Are Clutches Covered Under Warranty?

Most car warranties offer similar cover. That said, it's worth checking with your provider to be sure what's included. This guide focuses on the clutch, a part many drivers dread replacing due to its high costs.

Contents

Is a clutch covered under a standard warranty?

Does an extended warranty cover clutches?

Why would a clutch be covered by the manufacturer?

What are my clutch replacement options?

Is a clutch covered under a standard warranty?

Most providers don’t include clutches as part of their warranty guarantee because it is susceptible to wear and tear, and the driver can significantly impact its lifespan.

For example, riding the clutch (keeping pressure on the clutch when the car is in gear) is just one of the things that can cause the part to wear out prematurely. Because of this, clutches and other components like windscreen wipers, tyres and brakes are excluded from many warranty guarantees.

Does an extended warranty cover clutches?

Because the lifespan of a clutch is often determined by your driving style (as well as general deterioration with age), clutches are not generally covered under warranty, whether standard or extended.

You can expect most new cars to come with a manufacturer’s warranty lasting for around three years. Some manufacturers offer an extended warranty; however, be cautious of taking this at face value. Once you read the terms of the policy, you will often find that the cover offered by the manufacturer decreases as the car ages and its mileage increases.

For example, Kia's policy documents state that they don’t cover "gradual wearing of mechanical components in proportion to mileage". With this in mind, there’s a chance that the manufacturer won’t cover the costs of your repair after a certain number of miles have been covered, even if the warranty is still within the stated time frame. This is particularly true for components like the clutch.

When would a clutch be covered by the manufacturer?

In some scenarios, your clutch may be covered for unexpected problems. For instance, this could be if a manufacturer recall was announced on your car make and model, having identified a problem with the component. In some cases, some manufacturers' warranties may also cover vehicles experiencing premature wearing of the clutch, though this can be tricky to prove depending on the vehicle’s mileage.

Modern clutches are built to last for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, so the chance of something going wrong down the line is low. To determine if your vehicle has been affected by a recall, head to the government recall service website and enter your vehicle details.

What are my clutch replacement options?

Have the manufacturer replace it

The manufacturer would carry out this replacement. However, as mentioned above, you will often find that most manufacturers do not include clutches as part of their warranty coverage due to the wear and tear of the component, so be sure to check this with your provider first.

Have a local garage replace it

Taking your car to a local garage or mechanic is the most convenient and cost-effective route if you need to get your clutch replaced. Not only can you compare quotes from different garages, but it also saves you from the nasty surprise of your warranty not covering the clutch, despite many drivers often paying a premium.

Additionally, you can find a mobile mechanic who can come and complete the clutch repair at your home, saving you the time and hassle of visiting the garage. 

It costs £636.13 on average to replace a clutch, according to our data. Below, you can find the average costs of a clutch replacement broken down by some of the most popular car makes.

Having issues with your clutch? Our network of expert garages and mechanics are here to help.

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• How to bleed a cars clutch?

• What happens when your clutch is replaced?

• Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

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