Branch 1
Antwerpen / Merksem
Bredabaan 1052170 Merksem
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 Sat 10:00–17:00
Tyres, air conditioning, drivetrain and inspection
Slipping clutch
When the clutch slips, the engine’s power is not fully passed on to the wheels. The engine speed rises, but the car’s speed does not follow. This often happens through clutch wear, but other causes are possible, such as oil on the clutch plate.
Recognisable signs
What you may notice.
- The engine speed shoots up when accelerating or going uphill without the speed keeping up
- A burning smell after hard acceleration or driving uphill
- The clutch pedal feels different, for example high, low or soft
- Difficulty pulling away smoothly or getting the car moving with a trailer or load
- Judder, vibration or a growling when you release the pedal
Possible causes
What may be behind it.
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. A technician identifies which cause fits your car after checking it.
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Wear on the clutch plate
Like brake pads, the friction material of the clutch wears. Heavy loads or a lot of town driving can make that happen faster.
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Oil or grease on the clutch
A leaking seal can contaminate the clutch plate and make it slip.
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The pressure plate or flywheel
Damage or wear to the pressure plate or flywheel can stop the clutch engaging properly.
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The clutch operation
A problem with the hydraulics, the cable or the pedal adjustment can have the same effect.
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Another problem in the drivetrain
With an automatic or another type of gearbox, similar symptoms can point to a different fault.
Keep driving?
Can I keep driving with this?
If the car still drives normally, you can sometimes keep driving carefully until your appointment. Avoid heavy loads, pulling away uphill and towing a trailer. If the slipping gets worse or the drive drops out, do not drive on.
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At WeFix
What WeFix can check.
This is what our technicians can look at to find the cause.
- Assessing how the clutch behaves during a test drive
- Checking the operation and the pedal
- Looking for an oil leak towards the clutch
- Discussing which repair is needed and what it involves, before we start
If we find something, you hear it first. We only repair after your approval.
Services
Related services.
This is where WeFix Auto’s can help with this symptom.
Branches
Call or drop by.
Not sure, or is it urgent? Call the branch near you and describe what you notice.
2170 Merksem
Branch 2
Brasschaat
Bredabaan 7372930 Brasschaat
Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00 Sat 09:00–12:00
Also read
Related problems.
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Car jerks when accelerating
A car that jerks or hesitates when accelerating is probably not getting the right combination of air, fuel and ignition, or has a problem in the drivetrain. It can happen with a cold engine, under load or every time you press the accelerator. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Car suddenly uses more fuel
Higher consumption has many possible causes, from simple things like tyre pressure and driving conditions to sensors, ignition or brakes that drag. It is worth first looking at what has changed, and then arranging a check. Read the explanation -
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Check engine light on: what does it mean and can you keep driving?
The check engine light tells you that the car’s computer has detected a fault in the engine, the exhaust or the fuel supply. The light does not say exactly what is wrong: that takes a diagnostic read-out and a proper check. If it stays on constantly, have it looked at soon. If it flashes, extra care is needed. Read the explanation
Have your car checked.
Request a no-obligation quote or call a branch. You hear what we find first.
Please note: This explanation is general information and does not replace a technical diagnosis. The cause can only be established after your car has been checked. If you are worried about your safety, stop and ask for professional help.