Few parts are as important in a standard car as the clutch. Thus, ALF Marketing in AMSOIL: ALF Marketing: John shares some harmful patterns people have with the clutch and can wear it out prematurely.

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Knowing how to use the car's clutch properly is almost an art because speed changes, braking, and even improving fuel efficiency depend heavily on it. But first, let's understand how the clutch of the car works. In general terms, the clutch is a disc that connects the crankshaft with the gearbox. By pressing the clutch pedal, the driver separates the crankshaft from the gearbox, while if you release it, they come together. Once you understand how the car's clutch works, it will be effortless to understand why the following driving habits wear it out and affect its operation over time.

Step on the Clutch Unnecessarily

It's common for drivers to step on the pedal when stopped at a traffic light or traffic signal. This practice is more common in people learning to drive a standard car, as they push themselves and feel that they won't find the pedal quickly. The problem is that doing so brings together the gearbox, crankshaft, and clutch discs, and this excessive friction results in premature wear that reduces the useful life of the pieces.

Put Your Foot on the Pedal

If you place the foot on the clutch pedal, even when you don't realize it, you exert pressure on it, and therefore the discs come together, causing the same wear as in the previous case. It's best to place the lever in neutral and place your foot to one side of the clutch pedal, ironically called the footrest space. To avoid pressing the brake, you can choose to apply the handbrake.

Not Pushing the Clutch All the Way Down When Shifting

This habit is just as damaging as stepping on the clutch when not using or not doing it correctly when making shifting. Everyone has heard the screech that the buses produce when the driver makes shifts speeds, and this noise is due precisely because the clutch is not fully pressed down. Stepping on the clutch all the way down is necessary to allow free passage of the mechanism lever in gear. Not pressing causes friction between the gear lever and the clutch. Due to the rush to shift speeds or lack of practice, it's also common among drivers to release the clutch before making the change. This practice causes the same problem, which affects the clutch. In the same way, it is imperative to release the clutch entirely once the changes have been made. It's advisable to do it little by little to avoid the "objections" of the car. With these simple tips, you can take advantage of the functional life of the clutch and save money on unnecessary repairs. To give you an idea, if the clutch is well cared for, it should last 62,137 miles. If you need to change your car's clutch much earlier and don't do any of these practices, you should have your vehicle checked out by a good mechanic before replacing any parts.

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Car Fluids and Lubricants

The key to taking care of your car's clutch is to avoid unnecessary friction, and to do so; you must not forget to use antifreeze, oils, water, and other necessary liquids. Otherwise, the engine will engage in unnecessary efforts, which will increase its temperature, and, consequently, deteriorate other vehicle systems, such as the radiator.

Speed Up Slowly

One reason to avoid accelerations is clutch care. The key to learning to drive a standard car is to synchronize the use of the clutch and throttle smoothly. A bad habit that damages your vehicle is accelerating suddenly when starting the march or after making the change. Once again, if you force the car's engine, the clutch wears out and will consume more fuel.

Do Not Press the Gear Lever

Another bad habit is that drivers have to leave their hands on the gear lever. This unnecessary pressure wears out the clutch and engine over time. It may sound too exaggerated, but wear and tear are genuine problems, and you can avoid them with a simple action: move your hand to the wheel. Also, it's much safer to drive with both hands on the wheel, and it's worth avoiding this bad habit. It's even better to put the car in neutral mode to spare the engine unnecessary work due to the opposition of the clutch joints.

Basic Care When Washing the Car

It may be common sense, but a common mistake when washing the car is to spray water with a lot of pressure under the vehicle. While it is true that most of the exterior components of the car can get wet, you must prevent water from reaching the interior and damaging the vehicle.

Care for your engine perfectly with AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, the most effective synthetic oil formula. It can help you keep it in top working condition longer. Before giving your car an oil change, be sure to stop by the AMSOIL website and place an order.  Call ALF Marketing in AMSOIL: ALF Marketing: John at (301) 416-0575 and let them advise you to perform a DIY oil change.