You're mistaken if you believe that just buying an engine or transmission will break the bank. There are other critical components that can be hard on your wallet. The clutch, being one of the most critical components of a car, cannot be ignored.

Before digging deep into this matter, just consider understanding the clutch first.

Are a clutch and a clutch assembly the same thing?

Usually, people use "clutch" in normal conversation. Though a clutch is just an umbrella term, there are a number of components that work together to facilitate a driver's absolute control of the vehicle. Therefore, clutch assembly is more of a technical term that people often refer to as a clutch.

Besides, clutches can be of two types: either a cable clutch or a hydraulic clutch. What your vehicle has entirely depends on the technology of the manufacturer.

A clutch assembly includes a pressure plate, clutch disc, flywheel, release bearing, release fork, pilot bushing, etc. All of them have their individual importance in dealing with power transfer from engine to transmission. Usually, all the components stay in between the engine and transmission.

Nonetheless, clutch replacement may be required in the future. But how can you tell whether a clutch assembly needs to be replaced entirely or if just a part needs to be changed?

When there would be a need of clutch assembly replacement?

How do you determine whether the clutch assembly needs to be repaired or replaced? These signs may definitely help you assess the situation of your clutch.

Service My Car not only provides car clutch replacement services but also provides car battery replacement, car mot check, car oil change, car ac repair, car detailing services etc. If you are looking for car service and repair and wondering 'where to find wheel alignment near me?' Look no further than Service My Car to get the best car services.

Does your car’s clutch start to slip?

Slipping clutch is a condition in which a car's RPMs suddenly increase without any additional acceleration, particularly while in gear. This is very noticeable when driving on an incline.

A clutch emergency does not come suddenly. It takes time for a person to become completely damaged. However, if this is the case, you will need to replace the entire clutch assembly.

Does your car’s clutch start to feel hard?

A damaged pressure plate is the primary reason behind the sudden hardness of the clutch in a cable based clutch, and it could be the hydraulic line issue in hydraulically operated clutches. Sometimes, it is just a lack of lubrication in the clutch cable.

Change in release point

The release point will undoubtedly shift a little bit higher as the clutch begins to deteriorate. The car might require a longer release than usual before moving, and you get to practice letting go of the clutch a little bit more. In hydraulically operated clutches, a stretched cable or a broken master or slave cylinder may occasionally be to blame for this.

Has your car’s clutch started to shudder?

The shuddering of a clutch is the most obvious sign of damage that is occurring or has occurred.

When you use the clutch to move your car, it gives you serious vibrations. It might need a whole assembly replacement, just a check, or even a change of flywheel.

Is there any smell when you set off?

A strong smell just after you set off after idling is a sure sign of a clutch problem and may need the serious intervention of an expert.

However, a worn-out clutch assembly usually starts to show certain indications. Though you can take the help of an expert to learn about the actual condition at Service My Car, Here, experts suggest you get a car clutch replacement even after certain thorough assessments.

Besides, there could be minor problems that need a minor fix or even a part replacement. But you should be aware of these points so it would be easy for you to approve a process while mechanics deal with your problematic clutch assembly.

Is there any problem with the release bearings?

The gearbox makes a rumbling sound that alludes to the release bearing issues. After pressing the clutch, the sound stops. In these circumstances, merely replacing the release bearing should be sufficient to address your issue.

Have you experienced a gear slipping into a slot with a grinding noise?

A damaged clutch is not going to work properly, and a gear might lose its slot while producing the grinding sound. It may start to get stuck even after releasing the pedal.  There might be a number of reasons for a stuck clutch, to name a few.

• Is it worn or stretched clutch cable?

Clutch cables have the tendency of stretching and even getting damaged. In such a case, it just requires a clutch cable replacement.

• Is there any problem with master or slave cylinders?

In the case of a hydraulic clutch, any problem or leakage in the pressure cylinder is not going to support a proper release of the clutch. It might require changing the problematic cylinder.

• Has air entered the hydraulic line?

Air may have an adverse impact on the pressure that is necessary for hydraulic lines.

