Clutch Slipping? Signs and What to Do

The clutch is the part of a manual car that connects the engine to the gearbox. It wears every time you pull away, so on an older car it is a normal repair, not a disaster. A slipping clutch does need sorting, though, and it is easy to overpay if you don't know what to ask. This is general guidance. A garage needs to see the car to be sure.

Signs your clutch is slipping

The revs rise but you don't speed up. This is the classic sign. It shows most in higher gears, going uphill or when you put your foot down to overtake.
The car feels weak with a load on. Passengers, a full boot or a steep hill in the Southside or the West End make it worse.
A burning smell, a bit like hot brakes, after a hill start or heavy traffic.
The biting point is high. The clutch only grips near the top of the pedal travel.

Simple checks you can do

None of these need tools:

Check the fluid. On many cars the clutch shares the brake fluid reservoir, under the bonnet. If it is low, don't just top up and forget it. A leak needs finding, and low brake fluid is a safety problem.
Look for leaks around the pedal box in the footwell and under the car near the gearbox.
Check your driving habits. Resting a foot on the pedal or holding the car on the clutch at lights wears it faster.
Note when it happens: which gear, hot or cold, uphill or flat. A garage can diagnose it faster with that.

Is it safe to keep driving?

A slightly slipping clutch usually gets worse gradually. Gentle driving can get you to a garage. But it can get worse quickly, and the risk is losing drive when you most need it: pulling out at a junction, joining the M8 or on a hill. If it slips badly, smells strongly or the pedal goes to the floor, stop driving it and get help. Our guide on what to do if your car breaks down in Glasgow covers getting it moved safely.

Driving on a badly slipping clutch can also overheat and damage the flywheel, which makes the repair dearer.

What a clutch job usually involves

On most cars the gearbox has to come off to reach the clutch, so most of the cost is labour. Garages usually fit a kit with the clutch plate, pressure plate and release bearing together.

Many diesel cars, and some petrol cars, have a dual-mass flywheel. If it is worn, it is usually changed at the same time, and it can be a large part of the bill. Ask whether your car has one and whether the quote includes it.

Getting a fair quote

Give each garage the same details: make, model, engine, year and the symptoms. Then ask:

Does the price include the clutch kit, the flywheel if needed, fluid and VAT?
What brand of parts, and is there a guarantee on parts and labour?
Will they call you before doing anything extra?

Compare like with like. A low quote that leaves out the flywheel is not cheaper if the flywheel needs doing. You can find garages that do repairs in our directory. They are listed from public data, not partners, so check them yourself.

Is it worth fixing?

On an older car, a clutch can cost a big share of what the car is worth. Before you decide, look up its past MOTs with our free MOT history check to see what else is coming up, such as corrosion or suspension advisories. Then read is my car worth fixing? to weigh it up.

Want us to look for you?

Tell us about the car and we will help you work out what to ask for and where to look. It is free to ask.

Common questions

How do I know if my clutch is going?

The most common sign is the engine revving without the car speeding up, especially in a high gear or uphill. A high biting point and a burning smell are other signs.

Can a slipping clutch fix itself?

No. A worn clutch only gets worse. If the problem is the hydraulics, not the clutch plate, that repair can be smaller, which is why a proper diagnosis matters.

Clutch slipping? Signs, what to do and what to ask a garage