How much does it cost to replace your clutch?

What is a clutch?

The clutch is one of your car’s driving forces. It joins the engine to the gearbox and allows you to control how much engine power goes to the wheels, and when.

It has three main components: the flywheel, the clutch disc, and the pressure plate. The flywheel is connected to the engine and spins around constantly, storing up rotational energy. The clutch disc sits between the flywheel and the pressure plate - and generates friction between them thanks to its rough surface.

The pressure plate’s job is to clamp the clutch disc to the flywheel when the clutch is engaged, to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. When you step on the clutch pedal (to disengage), it breaks the connection from the clutch disc and the flywheel so you can switch gears.

Both manual and automatic cars have clutches. The main difference is that in a manual, you have to choose and change the gear yourself using the clutch pedal and gear stick. In an automatic, this is done for you using a torque converter, based on how fast you’re driving and other factors.

How long do clutches last?

A clutch is a hard-working part of your car, so it will need repairing or replacing at some point. On average, a clutch should last around 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, various factors will determine whether you’ll reach the lower or higher end of that scale before your clutch needs attention.

The way you drive is a major factor. Adopting a smooth and steady driving style is the key to taking care of your clutch. Accelerate and decelerate gradually, always use the right gear for your speed and the driving conditions. Put your car in neutral when you need to stop, whether you’re at a set of traffic lights or in a queue.

The type of car you drive can also affect the lifespan of your clutch. For example, heavier vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans will wear out their clutch more quickly, as will powerful sports and performance cars. Of course, automatic clutches usually last longer than their manual counterparts, as there are fewer mechanical parts prone to wear and tear.

Finally, you should keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule. Service your car at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer – and take your car to a garage promptly when you spot a clear or potential mechanical fault.

Signs that you need a new clutch

If you notice that your clutch is slipping, this is one of the most obvious signs that it needs replacing. Here are the symptoms of a slipping clutch:

• You’ll have difficulty changing gears.

• Your car won’t accelerate as normal, even though the engine is revving up.

• You’ll notice a burning smell.

• Your car won’t have as much power as it should.

• The clutch pedal might also feel ‘spongy’.

Other clutch problems include:

• Unusual noises such as grinding, squeaking, or other mechanical sounds.

• The clutch pedal having a higher biting point than usual.

• The car vibrating, jolting, or not moving at all when the engine is running.

If you experience any of these issues, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.

Even a slight delay could make the difference between needing a minor repair, or a full clutch replacement. What’s more, you could endanger yourself, your passengers, and other road users when driving with a failing clutch.

Common causes of clutch damage

‘Riding’ the clutch is one of the leading causes of clutch damage.

This is where you keep pressing slightly on the clutch pedal, even after you’ve changed gear. Therefore, you’re pressing the clutch and the accelerator together. This causes the clutch to wear out much faster, so try taking your foot completely off the clutch pedal once you’ve shifted gear.

Aggressive driving is another surefire way to kill your clutch. Accelerating rapidly from a standstill, slamming on the brakes, changing gear too often (or too fast), switching down through two or more gears, or using the clutch instead of the handbrake on hills will all put excessive strain on your clutch.

As we’ve mentioned, some car types tend to wear out faster than others. However, where you predominantly drive will also have an impact. For example, if you live in a city and regularly navigate stop-start traffic, this will wear out your clutch much sooner than if you mostly drove on motorways.

The final culprit for clutch carnage is overloading your car. Heavy loads, whether you’re towing them or carrying them inside your car, will cause your clutch to work much harder than it would normally, which will reduce its lifespan. Therefore, before each journey, you should remove anything you don’t need from your car, to ease the strain on your clutch.

Clutch replacement costs

The cost of replacing a clutch in the UK varies depending on a variety of factors, including the size of your car.

When it comes to clutch replacement, you can expect to pay £300 to £500 for a small car, £350 to £600 for a mid-sized car, and around £400 to £800 for a large car or SUV. Meanwhile, costs for luxury and performance cars can run to around £900.