If your car’s clutch pedal remains stuck in the floor, the above mentioned problems might be behind the scenes. However, they can be repaired easily, so there would not be a need for clutch assembly replacement.

Nonetheless, an expert inspection paves the way for you to decide whether it will be a complete clutch replacement or not, saving you money in the process. You can avail an expert’s assessment at Service My Car by booking a car service or ordering a car repair quote on our website or app.

In case you haven’t switched to electric vehicles, there is no doubt that you are unaware of the rising expenses of owning and operating a car. Whether it is the ever-increasing price of fuel or paying for insurance, a vehicle also needs some sort of maintenance or repairs, while you cannot ignore taxes and tolls either.

This overwhelming list goes on. So what can you do to keep your vehicle running economically?

There are a few adjustments you can make to improvise on a number of things to get the best out of your vehicle and reduce the running cost.

Here, we are sharing a list of essential hacks you can apply to improve your car's performance while keeping expenses in check.

Keep your car’s tyres inflated as per the manufacturer's recommendation

Underinflated tyres yield resistance while rotating over the road. They tend to have more traction and generate more friction when they come into contact with the ground.

In such a situation, the engine has to bear heavier loads to move the vehicle. Therefore, it takes more fuel to consume. Underinflated tyres may reduce the fuel efficiency by up to 10 to 20%. This is huge when it comes to fuel consumption over a longer period of time.

Besides, under inflation is not good for a tyre’s health either. If a tyre runs too long in such a condition, it will wear down more rapidly than a tyre with normal pressure.

Therefore, you should follow your car’s manufacturer recommendation for proper tire pressure or consult an adviser at Service My Car now. 

If you need any type of car services or repair including car tinting service, car mot check service, car wheel alignment service, car air con regas services, car detailing services, car body repair, car oil change services or car battery replacement services, Service My Car provides you hassle free pickup and delivery at the nearest car service centre. 

Always try to maintain a steady speed

Usually, many drivers may develop a misunderstanding about speed and fuel consumption. It revolves around the idea that a vehicle runs fast at high speeds while consuming less fuel.

But, this is not correct at all, data suggests that a car consumes more fuel when it runs at 100 km/h or more as compared to 50 km/h. However, a speed lowers than 50 km/h is not a good either. Your engine would drop to a lower gear, thus using up more fuel. In conclusion, a steady 50–80 km/h on the highway is best to achieve optimal fuel economy.

Remain mindful while accelerating and avoid braking forcefully

Cruising might be fun, but not for the engine, it takes a toll on engines when RPMs are high while hampering the fuel consumption.

Though a car, especially in moving condition, needs some sort of RPMs, unnecessary revving is a bad habit that results in consuming more fuel than normal.

Besides, applying brakes unnecessarily does not produce a better result when it comes to engine efficiency. Each time somebody applies the brakes to stop the car, it takes full strength for your vehicle to pick up. This takes more fuel to consume.

Such events happen when your vehicle drives through the traffic lights or tailgates (follows closely behind another vehicle). This does not go well for the brakes either, and you might need brake pad replacement sooner than normal.

While driving a vehicle with cruise control, it is better to utilize this technology because it assures a steady speed while driving on the highway. Besides, you can drive a car in a higher gear and not exceed the RPM limits.

It is going to help you manage your vehicle’s engine for a long time. Otherwise, you would end up paying for car engine repair while facing hefty bills.

You can approach Service My Car for any assistance related to car problems.

Never ignore car maintenance

A regular tune-up surely helps improve the performance of a car. There are a few components that need attention regularly so they can offer their best services.

A spark plugs replacement solves the problem of improper ignition, an air filter replacement makes the breathing of a car proper so that it can receive a proper air/fuel mixture. It is the coolant level that should be intact to keep engine temperature in check.

Though car maintenance requires spending some money, such an expense is well compensated when you will be able to avoid those hefty bills for major repairs.

A car that has been well maintained is much less likely to accrue expensive repair costs or break down than one that hasn't been taken care of. Regular fundamental inspections are necessary and make a car to fight all the odds on the road. Besides, if a warning light appears on your dashboard or you hear something strange, this also proves to be helpful in maintaining your car for a long time while informing you about potential risk.

