At Ekart Automotive in Manhattan, KS, we’ve witnessed our fair share of burnt out and broken clutches. While clutch failure is an inevitability, there are a variety of ways to make sure yours lasts as long as possible.

Practice good driving habits. Don’t rev your engine too hard when you take off; if you accelerate correctly, your passengers won’t be able to tell whether or not they’re in an automatic by the way the vehicle moves from a stop. If you’re revving too high as you let off the clutch, the clutch is slipping, which significantly increases both wear and tear, and the risk of heat related damage.

Don’t use the clutch to transition from backwards motion into forward motion. Reverse, come to a complete stop, then take off to avoid damaging your clutch. There’s a lot of torque transferred through a clutch as it is; your car isn’t designed to handle such a stressful change in momentum.

Maintain smooth shifting throughout the range of your driving. Hard shifts and shifting at incorrect times can cause slippage, break your clutch disk, or cause spring failure. By practicing smooth gear transitions, you reduce the stress on your clutch and keep it operational for many miles to come.

Whether it’s finally time for a new clutch, you simply need an oil change, or require any maintenance or repair in between, trust the expert mechanics at Ekart Automotive with your vehicle. Our technicians know how to service your car, truck, or SUV, with the quality parts and excellent service you’re looking for. Call or come by anytime.