When you're driving, the engine produces power that the transmission sends to the wheels, moving you along the road. In manual cars, those two essential parts are connected by your car's clutch—a device that transfers power from the engine to the transmission and helps you change gears. Without a clutch you can't drive, so if your clutch fails you'll need a new one quickly—and if you notice signs that it's starting to fail, you should get ahead of the repair.
How the clutch works
The clutch acts as the connection between the engine and the transmission. When you push on the clutch pedal you disconnect the two, which allows you to shift gears. To reconnect the engine and transmission, you simply take your foot off the clutch.
Signs you need a new clutch
Since there's no standard recommendation for how often the clutch should be replaced, it's important to know the signs that your clutch is failing. Sometimes, the first sign that your clutch is failing is that driving your car simply feels different. As the condition of the clutch gets worse, you'll notice specific signs, including:
- Slipping when you're in first gear
- Difficulty shifting gears
- A shudder or clunking feeling while shifting gears
- The clutch pedal becoming more difficult to push
- The engine revving, but the speed not increasing
Average cost to replace a clutch
The average cost to replace a clutch can range between $750 and $2,500, depending on the type of vehicle you drive. On average, people spend about $1,200 to $1,500. About half of that goes toward the cost of a new clutch, and half is the cost of labor for installing it.
Factors that impact the price of clutch replacement
There's a wide range of how much a new clutch can cost. The factors that will impact your total include:
- The type of car you drive. Luxury vehicles, trucks and high-performance vehicles generally have clutches that are more expensive to replace. In addition, the labor costs for working on these vehicles are usually higher, especially if you go to the dealership or specialty shop.
- The clutch kit you choose. A clutch kit contains all the pieces of the clutch that are needed for a replacement. Kits that come right from your manufacturer (OEM kits) are more expensive than kits from aftermarket makers.
- The performance level of your vehicle. High-performance cars with lots of horsepower need more powerful clutches, which are more expensive.
- Labor costs. Replacing the clutch is a time-intensive process, so labor costs can be hundreds of dollars. Calling various mechanics to get estimates may help you reduce labor costs.
How to save money when replacing your clutch
Driving smoothly and using the clutch properly can prolong its life, but once the clutch has started to fail, you'll need a replacement. When that happens, these tips can help save you a bit of money:
- Don't delay the fix. When you first start noticing clutch issues, like slipping gears, you'll still be able to drive the car to the mechanic. But if you wait until the clutch fails entirely, you'll have to pay for towing costs—not to mention dealing with the hassle of a breakdown.
- Shop around. Labor rates can vary widely, so call a few different shops to get a price estimate on a clutch replacement. This is another reason to be proactive about fixing your clutch—you'll have time to shop around versus taking the car to the shop that can get you in the quickest.
- Check your warranty. Unfortunately, the clutch is considered a wearing part, like brake pads, so it's not covered under most powertrain warranties. However, if you have an extended warranty or other coverage, it might pay for a clutch replacement. When in doubt, double-checking your warranty could save you hundreds of dollars.
DIY clutch replacement
Unless you're very capable with car repairs and have a vehicle lift on hand, you'll need to hire a professional mechanic to replace your clutch. In addition to being a complicated repair, replacing the clutch can be dangerous. That's because the dust inside the clutch is a hazard that can impact your health if it gets into your eyes or lungs.
How long does a clutch last?
Like your vehicle's brakes, the clutch relies on a large amount of friction to do its job. Because of that, it's normal for the clutch to wear down over time. Clutches can last for 100,000 miles, but sometimes may need to be replaced sooner.
Clutch maintenance tips
The best way to reduce the cost of replacing your clutch is to avoid it all together. Your driving habits can have a big impact on how long your clutch lasts, in much the same way that your driving impacts how often you need new brakes.
Here are the dos and don'ts of keeping your clutch healthy to help it last for 100,000 miles or more:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Drive smoothly. Accelerating and braking gently—and avoiding lots of starts and stops—can reduce the wear and tear on your clutch. | Ride the clutch. Make sure your clutch is either fully engaged or fully relaxed. Don't keep it partially compressed (known as riding the clutch), since this can wear the clutch down too quickly. |
| Keep up with regular maintenance.This can keep your clutch healthy and help detect any issues before they become severe. | Overload your vehicle.Carrying too much weight in your vehicle can strain the clutch. |
| Practice driving a manual.The more experience you have driving a manual transmission gently, the easier you'll be on the clutch. | Go pedal to the medal. Sudden acceleration might be fun, but it takes a toll on the clutch. |
Synchrony can help you pay for a new clutch
Shelling out money for a new clutch can be stressful. Luckily, with promotional financing and plenty of partner offers, the Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay for a new clutch or other unexpected car repairs. It can also be used on regular maintenance, which may help extend the life of your clutch. Apply now!