When you push the clutch pedal, the connection of the drive vehicle with the wheels is interrupted. The clutch removes the disk from the flywheel and enables you to change the gear. Pulling your feet from the clutch pedal ensures that the engine torque is transmitted to the wheels and accelerates the vehicle. The clutch and its components are responsible for coordinating the drive with the wheels and the engine. These parts wear off easily since they are used extensively. The components experience a high level of friction during operation which results in a significant amount of heat. If you push the clutch pedal frequently, suddenly or longer than necessary or if you use the half clutch, the resulting heat might burn the clutch disk and friction brake lining.
The most common reasons for the clutch to burn are:
- Half clutch driving
- Frequent, numerous, sudden moves
- Driving in a rough terrain (ex. mountainous region)
- Loading the vehicle more than weight limits
- Using the gas pedal while pushing the clutch pedal without shifting the gear.
In short, the clutch operation in a truck mostly depends on the driving skills of the driver and the driving style. You can feel a characteristic smell in eroded brakes in the trucks. This signal should not be disregarded because a burned clutch will lead to complete destruction of brake lining which will lead to loss of driving and shifting gear.
A burned clutch cannot operate fully and this might lead to transmission box damage. Therefore, it is important to observe the clutch operation to identify any problem or sign.
