How Long Does A Clutch Last? - WhoCanFixMyCar

Table of contents

1. How to make your clutch last longer
2. How long does clutch fluid last?
3. How long will a noisy clutch release bearing last?
4. Slipping clutch - How long will it last?

Table of contents

1. How to make your clutch last longer
2. How long does clutch fluid last?
3. How long will a noisy clutch release bearing last?
4. Slipping clutch - How long will it last?

Most clutches last 60,000 miles or more. This figure depends on several factors, including your driving style and how often your car is serviced. Take care of your clutch, and if you’re lucky, it could last 100,000 miles - read on to find out how.

How to make your clutch last longer

The way that you drive - whether you do so carefully and considerately or in a way that will put more strain on your car’s parts - has the biggest influence on how long your clutch will last. 

Here are five things you can do to make your clutch last longer:

• Avoid trying to save your brakes by using the clutch. Match the speed of your engine with the rear wheel speed for a smooth gear change transition.

• Don’t pull away too fast. Keep your RPMs low at around 1,100. 

• Think ahead. Are the traffic lights on red or about to change? Spot this early and slow down so you might not have to stop.

• Don’t ride the clutch. It should either be fully pressed or not used; don’t hold it in a position between the two.

• Use your handbrake on hills, not your clutch. Don’t rely on the latter to keep you from rolling back. 

How long does clutch fluid last?

You’ll be pleased to hear that because clutch fluid is contained within a closed system, it should, in theory, never need topping up. This system consists of a master cylinder, a slave cylinder, some tubing, and a reservoir. Provided that these parts don't fail, the level of clutch fluid circulating should remain consistent.

As with most things, though, there are exceptions to this rule. Over time, small leaks might develop due to corroded parts. Topping up your clutch fluid from time to time is fine, but if you have to do so regularly, it’s time to take your car to a garage to be fixed.

Learn what to look out for in a faulty clutch and how much it costs to replace one in our guide here.

Compare clutch replacement quotes

How long will a noisy clutch release bearing last?

If your clutch makes unusual noises when you push the pedal down, you should take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.

A noisy clutch release bearing might last a hundred more miles, or it might not, but you shouldn’t be willing to take that risk. The longer you drive with a faulty clutch bearing, the worse the damage to the whole clutch system will be.

If the clutch release bearing—also known as a throw-out bearing—fails completely, it will damage your pressure plate and clutch disc and could even damage the throw-out bearing lever. In turn, this could damage your flywheel or punch a hole in your bell housing.

Rather than hoping the bearing will last for just a few more miles, we recommend booking your car in at a local garage as soon as possible.

Compare clutch replacement quotes

Slipping clutch - How long will it last?

Theoretically, your clutch could still last a long time if you avoid accelerating to the point where it begins to slip. However, this isn’t a practical solution.

Clutches typically last 60,000 miles, but this distance can easily be halved if you frequently ride the clutch. Once it has started to slip, it will only get worse until eventually it becomes unusable. That’s why it’s best to visit a garage as soon as you notice any signs that your clutch is worn.

Compare clutch quotes

If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:

• Ultimate guide to clutches

• How much does it cost to replace a clutch?

• What to do if your clutch is slipping

• How to bleed a cars clutch?

• What happens when your clutch is replaced?

• Are clutches covered under warranty?

• How to tell if you need a new clutch for your car

• Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

• Why is my clutch squeaking?

Related topics:Clutch And Gearbox RepairsClutch CableClutch Master CylinderClutch Pedal On Floor DiagnosticClutch PlateClutch RepairsClutch ReplacementClutch Slave CylinderDual Clutch IssuesGeneral Repair ClutchMaintenanceNew ClutchSlipping ClutchWorn ClutchGet quotes in minutesSave money on your car repairGet quotes

• 

  How Does a Car Clutch Work?

  FixMyCar explains how a car's clutch works.

  • Clutch
  • How it works
• 

  The Ultimate Guide to Clutch Repairs

  FixMyCar explains everything you need to know about clutch repairs.

  • Clutch
  • Repair
• 

  Are Clutches Covered Under Warranty?

  FixMyCar explains whether clutches are covered under warranty.

  • Clutch
  • Car ownership

Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.

Find Ellie on LinkedIn.

Stay in the know

Get practical car care tips and the latest motoring news delivered to your inbox. Sign up to stay one step ahead on the road.

Enter your emailSubscribe