How long can a car's clutch disc last? How do I know if it needs to be replaced?
On manual transmission vehicles, the clutch plate is a very important component that serves as the link between the engine and the gearbox for transmitting power. The force generated by the engine is transmitted to the gearbox through the friction between the clutch plate and the flywheel, and then transmitted to the wheels. And the clutch plate is also a component that is prone to injury. Some novice drivers may not control it well and may scrap the clutch plate several times. In the past, when there were many manual transmission vehicles, we often encountered inquiries from car owners about a burnt smell after starting on a half slope, and smoke could be seen coming out from the engine hood. This is the reason why the clutch plates are overheated and eroded. So how long can the clutch plate last? How do you know if it's time to change?
In fact, this varies from person to person, depending on the driving conditions. The lifespan of clutch plates varies greatly for different vehicles and drivers. Some novice drivers need to be replaced after 50-60000 kilometers, while some experienced drivers only need to be replaced after more than 200000 kilometers. Basically, the replacement cycle for most people is between 100000 and 150000 kilometers. If they frequently travel long distances, it may reach over 200000 kilometers before they need to be replaced. The working form of clutch plates is similar to that of brake pads, and they wear out more with more use, resulting in shorter replacement cycles.
When is the clutch used more often? Usually, it is most commonly used on congested roads because it requires frequent starting, and each time it starts, it is the most worn state. In addition to starting, it is also necessary to frequently move forward in a semi clutch state, which is the fastest wear and tear, but it is an inevitable state. Another scenario of rapid wear and tear is when the accelerator is pressed too much during start-up, which is a semi clutch state where the clutch plates rotate while rubbing. If the speed is too high at this time, it is equivalent to an electric grinding wheel rubbing against the engine flywheel, which will inevitably wear out quickly. So if there are many congested roads, try to keep the throttle as low as possible when starting, preferably below 1500 revolutions per minute. Experienced drivers usually release the clutch while slowly refueling. In the semi clutch state, the engine speed is very low until it is completely released before stepping on the accelerator pedal, which minimizes wear and tear.
So how do you know if the clutch plates need to be replaced?
Firstly, when you feel slipping, you should replace it, indicating that the wear has reached its limit. Usually, there is a feeling of slipping or obvious lack of power during rapid acceleration. It is most easily felt when driving in second or third gear. When shifting to third gear during normal driving, press the accelerator pedal hard and feel whether the engine speed matches the vehicle speed. If there is a significant increase in engine speed but a slow increase in vehicle speed, then it is clutch plate slippage. Or when feeling on a steep slope, such as coming up from an underground parking lot, if the power at the gas door doesn't feel as good as before, it may be because the clutch plate is slipping.
In addition, abnormalities can also be observed during high-speed cruising, where the original speed of 120 km/h and engine speed of 3000 rpm have now increased to 3200 rpm. At the same speed, if the engine speed increases, it can also indicate that the clutch plates are slipping, and the power will also decrease significantly. Although the engine speed is high, there is a noticeable lack of afterpower when overtaking, and fuel consumption will also increase significantly.
Another thing is that the clutch has become higher, and when starting, it is released quickly and it is not easy to stall. What does clutch height mean? Originally, a little looseness was enough to connect and the vehicle began to move. Now, it needs to be loosened a lot to connect and the vehicle will move, which means it has become taller. Originally, only by slowly releasing and applying enough throttle would the engine not turn off. Now that it is released too quickly without refueling or turning off, it indicates that the clutch plate is missing. In addition, if the clutch plate is worn to its limit, it will also make abnormal noises, sometimes when the clutch is pressed and sometimes when not pressed. This indicates that the wear has reached its limit, causing friction between the fixed rivet and the flywheel. It must be replaced immediately, otherwise the flywheel will be worn out, and it will need to be replaced at the same time, greatly increasing the maintenance cost. Just like when the brake pads are worn out and not replaced, the reason for damaging the brake disc is the same.