Maintaining your Ford’s clutch is not something you have to spend a lot of money on. There are some simple ways in which you can keep your clutch in good condition and prevent it from requiring costly repairs. These Ford clutch maintenance hacks will help you keep your Ford running great, whether you’re experienced in manual transmissions or not, to have a better and smoother ride. Here are some simple methods that can be used to keep your Ford’s clutch in good condition.
How to Maintain Your Ford’s Clutch
Avoid Riding the Clutch
Riding the clutch pedal is one of the simplest ways of reducing the lifespan of the clutch of a Ford car. Clutch riding means putting your foot on the clutch pedal when you are driving. You are expected to only press the clutch pedal when you want a change of gears and immediately remove your foot after changing the gears. This little discipline can greatly enhance the life of the clutch.
Apply the Handbrake when Driving on Hills
It is easy to be tempted to use the clutch and the gas for balance when stopped on a hill so that your Ford can stay still without rolling. This technique is called ‘holding the bite’ and it will make your clutch wear out soon. It is better to apply the handbrake to prevent your car from rolling back. To drive forward, release the handbrake and push the clutch pedal to the floor then press the gas at the same time. This method minimizes the load on the clutch and increases the life of the clutch.
Smooth Shifting
Another thing that you can do to maintain your clutch is smooth shifting. It is very important that you do not shift the gears too fast but rather do it gradually. To do this, depress the clutch pedal fully before shifting gears and then slowly release the clutch pedal as you accelerate. This helps to minimize the pressure put on your clutch components and the ride becomes smoother.
Regular Clutch Fluid Checks
The clutch is just like other parts of your Ford; it requires fluid to function properly. Clutch fluid may become old or the level of the fluid can be low and this can cause poor performance. Ensure your clutch fluid is at the right level and keep it topped up. You may consider changing the fluid if it turns dark or dirty. Clean fluid always helps to ensure that the clutch components in your Ford are working effectively.
Listen to Your Clutch
Listen carefully to any sound when the clutch pedal of your manual car is pressed down. Such noises as squeaking, grinding, and clicking can help determine if something is wrong with the clutch. It is not advisable to ignore any strange noises that come from your clutch; have it checked by an expert. Early identification and correction of errors tend to prevent the escalation of the problems into more severe and expensive ones.
Regular Inspections
When caring for the clutch it is also important to take care of the vehicle as a whole. When you are taking your car for regular servicing, you should request your mechanic to inspect the clutch for any signs of wear or tear. They can check the clutch pedal, the linkage, and other parts associated with this. Regular checks will help to identify these potential issues and ensure that your clutch is maintained in the best possible working condition.
Choose MW4 Outfitters For Your Ford’s Clutch And Other Repair Needs
MW4 Outfitters is the most preferred repair shop for off-road or 4×4 vehicle repairs and performance upgrades in Humble, TX, and surrounding cities. We have a team dedicated to repairing and upgrading these auto types to make sure your vehicle is ready for anything.
If you are in need of either repairing or replacing the clutch of your SUV then we are here to provide the best service quality for you. Our ASE-certified mechanics will fix your clutch and make your Ford drive like new. We use modern tools and ensure the job is perfect the first time. Contact us today at 281-570-4901 to learn about how we can assist you!
* Off-road 4×4 Ford Vehicle image credit goes to: blinow61.