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.

Vauxhall

Vauxhall Motors Ltd. is a British car brand owned by German manufacturer Opel. Initially founded in 1857, but didn’t begin to build cars until 1903, the brand is officially over 160 years old.

How popular is Vauxhall in the United Kingdom?

Their popularity can be easily quantified by the 3.9million Vauxhall cars on the road in the UK today.

Vauxhall: A car for every need

By their own admission, Vauxhall has a car for the school run, a trip to the shops, a cross-country holiday, being the face of your business or delivering a van-load of goods. With such a wide range of vehicles, they’ve got every avenue covered.

A forward-thinking company with traditional values

Throughout their extensive history in the automotive industry, Vauxhall has featured predominantly in all areas. It produced the first sports car, also the first car to achieve over 100mph, it has launched award-winning models and consistently introduced pioneering technology.

Their core brand values claim to be:

• Ingenious—offering brilliant mobility
• Progressive—as forward-thinking and innovative
• Approachable—being authentic and simple

The UK’s 3rd best selling car of 2018: The Vauxhall Corsa

Competing with Ford Fiesta and VW Golf for the top-selling car in the UK, the Vauxhall Corsa has become a household favourite—and why not? Their supermini hatchback is stylish, nippy and economical to run. Neatly finished inside and out with a host of modern technology and features, you’re getting plenty of car for your money and all backed with Vauxhall’s reputation for building cars that go the distance.

Vauxhall’s reliability and reputation

Vauxhall ranked joint 11th place with Mazda out of the 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. Their reliability efficiency score of 94.6% wasn’t too big a jump from top of the tree marque Suzuki, who scored only 3% more at 97.7%.

Recent Vauxhall recalls and reliability issues

Various recalls have been made on Vauxhall models throughout their motoring history. The following are a list of the most recent in the UK and Europe.

30/12/2016 – Vauxhall Meriva (2009–2011)

It is possible that the steel cable for attaching the seatbelt tensioner on the outer side of the seat may suffer fatigue

11/11/2016 – Vauxhall Adam (2014–2015)

Cracks in the steering box’s rack and pinion may lead to breakage and to steering failure

26/03/2016 – Vauxhall Zafira (2005–2014)

The resistor of the heater fan motor may not perform as intended

13/05/2016 – Vauxhall Vivaro (2013–2014)

An incorrectly installed passenger airbag module may increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident

13/05/2016 – Vauxhall Movano (2015)

An oil hose may be incorrectly crimped

06/05/2016 – Vauxhall Mokka (2015–2016)

Water ingress in the electronic brake control module control unit may cause a short-circuit

13/11/2015 – Vauxhall Mokka (2015)

A faulty steering column torque sensor can lead to a loss of steering assistance

All recall information sourced from gov.co.uk data.