The Causes of Clutch Slipping and How to Avoid It
Slipping of the clutch is when the engaged clutch fails to transfer power from the engine to the gearbox. This is caused by two main problems, that being a worn-out clutch plate and alignment issues between the clutch and gearbox, both of which are easily preventable and relatively simple to fix.
Worn-out clutch plate
A worn-out clutch plate is simply the worn-out of the friction material that is used in the majority of clutch plates. This causes the clutch to not grip and slip excessively, creating a delay in acceleration and a non-stop dropping of the engine rev when you shift gears. Generally, the worn material is only present on one side of the clutch disc, and can be easily rectified by simply replacing the disc or having it repaired.
Alignment
Alignment issues between the clutch and gearbox can cause the clutch to slip. This is a problem that is generally more complex than a worn-out clutch plate as it requires more addressing of the gearbox components, such as the gears, flywheel and input shaft. If one of these components does not match up with the others, the clutch will slip and cause the car to not accelerate properly. Generally, this problem is rectified by adjusting the alignment of the clutch and gearbox components, which requires a specialist and can be a more time consuming job.
Prevention
In order to prevent these issues from occurring, it is important to take every precaution available to ensure that your car’s clutch is always in top condition. This means taking extra care when shifting gears, allowing the engine to cool down in between shifts, and always using high-quality oils and lubricants when servicing your car. Additionally, it is also important to schedule regular check-ups with a mechanic where your car’s clutch can be inspected for signs of wear and tear to ensure that any problems are caught before they become too severe.
Conclusion
Slipping of the clutch is a problem that can be caused by two main mechanisms, a worn-out clutch plate and alignment issues between the clutch and gearbox components. While both of these issues can be easily halted by taking proper precautionary measures, it is worth getting your car serviced regularly to ensure that all issues are caught before they worsen and become more complex to fix.
