Both an automatic and manual transmission rely on a clutch to shift the power from the engine to the transmission in order to shift the gears. If your clutch smells hot, it is slipping. What this means is that while it engaged initially when you press down on it, it disengaged even though you still have it depressed. Unfortunately, this causes the clutch to overheat. Consequently, your automobile’s passenger cabin will fill with burning odors.
How the Clutch Works
As we mentioned above, the clutch works by taking the power from the engine and moving it to the transmission. This allows for the smooth transition from one gear to the next. In the case of a manual clutch, the clutch engages when you press down on it. The clutch has a catch point in the middle of the depression, and this is the point at which you shift the gears.
When you release the clutch, the power goes from the transmission back to the engine. This happens every time that you press down on the clutch, and it happens automatically in the case of an automatic transmission. You need the clutch for the power transfer. If you don’t have the clutch, the power will not be transferred to the transmission and you will end up with a ton of problems.
What Happens When It Goes Bad
As we mentioned above, if the clutch smells hot, it has disengaged. This can happen even if you still have your foot on the pedal. This is a sign that the clutch is going bad and needs to be replaced. Other signs that the clutch is bad include
- * Changes in how it feels
- * Changes in the bite point
- * Problems with the gear shifts
- * Problems accelerating your vehicle
Any of these things can point to a need for the clutch to be rebuilt or replaced. It’s best to bring your vehicle to our shop so we can inspect the clutch to find out specifically what is wrong. Once we determine the problem, we can determine the solution.
For example, if your clutch is slipping, it most likely needs to be replaced. There really isn’t another solution in this case. If the internal mechanisms of the clutch have worn out, however, we may be able to rebuild the clutch by replacing them.
The key is to call our shop so we can set up a service visit for a clutch inspection. Give us a call today.
