New Forest
New Forest, located in the southern part of England, is a picturesque area known for its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife. With a population of approximately 180,000, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
The most popular cars in New Forest
The most popular car among New Forest residents is the Ford Focus, known for its reliability and practicality. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series, and the Audi A3.
In addition to these popular choices, it is worth mentioning that New Forest residents also show a preference for eco-friendly vehicles, such as hybrid and electric cars. This aligns with the area's commitment to sustainability and preserving its natural beauty.
Vehicle numbers in New Forest
New Forest boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 120,000 cars registered in the area. This reflects the reliance on private transportation and the need for reliable car maintenance services to keep these vehicles running smoothly.
Postcodes and suburbs in New Forest
New Forest is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include SO42 (Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, and Lyndhurst), SO43 (Lymington, Milford on Sea, and Pennington), SO45 (Hythe, Dibden Purlieu, and Marchwood), and BH25 (New Milton, Barton on Sea, and Highcliffe). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of New Forest.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of New Forest residents, we understand the importance of providing top-quality services to keep their beloved vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's regular servicing, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of New Forest's automotive landscape.
What does a clutch do? And what is a clutch kit?
The clutch is a solid metal disc that couples the crankshaft and flywheel to the gearbox’s clutch shaft. The clutch is located between the engine and transmission to temporarily disconnect the engine drive from the gearbox.
A clutch kit usually contains all the elements to replace and rejuvenate your clutch and its performance: usually a clutch disc, pressure plate, flywheel and a throw race or release bearings. A clutch kit will contain the correct parts for a particular make and model of car and is often cheaper than buying the components individually.
How often should a clutch need replacing?
There isn’t a typical time or set mileage suggested to replace a clutch kit, as it can depend on both the car and your driving style. Most clutches are designed to last approximately 60k miles, yet they can have a healthy life covering mileages anywhere between 30k and 100k.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
A damaged or broken clutch will affect your car’s driving ability to the point where it could fail its MOT. Testing doesn’t include an examination of the engine, clutch or gearbox, so if it appears to be working adequately, then it shouldn’t affect the test result.
What happens when we replace your clutch kit?
Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will test your clutch for damage and function.
Wherever necessary your clutch will be replaced and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated issues arising from the process.
You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
Once the clutch kit has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure its correct operation and make any adjustments required for premium performance.
What causes a clutch to stop working correctly?
A clutch will wear out over time through continual use. The disc thickness reduces, which affects the amount of force the pressure plate can apply to the clutch disc against the flywheel. Incorrect use over extended periods will impact the lifespan and cause unnecessary problems. Slippage can also be caused by reduced tension in the pressure plate’s springs.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning clutch
The clutch slips while driving
If you feel a loss or inappropriate delivery of power when using the accelerator, it could be due to a damaged or worn clutch.
Changing gears is a problem
If you can’t change gears or it feels like there is unusual grinding and friction when trying, your clutch isn’t separating the engine drive from the gearbox sufficiently.
The car doesn’t move
If there is no delivery of power to the engine from the accelerator, then your clutch could be the problem.
Your gearbox makes unusual and unhealthy noises
If the transmission makes unhealthy grinding noises when you try to use the clutch to engage or disengage the engine, there’s a strong chance that your clutch isn’t operating as it should.