Robert Turner

Hi Allan, when I was taught to drive, I was told that you’re meant to treat the clutch like it’s a hot plate – spend as small amount a time touching it as possible. Recently my son complained that the clutch in his late model Suzuki Vitara was slipping and sure enough when we got it out the friction disc was almost worn out completely away.

The vehicle had less than 30,000km on the odo. He does a fair mix of bush and city driving but nothing that would cause it to wear like this. Do I need to sit him down and explain clutch basics again or is there something else going on?

Thanks Allan.

Allan

Robert, a clutch plate can only wear while the pedal is disengaging or engaging. A clutch plate should last for many kilometers – approximately 80,000 – 150,000kms. The clutch may have been abused by a previous owner of course, but a short drive with the operator will give a good indication of clutch abuse.

Cover your eyes and ears and if you can tell by vehicle movement only that a gear change has taken place then the life of the clutch plate is being drastically reduced. I think if that was the case it’s time to have a sit down and a ‘back to basics’.

Thanks Robert.