Our services
Clutch
Clutch Replacement and Manual Transmission Repairs
Fleet Services Autocare Limited carries out clutch replacement and manual gearbox repairs at customer premises across Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey, using genuine manufacturer parts. Clutch wear is a fact of life on hard-worked vans - catching it early keeps the bill to a clutch, rather than a clutch plus a damaged flywheel.
Signs Your Clutch Is on Its Way Out
A clutch wears gradually, and the warning signs usually build over time:
Slipping — the engine revs rise but the vehicle doesn't accelerate to match, most noticeable under load, uphill or in higher gears
A high biting point — the clutch engaging near the top of the pedal travel, often having crept up gradually
Judder when pulling away
A burning smell after towing, carrying heavy loads or repeated hill starts
Difficulty engaging gears, or a pedal that feels heavy, stiff or spongy
A slipping clutch only gets worse, and continued driving generates heat that can damage the flywheel — turning a clutch replacement into a considerably more expensive job. If you notice any of these, it's worth having it checked before it deteriorates further.
Get In Touch
We're trusted by businesses and drivers across Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey to keep their vehicles serviced, maintained and on the road.
Phone: 0118 973 0157
Email: Online Contact Form
What a Clutch Replacement Involves
We replace the full clutch kit - friction plate, pressure plate (cover) and release bearing - rather than individual components, since they wear together and replacing the complete kit is the only way to be confident the job lasts. While the gearbox is removed for access, we inspect the flywheel and the clutch hydraulics, as these are the parts most worth addressing while everything is already apart.
On vehicles fitted with a dual-mass flywheel, we assess its condition and advise honestly on whether it needs replacing. A dual-mass flywheel wears over time and can be the source of judder or rattle; fitting a new clutch to a worn dual-mass flywheel is money wasted, as the problem returns. Equally, we won't replace one that doesn't need it - we'll tell you what we find and let you decide.
Clutch and Gearbox Work for Vans and Fleets
Working vans are hard on clutches - heavy loads, frequent stops and stop-start urban routes all accelerate wear, and a clutch on a busy delivery van will not last as long as one on a lightly used car. A failed clutch takes a vehicle off the road, so catching wear early and planning the replacement keeps disruption down. We carry out clutch and gearbox work on site, with 30-day account terms for business customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a clutch last?
Anywhere from around 40,000 to well over 100,000 miles, depending entirely on use. Heavily loaded vans, towing and stop-start urban driving shorten clutch life significantly, while gentle, mostly-motorway use extends it.
What does a slipping clutch feel like?
The engine revs rise but the vehicle doesn't accelerate to match - most noticeable under load, going uphill or in higher gears. You may also notice a burning smell. A slipping clutch won't recover and should be checked, as continued driving can damage the flywheel.
Do I need a new dual-mass flywheel with the clutch?
Not always — only if it's worn or damaged. We inspect it while the gearbox is off and advise on its actual condition. Fitting a new clutch to a worn dual-mass flywheel means the problem returns, but replacing a sound one is an unnecessary cost - so we tell you what we find and let you decide.
Can a clutch be replaced at my premises?
In most cases, yes - clutch replacement is carried out on site as part of our mobile service. Call us with your vehicle details and we'll confirm we can do yours at the roadside.
Why is my gearbox hard to get into gear?
It can be a clutch not fully disengaging, a worn gear linkage, low or worn gearbox oil, or wear within the gearbox itself. We diagnose the cause rather than guessing, and advise on the fix.