Although it may be alluring to ignore a problem in the hopes that it will go away, doing so will cost you more money in the long run and could even result in a breakdown or accident.

These above-mentioned advices always prove impactful when you actually take them into consideration. However, you may need a professional on whom you can rely. Service My Car offers a number of services for car maintenance and repair. However, you have to book a car service or order a car repair quote on our website or app.

Smoke is injurious to health for humans as well as automobiles too. A vehicle with a visible sign of smoke at exhaust usually turns out to be carrying an underlying problem.

When it’s in a perfect condition, a car does not produce any visible emissions except some white smoke in the initial seconds of starting.

However, a constant stream of smoke hints at a problem with the engine. Smoke at the exhaust pipe might be of several colours, such as white, black, or blue. Each colour intimates one or more associated problems with a vehicle.

Before diving deep, let’s take a look at the process of how a vehicle emits or produces smoke.

Why does a vehicle produce smoke at tailpipe?

It is as simple as burning wood. You may notice some sort of smoke while burning a wood. Similarly, an engine emits smoke after the combustion process.

When a car's engine is running, it releases a variety of gases and particles as exhaust emissions.

Some of these gases are quite hazardous, but a component (the catalytic converter) in the exhaust system of a car usually converts them into safer ones. However, the emission appears to be colourless.

If there is an underlying problem, an engine may produce appropriate smoke that is not converted by the catalytic converter. And the tail pipe has a good view of this smoke.

A car’s exhaust emission might be any of black, blue or white colours. However, you can make an idea on an issue easily by looking at the smoke colour. Here, we try to share some of common issues and their relation with a corresponding smoke colour.

Why does a car emit black exhaust smoke?

Typically, black smoke indicates that your engine's fuel-to-air ratio is too rich. The fuel part in the mixture is more than enough for the combustion process. This indicates air flow is not adequate into the engine or the fuel injectors are adding too much fuel.

Therefore, a clogged air filter or clogged fuel injector is major culprit behind such problem.

However, a malfunctioning fuel pressure system also disturbs the process.

It's crucial to get your car checked out right away if your exhaust system ever emits black smoke. Black exhaust smoke indicates excessive fuel use.

You can utilize the services of Service My Car to deal with the black smoke issue. If you need any type of car services or repair including car tinting, car mot check service, car coolant or car battery replacement services, Service My Car provides you hassle free pickup and delivery at the nest car service centre.

Why does a car emit blue exhaust smoke?

However, engine oil usually performs the responsibility of lubricating the engine primarily. But, if it starts to burn somehow, a car surely starts to produce blue smoke.

Oil will leak into the combustion chamber and burn due to the worn piston rings or seals on the valve guide.

It becomes necessary to check the engine oil level when you notice blue smoke at tailpipe. A declining level is unmistakably a sign that there is a problem that has been resulting in engine oil burning.

If the damage is severe, fixing the issue might be difficult and costly. However, a small leak could be easily fixed by managing the oil with a quick car oil change. Blue exhaust smoke necessitates immediate attention in either case.

Have a professional inspection performed if your car is emitting blue smoke at a reputable repair shop like Service My Car.

Why does a car emit white or gray exhaust smoke?

As coolant burning produces white smoke, a recurring occurrence of thick white smoke is typically a cause for serious concern.

An important fluid that controls engine temperature is coolant. It must come into contact with an engine component, but if it manages to get inside the cylinder block, the intense heat will likely burn it.

You might have a problem if your exhaust system is spewing out a lot of thick white smoke. This thick smoke is frequently the result of coolant burning because of problems with the engine, such as a cracked engine block, damaged cylinder, or blown head gasket.

A car may occasionally display some signs of light white smoke, especially when starting. The main cause of this kind of white smoke is typically leftover moisture in the exhaust system. Condensation occurs as soon as a car is started, and the tailpipe then emits vapour, which appears as white smoke.

If you notice persistent white smoke, stop your car as soon as you can, turn off the engine, and then dial a car recovery service like Service My Car. You also get a head gasket replacement at one of our nearest workshop.