The make and model of your car will also influence what you’ll pay. We’ve collated ballpark clutch replacement costs for some of the UK’s most popular car models:

• Toyota Corolla: £250 to £550
• Fiat 500: £300 to £500
• Ford Focus: £300 to £600
• Nissan Qashqai: £300 to £650
• Volkswagen Golf: £350 to £700
• BMW 1 Series: £500 to £800
• Vauxhall Astra: £450 to £770
• Audi A4: £450 to £850
• Mercedes C-Class: £500 to £900

In addition to clutch replacement costs, you may also have to cover extra costs for oil, lubricants, minor part replacement, and a new flywheel (if necessary).

Labour costs also affect the overall price of replacing a clutch. It’s a fairly complicated job that takes between two and six hours on average (but may take up to 10 in some circumstances). The timeframe for clutch replacement will depend on the following factors:

• The type of car: Large and luxury cars tend to have more complex clutch systems.
• The extent of damage: If other parts of the car have sustained significant damage, this will also have to be addressed, prolonging the work.
• The location of the clutch: Clutches are easier to access in rear-wheel drive cars.
• The age of the car: Clutches and related parts for older cars may be more difficult to source.
• Mechanical skill: A more experienced and knowledgeable mechanic should be able to complete the work faster.

How to replace your clutch (step-by-step guide)

DIY clutch replacement is not for beginners. In fact, unless you have a good level of mechanical knowledge and experience, it’s a good idea to leave this job to the professionals.

With that said, if you’re confident enough to replace your clutch at home, here are the steps to follow:

• Protect yourself with gloves, safety glasses, and overalls.

• Make sure your car is parked on a flat surface, with the parking brake on.

• Disconnect the battery.

• Raise the front of your car with a jack and stand. Make sure it’s secure.

• Drain the transmission fluid, and disconnect any cables or wiring from the transmission.

• Unbolt the transmission, use a transmission jack to remove it, and carefully put it on the ground.

• Remove the clutch and all its components, including the pressure plate, clutch disc, and flywheel.

• Install the new clutch, then follow these steps in reverse to put everything back together.

There are a few things that could go wrong during the process or afterwards. Even a straightforward clutch has multiple components that have to be put together precisely. Small errors such as not tightening bolts properly, or making sure everything is in exact alignment will cause major problems with your clutch or gearbox.

More complex clutches also have electronic parts that need special diagnostic tools, which you’re unlikely to have lying about in your garage. Then, there’s the physical aspect; it’s a demanding job with a lot of heavy lifting, which could see you getting hurt.

If you’re in any doubt about your capability to get everything right, we recommend visiting your local garage instead.

Can you repair a clutch?

In most cases, the only hope for a damaged clutch is complete replacement. However, in certain circumstances, a damaged clutch can be repaired to good working order.

For example, if the components have become misaligned, or one or two parts have become worn, whilst the rest remain intact, there’s a good chance your clutch can be successfully repaired.

You may still be facing a large repair bill, however, as the mechanic will still have to access the clutch to effect the repairs. They may also need to repair or replace other parts, or make adjustments to improve alignment. Therefore, in most cases, you’re better off opting for a full clutch replacement.

Will a damaged clutch affect my car’s value?

Yes, the clutch helps to ensure your car runs safely and smoothly. Therefore, if your car has a damaged clutch, you can expect its value to take a significant hit.

Before you sell your car, you should consider having the clutch repaired or replaced. Don’t forget to retain the paperwork, as this will reassure prospective buyers that everything is in order.

However, it’s important to note that clutch repair or replacement isn’t always feasible. When deciding whether to repair or sell your car, consider if the repair costs would exceed your car’s value. Furthermore, if your car has a history of clutch issues, it might not be worth throwing more money at a temporary fix.

Before making your decision, use our free car valuation tool to work out how much your motor is currently worth - and the potential gain from restoring the vehicle to full working order.

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