Without a properly functioning clutch, you won’t be able to drive a manual car. The clutch is the connection between the engine and the transmission. When you push the clutch pedal, you temporarily disconnect the engine and transmission so you can shift gears. This is typically not a repair you can do yourself, but clutch replacement doesn’t have to break the bank when you work with a high-quality shop like Kernersville Auto Center. Let’s talk about what you need to know about clutch replacement cost.
Signs that You Need Clutch Repair
Your clutch will wear over time, no matter how well you maintain your vehicle. However, with good driving habits, a clutch can last 100,000 miles or even more. If you want your clutch to last as long as possible, drive smoothly with gentle braking, and avoid partial compression of the clutch (i.e. “riding the clutch”) and sudden acceleration.
Here are a few signs that your clutch is nearing the end of its life:
- Difficulty shifting between gears
- Slipping while in first gear
- Tremors, grinding, or thumping feelings during shifting
- Weird noises while shifting (squeaks, rumbles, etc.)
- Poor acceleration
- The clutch pedal feeling “spongy” or sticking
New manual drivers may experience some of these signs when learning to shift with the clutch pedal. If you are an experienced driver, though, it’s time to call Kernersville Auto Center to schedule repair. We will always provide an honest repair quote before we start any work on your vehicle.
Factors that Affect Clutch Replacement Cost
On average, replacing your clutch costs $1,200 to $1,500. That said, the cost of a full clutch replacement could be less or more depending on several factors. In general, the following things cause a higher clutch replacement cost:
- Driving a luxury vehicle or truck
- Having the repair done at a dealership rather than a shop like Kernersville Auto Center
- Needing a high-performance clutch for a car with more horsepower
In most cases, most warranties do not cover replacing your clutch. It is worth double-checking if you have an extended warranty or coverage for parts that wear such as brakes, filters, etc. However, coverage for clutches is not common.
Keep in mind that taking care of any car repair quickly will also help lower the cost. If you bring in your vehicle when you first notice signs that the clutch is failing, you’ll be able to drive it to the shop. If you wait until it fails, not only will you have to have the car towed, but you’ll also be putting yourself and other drivers at risk.
Additionally, it is important to choose a quality repair shop when you need clutch work. Our mechanics are ASE-certified and experienced with a wide variety of vehicles. When you work with backyard mechanics, you might pay less overall but you don’t know if the work will be long-lasting or if they will use high-quality parts.
FAQs About Clutch Replacement
We would be happy to answer any questions you have about the clutch replacement cost or process. Our goal is to ensure you understand your options. We want you to be able to make the best decisions possible for your budget. Here are a few frequently asked questions to get you started:
Can I drive with a bad clutch?
If you notice signs that you have a bad clutch, such as slipping or grinding noises, you can drive short distances to get to a repair shop. However, you should have your clutch replaced as quickly as possible. You should not continue to drive for long. When in doubt, call our shop and one of our mechanics can give you advice. Sometimes, it is in your best interest to have your car towed.
What kinds of clutches do you repair?
We can fix almost any type of clutch, including friction clutches, cone clutches, etc. Our mechanics work on both domestic and foreign vehicles. If we can’t replace your clutch (which is rare), we can recommend a shop that can.
Do I have to get my clutch replaced at certain intervals?
When it comes to maintenance work like changing your oil or getting a fuel system flush, you’ll want to schedule appointments at specific intervals. Your clutch, on the other hand, doesn’t need replacement until it shows signs of wear.
What other repair work does your shop do?
We are able to complete most kinds of car repair and car maintenance. Our mechanics will diagnose the problem, explain your options, and provide a breakdown of costs before we begin the work. We want you to feel confident that you’re making the best decision for your vehicle. In addition to clutch replacement, our shop does basic car maintenance, transmission work, engine tune-ups, brake replacement, cooling system repairs, and more. We even have a car wash to make sure your vehicle looks its best when it leaves our parking lot.
How can I keep my car repair costs as low as possible?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, keeping your vehicle well maintained will help you avoid more expensive repair costs in the future. If you’ve been lax with your vehicle maintenance recently, don’t worry. We can help you get back on track. Our mechanics can help you get on the right vehicle maintenance schedule for oil changes, brake inspections, air filter replacement, and everything else you need to keep your car on the road. We are also an official North Carolina state vehicle inspection location. Trust us to take care of your needs. You can call us anytime or click here to schedule an appointment.