Tom,
I own a beautiful 2006 Mustang GT with a manual transmission and hydraulic clutch system. I have been told that, with a cable clutch system, it is not good to leave the clutch engaged when stopped because it causes excess wear on the clutch system. Is this true? Does it apply to hydraulic clutches as well? Also, do you have any other advice that might save wear-and-tear on the clutch and transmission?
Jeannette from Boise, ID
Jeannette,
This is a fallacy! Clutches, throw-out bearings, and clutch plates are designed to be engaged and disengaged over their lifetimes (usually about 60 - 90K miles, depending on how you drive). Go ahead and hold your clutch pedal down at the stoplight any time you feel like it! As for how to make the clutch last as long as possible? Don't ride the clutch when taking off from a stop! Make sure it is completely engaged (foot OFF the pedal) before accelerating from a dead stop. Enjoy your beautiful Mustang.
Tom
With over 27 years in the automotive industry and nearly a decade in automotive talk radio, Tom Torbjornsen makes learning about cars easy with his personal manner, his expert advice, and his high energy and entertaining style. Tom has the unique gift of simplifying the complex and tearing down the technical, meeting you at your level of understanding. You will be encouraged as you gain the confidence to deal with problems related to the second most expensive purchase you will make in a lifetime - your automobile.
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Am I wearing out my clutch?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1. AND remember to keep your foot off the clutch when you are driving unless you need to use it. My dad taught me that when I was first learning to drive and I would keep my foot resting on the clutch.
It's amazing how many "old wives tales" you hear about auto repair and how many aren't true. I've been in the industry for quite a few years and hear this stuff all the time. Here is my website:
http://www.myautorepairadvice.com
Posted at 11:48AM on Mar 2nd 2009 by Steve
2. Yes, resting your foot on the clutch (and thus disengaging it) while accelereating will prematurely wear your clutch out. The reason why is because the flywheel is slipping on the surface of the clutch disc. This action wears friction material off of the face of the disc and thus renders the clutch useless in short order.
Tom Torbjornsen
Posted at 12:06PM on Mar 2nd 2009 by Tom Torbjornsen
3. I have a 2004 GMC Safari van and just before I come to a complete stop my ABS kicks in on the right front wheel and vehicle pulls left. It hasnt triggered the ABS light but does it in any weather condition. Is it possible the sensor is dirty and can be cleaned or just replace.
Posted at 10:53AM on Mar 9th 2009 by Tom Fleming
4. thanks
Posted at 9:47AM on Mar 12th 2009 by Niresh napit
5. Question: I just purchased a manual 2009 370Z and was waiting on an incline as a was leaving a sporting event last evening. After about five minutes of holding the car in place by balancing the clutch an accelerator, I started to smell a burning smell that forced me to roll the window down. Have I ruined the clutch or caused serious damage to the clutch? Thanks.
Posted at 11:05AM on Mar 16th 2009 by TD