We are serious. Del Hatt Automotive is the best auto shop in Poughkeepsie, and clutch problems are no match for us. We can adjust your clutch when it needs it, which is generally every 6,000 miles, and we can also repair, rebuild, or replace the clutch when it has gone bad. We are going to list the signs of a bad clutch below so you know what to look for in your automobile.
Pedal Resistance Changes
When the pedal’s resistance changes underneath your foot, this is generally a sign that the clutch needs to be replaced. The clutch will feel softer than normal and may slip all the way to the floorboard. Depending on the condition of the clutch, we may be able to replace the internal mechanisms to restore the clutch pedal’s resistance. If we are unable to do this, we can replace the clutch.
Clutch Bite Point Changes
The resistance is not the only thing that changes in an old clutch that needs to be replaced. The bite point also changes. This is the point where you shift the gears before you release the clutch. This point gets higher as the clutch ages. The change in bite point may be so subtle at first that you do not notice it. The higher it gets, however, you will realize that the clutch is catching in a different place.
Overheating/Smelling Hot
Another sign that your clutch is going bad is overheating. You will smell the hot odors emitting from the clutch when you use it. The overheating is an indication that the clutch is slipping. What this means is that the clutch does not stay engaged long enough for the power to transfer from the engine to the transmission. Aside from the hot odors, this can cause all sorts of problems.
Problems Shifting Gears
One of those problems is difficulty shifting the gears. The gears will grind when you attempt to shift them if the power is not with the transmission. You may also feel as if you are forcing the transmission to shift the gears, which can damage it.
Problems Accelerating
Your vehicle will also have a difficult time accelerating once you release the clutch because the power is not with the transmission. The transmission needs the power for a brief moment longer so it can turn the drivetrain and wheels.
Call Del Hatt Automotive in Poughkeepsie, NY, today to set up a service appointment for a clutch inspection if you are having clutch problems.
