These days, finding any high-performance car with a quality clutch can be difficult to find. Long gone are the days when most cars on a sales lot are standard shift transmissions, since the movement to automatic transmissions has taken over. Luckily, BMW is still providing automobiles with the option. However, having a clutch means that at some point, you will need to have your clutched serviced. In this article, we will help you know when you need to have your clutch inspected and repaired and discuss why 4 Rings European Autowerks is the place to go to take care of all your clutch needs.
The Function of a Clutch
The clutch of a car is the mechanism that is used to engage a manual transmission to the drive shaft. The clutch allows the car to switch between gears and engage the tires. When the clutch pedal is engaged, these two systems are disconnected. During this time, your engine will idle while not providing power to the wheels. This is referred to as neutral. This allows you to come to a stop or change gears without turning off your engine.
The clutch consists of a clutch plate and a flywheel. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the plate and flywheel are separated. When the clutch pedal is released, the plate will engage with the flywheel and the engine will be able to transmit power to the wheels.
When Your Clutch Needs Service
Any time that there is an issue with your clutch, there will be an issue with engaging the wheels. The first sign that most people notice when the clutch is failing is a need to downshift more often. Another telltale sign is a delay between the time you shift and the moment the clutch engages with the new gear.
Many people have experienced a revving engine in first gear when they accelerate from a full stop, such as at a stop sign or when first pulling away from a curb. Others often report that they notice a greater movement in the clutch pedal before the new gear may engage.
Over time, all of these things will worsen until the clutch fails completely. When this happens, you will not be able to change gears. If when the clutch fails, your car is in neutral. This means that you may not be able to get into gear at all. On the other hand, you may end up with the clutch stuck in one gear.
There are several factors that can have a big impact on the wear on a clutch. One of the biggest is when a car is used by multiple drivers. Each driver will engage a clutch slightly different, causing an increase in wear and potentially breaking down a clutch plate more quickly. This is very evident in younger drivers.
BMW’s Clutch Warning Signs
BMW combines power with a smooth ride. When your clutch starts to act up, you will experience some transmission delays. BMW clutches will often start to produce a burning smell when it first begins to slip. You may also begin to hear a variety of strange noises each time you shift. If you think your BMW may be experiencing clutch delay or slippage, you will want to get your car in as soon as possible. While in many cases it may take some time for a clutch to go completely out, the amount of time varies drastically, depending on how a clutch is used. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Choose 4 Rings European Autowerks for Your BMW
For those located in the communities near Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Pompano Beach, or Oakland Park, Florida, you will find no other service provider more qualified than 4 Rings European Autowerks. At 4 Rings European Autowerks, we are dedicated to providing top of the line service to owners of European cars. We specialize in BMW as well as Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, and Mercedes. 4 Rings provides regular car maintenance such as an oil change as well as a variety of repair and diagnostic services. Give us a call for all of your European auto needs.