Compare clutch and gearbox repair quotes from specialist garages in Barking

As of February 2023, Barking is just outside the boundary of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone. However, it does fall inside the LEZ, which means some larger vehicles have to pay a charge for driving in the area. The Borough of Barking and Dagenham sees a comparatively high number of car thefts, so it may be worth investing in extra security for your vehicle. Barking station is a transport hub with regular underground, overground and bus services.

A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) operates in Barking to improve air quality and specifically reduce public exposure to nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant produced by traditional combustion engines. This goal is achieved by encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles, such as EVs, and restricting high-pollution vehicles. Many CAZs charge drivers for entering them, though some are non-charging. Before driving in Barking, it's worth checking online whether you will have to pay for driving through the zone.

Urban driving in Barking may reduce fuel efficiency due to increased braking and accelerating, which also places greater strain on your engine. Slow-moving traffic reduces the airflow through your car's radiator, making the cooling system work harder, so you should check the coolant level regularly and top up as needed. Your brakes and suspension will also likely wear down quickly as you navigate busy roads with potholes. Since driving in Barking can be tough on your car, following a regular servicing schedule is even more important.

Barking is in London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Low Emission Zone (LEZ), both of which are designed to reduce air pollution in the city. The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day, and excludes the M25 motorway. It charges drivers of cars, vans, motorcycles and specialist vehicles that don't meet the emissions standards £12.50 a day. The LEZ also covers most of Greater London and specifically targets drivers of the most polluting diesel vehicles. It is enforced year-round, and the amount you pay varies. It usually ranges from £100-300 depending on your vehicle, and you can pay online. This guide explains everything you need to know about ULEZ and LEZ.

The clutch and gearbox work together in a manual transmission to facilitate gear changes, determining the amount of power available from the engine. Unfortunately, several things can go wrong within this system, requiring an urgent repair.

Most clutches last at least 60,000 miles, though several factors, including your driving style, can impact this distance. Gearboxes typically last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles - find out how much a repair is likely to cost here.

Common signs of clutch and gearbox failure include:

• A limp, hard-to-press or sticking clutch pedal
• Grinding or clunking noises when you change gears
• Difficulty moving the gear stick
• Clutch slipping (when your car struggles to stay in gear)

Since these symptoms will only worsen with time, booking a clutch and gearbox repair sooner rather than later is best.

Before you take your car to the garage, have a look at our ultimate guide to clutch repair so you know what to expect.