Function, Repair, and Your Transmission

You’re probably familiar with the term “in a clutch.” That’s actually quite applicable to the auto part called by the name “clutch” because it is a hardworking, critical component of a manual vehicle, keeping it in a proverbial clutch all the time. Further, if your clutch isn’t working properly, you’ll quickly find yourself in a clutch. Whether you know you need clutch repair or need help determining if the problem is the clutch or the transmission itself, you can rely on the certified technicians at Lifetime Transmissions in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

What is it clutching?

As you know, clutch has another meaning, as well–to hold something. Your manual vehicle’s clutch is designed to transfer power from the engine to the wheels to produce motion. In this sense, the clutch makes the connection between (or holds together) the shaft coming from the power plant and the one going to the wheels. If you need to change speeds or stop (without turning off your auto), this connection must be broken for a short duration. Thus, it serves several critical–clutch–functions.

Is it the clutch or the transmission?

If you’re experiencing a problem, you may wonder how you can distinguish between a probable clutch issue and the likelihood that your transmission needs fixing. Although confirmation is best left to our professionals, there are some signs that may point toward one versus the other. TRANSMISSION: If your transmission is the trouble, the first indicator might be an illuminated dashboard light. However, that light can indicate many things. Odd noises such as whining, humming, or clunking could be an indicator, as could new unusual feelings such as grinding or shaking as your car goes through the gears. Other potential signals of a transmission ailment are a delay between the time the accelerator is pressed and car movement or the vehicle not wanting to change gears. You may also notice slipping gears, which occurs when the transmission moves between gears or goes into/out of gear on its own, potentially a very dangerous situation. A burning smell could indicate that the transmission is overheating and burning the fluid, and a puddle of reddish fluid under the car may be evidence of a leak. CLUTCH: Strange noises are often the best clues for at-home detection of a possible clutch issue. These include chirping, squealing, or other unusual sounds when you press the clutch pedal, loud noise when you accelerate, awful grinding sounds, and noticeable noise when the car is in neutral that goes away once you press the clutch pedal. Other signs can include trouble getting the vehicle into gear and the sensation that the motor is working hard to go fast, but the car isn’t moving quickly.

Fixing Your Clutch and Getting Out of a Clutch

As you can tell by considering the function of the clutch, you’re certainly going to be left in a clutch if yours isn’t performing as it should. Before you reach the point of being in peril while driving or unable to move at all, bring your auto to Lifetime Transmissions in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Our expert technicians can distinguish between clutch and transmission problems, getting you back in motion regardless of the problem.