FixMyCar explains everything you need to know about clutch repairs.
Book a clutch repairEllie Dyer-Brown
Tuesday August 05 2025
6 min read
Clutch failure is the worst nightmare of many motorists, who understandably worry about the cost of a replacement. Unfortunately, most of the time, the only way to repair a clutch is to replace it.
The exception to this rule is when the clutch is misaligned - if this problem is caught early enough, it can be fixed without needing to fit a new one.
The clutch connects the engine to the wheels, allowing them to lock and spin together or separately so that you can change gears. This guide explains the role of a clutch in more detail.
You can expect your clutch to last at least 60,000 miles, but this figure will vary depending on how and where you drive.
When a clutch starts to fail, there are always symptoms, which makes it easier to catch the problem in its early stages.
A hydraulic clutch should have a low biting point, meaning the vehicle begins to move forward as you lift the pedal. As the clutch wears, the biting point tends to rise, so keep an eye on any changes. Unusual noises, such as whirring, may indicate worn release bearings, while a juddering sensation when pulling away could be due to issues with the dual mass flywheel rather than the clutch itself.
Matt Wrankmore
Head of FixMyCar's Garage Network
Slipping is one of the most common clutch issues. If not diagnosed in time, it can cause a drop in performance and further damage.
Watch out for:
Momentary loss of acceleration
Difficulty changing gear
Car slips out of gear
Learn more about how to identify clutch slipping and why it happens in this guide.
Clutch chatter refers to the initial shudder when a faulty or worn clutch engages and can be caused by the following internal clutch issues:
A warped or grooved flywheel
Missing flywheel dowel pins
A worn pilot bearing/bushing
A worn bearing retainer
Bent or broken drive straps
A bent or distorted clutch disc
A loose clutch cover
Clutch linings becoming covered in oil grease or getting burnt or glazed
Strange noises like grumbling, grinding or squealing often accompany clutch problems, though they are unlikely to be the only symptom you experience.
If you notice a burning smell coming from the cabin, it could be a sign that your clutch is overheating due to a worn clutch plate. This issue is often caused by riding the clutch, and stop-start driving in slow-moving traffic can make it worse.
If your car struggles to shift gears, it could be an indication that your clutch is worn. You might also notice a grinding noise when attempting to change gears.
Clutch slipping is often the most noticeable sign that you need to book a replacement, but any of the symptoms listed above indicate that the part is worn and needs to be checked by a mechanic.
Replacing a clutch is a lengthy process, so it's often expensive. This guide explains exactly what's involved.
The average quote for clutch repair on FixMyCar is £535.36. You can find the average price for different manufacturers below.
| Make | Average price |
|---|---|
| Audi | £630.81 |
| BMW | £516.16 |
| Citroen | £580.88 |
| Ford | £509.61 |
| Mercedes | £642.11 |
| MINI | £581.05 |
| Nissan | £551.10 |
| Peugeot | £537.10 |
| Renault | £523.09 |
| Toyota | £546.56 |
| Vauxhall | £541.44 |
| Volkswagen | £563.24 |
| Volvo | £628.84 |
A repair, which involves replacing the clutch components, will usually take two to six hours.
You can extend the life of your clutch by avoiding certain driving practices, including:
Riding the clutch
Overloading the car
Downshifting each time you need to slow down
You can do a simple test to see whether the clutch is in good condition on a used car, which is particularly important if you’re considering purchasing it.
While the engine is off, press down the clutch pedal as far as it will go before releasing it. If your clutch is in good condition, the pedal should spring back, and you should be able to feel some resistance as you press down on it again.
If you notice that the clutch pedal gets stuck, judders, or feels spongy, it could indicate that the clutch is worn out.
Some areas of a vehicle that aren’t checked during an MOT include the clutch, gearbox and the engine (except mountings). The reason for this is because they are not viewed as a safety risk if they fail; you can still use your brakes and pull over.
Yes - the clutch is one of the many components that will be checked during your car service, and this applies to both a full service and an interim service. Check out this guide to find out about the differences between the two.
A dual-clutch transmission is an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that uses two separate clutches to shift between odd and even gears. With a dual-clutch, the transmission uses two clutches to' preload the next gear before shifting gears.
An Automated Manual Transmission is exactly what it says on the tin—this transmission type allows the driver to choose whether to control the gear shifting or leave it to the vehicle’s internal computer to select the appropriate gears for them.
The ‘biting point’ is when your clutch and engine plates move closer together as you lift your foot off the clutch pedal.
When someone says you have a high clutch, it means the biting point is very high, indicating that the clutch is worn and may soon need replacing.
A high clutch biting point is often a sign of a worn-out clutch. However, it could also mean that the clutch plates need adjusting or, in some cars, that the cable from the pedal to the clutch needs tightening.
Every car has a slightly different biting point; if you notice yours has changed, it's worth checking whether your clutch has an issue.
Any of the warning signs discussed in this guide should warrant further investigation. The longer you ignore an issue, the worse it will get.
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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.
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