Apart from routine car maintenance, a car’s exterior as well as interior also matter in designating a car’s value. However, if reselling is not a concern, you deserve to drive a car that does not appear outdated, even well ahead of its timeline.

In this scenario, you have to be aware enough to keep your asset so that it does not lose its real attraction even for an extended period of time.

You have probably noticed a substantial fade on many vehicles, especially those that are not taken cared of well.

Although the car paint will fade sometime in future but, you can delay the fading process and can definitely keep the car in its brand new condition by some essential hacks.

To be honest, a car’s exterior is not immune to fading but right and preventive steps usually prove to be effective in a long run. You can preserve the exterior paint while applying some viable hacks.

Let’s have a discussion on the potential threats to a car’s paint.

Along with applying a remedy to a problem, you need to look out for the causes of concern also.

There is a huge list of threats that have an adverse impact on the car‘s exterior.

1. Ultra-violet rays -

The sun's heat, in terms of ultra-violet rays, does the major damage. Oxidation hits hard on paint, as it signifies a chemical reaction of oxygen and metal in the presence of heat.

It is essentially a type of corrosion in which paint dries out as a result of losing its oil content. Although this process happens gradually, the results could be disastrous.

Over a period of time, a car under the influence of oxidation starts to appear dull. Paint loses its shine while colour appears faded and rusty.

Oxidation generally damages the clear coat, which can permanently remove the paint and make the car's body vulnerable to rust.

Remedy for ultraviolet rays - The best way to deal with ultra-violets is to avoid parking directly under the sun. However, if you cannot avoid this completely, try to utilize the car cover.

Besides, some paint coatings offer invaluable resistance against ultra-violet rays. The ceramic coating proves to be a great shield for UV rays as it reflects the UV rays and protects the surface from oxidation.

2. Some chemicals, both invited and uninvited -

When a car hits the road, obviously it is going to deal with the chemicals in the environment. There are plenty of pollutants and biochemical residues. However, a car might receive a lot of damage when they stay for a long time on a car’s surface.

It goes without saying that a car hitting the road will release chemicals into the environment. However, if they remain on a car's surface for a long time, the car could sustain significant damage.

Your car needs frequent car wash, just as people should regularly bath.

If you have been driving your car regularly, it requires regular cleaning. A rested car too needs to get a wash once a fortnight. The finish of your car will deteriorate if you frequently expose it to chemicals.

You must choose a clear coat over your car's paint that will protect it from corrosive chemicals if you want to avoid this.

Remedy for chemicals – In addition to routine washing, there is another task that must be accomplished to prevent the need for car polishing. While hindering the clear coat and removing the protection that is present in your car finish, car polish can temporarily increase gloss. Consequently, the effects of ageing make the car paint quite exposed. If you need any type of car services or repair including car tinting service, car mot check service, car wheel alignment service, car air con regas services, car body repair, car oil change services or car battery replacement services, service my car provides you hassle free pickup and delivery at the nest car service centre.

3. Environmental waste –

Pollutants are an inclusive part of the environment as your car is exposed to the air, salt, bird droppings, and insects. They can also be part of your car’s paint damage.

However, there might not be a major impact while pollutants stay for some time, but an extended residual is a concern. It surely needs to be taken care of from time to time.

Remedy for environmental waste and bird droppings - There is no way to remove environmental waste, bird droppings, or any other pollutants without a car wash. Therefore, just take these things into consideration. You can take professional help from Service My Car.

Waxing is a far better product than car polishing. Waxing actually adds a new layer on top of the car's finish, providing additional protection over the paint. Waxing won't remove any of the surfaces that are typically caused by abrasion.

However, it is advisable to use wax in excess as it can make change a car’s original look.

Even though you can't stop time from passing and your car's paint will eventually fade, you can definitely slow down this process by giving your car the proper care.

You can also prevent the paint on your car from fading by utilising the services of car detailing at Service My Car. A detailing job includes precise cleaning of the exterior, including wax finish, and some minor repair works at the surface.

Service My Car provides you with a professional car tinting and detailing service so that you can take care of your car properly. Book a car service or order a car repair quote on our website or app anytime.