This habit destroys the car. Drivers often make this mistake unknowingly

A seemingly minor mistake while driving can cost you dearly. What's worse, many drivers make it all the time. Driving with a half-clutch can be useful when maneuvering, but it's often asking for trouble. It's worth making sure you know how to use the clutch properly so you don't end up with a high bill from a mechanic.

What is half-clutch driving? It is a way of driving a car that involves partially pressing the clutch pedal . It is most often encountered when starting off, parking or driving slowly in a traffic jam. In such situations, the clutch remains incompletely engaged. The result is slippage of the disc and incomplete transmission of power to the wheels.

Of course, there are situations in which such a technique is justified, e.g. when starting on a slope or performing a precise maneuver. In the long run, however, it can have serious consequences. One of them is the wear of the clutch disc , which can overheat and even burn out when it slips.

SEE: Police checks have started. These two items must be in every car

Constantly keeping your foot on the pedal also poses a risk of damaging the release bearing . In such a situation, the mechanism is noisy, may jerk, and changing gears becomes problematic. It is also possible to destroy an expensive element, such as the dual-mass flywheel. Repairing such defects is an expense of several thousand zlotys.

Even greater losses may result from other effects of half-clutch driving, including poorer vehicle control and longer braking distances. These are less obvious effects, but they result from the foot becoming accustomed to an incorrect position, which reduces the precision of pedaling.

The clutch should be pressed all the way in when changing gears. Whether driving or standing at a traffic light, it is better not to put your foot on the pedal. Even slight pressure can affect the start of the mechanism, and therefore its wear.

SEE: The government will subsidize the purchase of an electric car. How much can you get and how can you use it?

It happens that the pressure is incomplete, because it is hindered by the wiper or the carpet . It is best to remove such obstacles. In addition, when the driver wants to start on a hill, he can use the handbrake.

Wear is indicated by inadequate acceleration in relation to the revs. The aforementioned problems with engaging gears or jerking when starting off are other symptoms, as is "heavy entry" when pressing the pedal.

It is also worth listening for any strange sounds during the operation of this part. In addition to hearing, the sense of smell will be useful. The smell of burning should be alarming . Such signs should be consulted with a mechanic.