the engine. Be accurate about any alterations so that the clutch matches your truck accurately. Another important recommendation is carbonic buttons that are suitable for any modified vehicle.

Street Performance: Just like the commercial vehicles, street performing cars too follow the same guidelines. These vehicles require a Stage 2 clutch kit that allows the vehicle to be accurate for driving. For highly modified cars, stages 3, 4 and 5 are also available with increased clamp loads. Refer to a clutch supplier carefully before taking any action.

Racing Car: For racing cars, you require multi-plate clutch packs with smaller diameters for instant response. It is a high-end friction material, lightened high-strength alloys, and application release system.

FAQs -Car Clutch Tips

When should I press the clutch in my car?

You should press the clutch when shifting gear

How can I improve my clutch control?

To get complete control of your clutch, you need to look for a quiet and flat area to practise. Release the hand brake and depress the clutch down into the first gear. Give your accelerator a gentle nudge and slowly raise the clutch until the car starts to move forward.

How to change gears smoothly?

When it comes to changing gear smoothly, you need to maintain light pressure on the accelerator pedal as you press the clutch down. Clutch up gently while you change the gear. Using your accelerator when the engine speed has matched the road speed will give you a jerk-free gear change.

How do you use the clutch in traffic?

When it comes to moving in city traffic, you need to wait for the car ahead to move a few feet away and then shift into first gear. Release the clutch fully and move ahead carefully. If you need to stop in traffic, press the clutch, shift to neutral and release the clutch.

How long should the clutch last?

The clutches are designed in a way that they can last approximately 60,000 miles before you replace them. However, some clutches need replacing at 30,000 miles, while some can go up to 100,000 miles depending on the way you drive and the car model you have.

Bottom Line

Having complete control of your car is essential for safe driving. Learning car clutch tips helps a lot in handling your car smoothly. Understand what your vehicle is trying to convey to you. In case you find it tough to identify any issue in your car, seek help from a professional. Indulge in annual maintenance to detect any abnormalities!