This is what you should do when your car's clutch disc is smoking.
The clutch pad is an important part of the car, especially for manual cars, as it serves to shift from one transmission to the next. So, what should you do if the car's clutch pad is smoking?
To avoid the car rolling backward, drivers often unconsciously press the clutch frequently and partially. This method is not recommended at all because it can cause slipping, resulting in the car's clutch pad to emit smoke due to burning.
First Aid When the Car's Clutch Pad is Smoking
You don't need to panic when the car's clutch pad is smoking. What you should do is not force the car to continue driving because it can worsen the damage to the clutch, but you should pull over as soon as possible and check it.
If smoke is coming from the clutch pad, it means the car's engine is working very hard and has high heat. There's no need to rush to call a workshop to fix this.
You just need to turn off the car's engine and open the hood. Let the car rest so that the smoke decreases and the engine cools down quickly. Cool the car for about half an hour.
After the smoke is gone, try to start the car again. If the engine works well as before, it means the engine is still safe. However, if not, call a tow truck to take it to the nearest workshop.
Things to Avoid to Keep the Clutch Pad Safe
As mentioned above, pressing the clutch too often with partial pressure can indeed prevent the car from rolling backward when going uphill. However, this actually affects the performance of the clutch. The clutch pad can wear out quickly and emit smoke.
You should avoid playing with the half clutch. If you are stuck in traffic on an incline, using the handbrake is much wiser because it is safer for the car's engine performance, so the clutch does not have to work hard during the traffic jam on the incline. This also makes it more comfortable for the driver during the journey.
Clutch Pad Still Thick
There are several signs when the clutch pad starts to have problems and causes the car's performance to be less than optimal, such as a rumbling sound from the car hood, weak acceleration, high clutch pedal, inability to shift gears, and a burnt smell.
Usually, if it has reached this point, the clutch pad is worn out and needs to be replaced. However, if you experience the car's clutch pad smoking but upon inspection, the clutch pad is still thick, just leave it; there's no need to replace it because it is still good.
Cost of Replacing Clutch Damage
If you feel that the car's engine is starting to act up, especially the clutch part, you should replace it immediately. This is because the clutch and clutch pad are vital tools that can disrupt your journey with your beloved car.
It is advisable to take the car to an official workshop so that the engine used is guaranteed to be original and safe for the car. This replacement can include the clutch disc and cover, with a total cost of around 1 to 3.5 million depending on the type and brand of the vehicle.
So, those are some things you can do when the car's clutch pad is smoking. Remember, there's no need to panic because this can actually happen when going uphill and overworking the clutch.
However, don't forget to have the car checked at the workshop regularly. Especially when traveling long distances, make sure the car is in good condition to avoid unwanted issues on the road.
Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa
