Can the car still be driven if the clutch plate is burnt?
3 Answers
If the clutch plate is burnt, the car cannot be driven. The clutch plate is a composite material primarily functioning through friction while also meeting structural performance requirements. The clutch is located within the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch assembly is secured to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws, and the output shaft of the clutch serves as the input shaft of the transmission. During driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily disconnect or gradually engage the engine and transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the engine's power to the transmission. The clutch is a common component in mechanical transmissions, allowing the drivetrain to be disconnected or engaged at any time.
Last time my friend kept driving even when the clutch plate was smoking, and ended up stalling right in the middle of an intersection. If the clutch plate is completely burnt out, the pedal feels light when pressed, and shifting gears feels like grinding sand. In this situation, the engine power can't reach the wheels, and stepping on the gas will only ruin the pressure plate and flywheel together. The most dangerous part is the sudden rollback on slopes—I once witnessed this happen on a ramp in my apartment's underground garage. Call a tow truck immediately; don't believe the 'drive slowly to the repair shop' advice. The rescue cost for breaking down halfway could cover two sets of clutches.
My cousin burned out the clutch plate of his manual transmission within the first month of getting his driver's license. He initially ignored the gear grinding during shifts, which eventually led to complete gear failure midway, forcing him to call for free towing service from his insurance. A burnt clutch emits a distinct burnt odor from the undercarriage, accompanied by engine RPM surging while the car feels like it's being held back. Continuing to drive in this condition can cause debris to jam into the pressure plate bearing, escalating repair costs from thousands to tens of thousands. New drivers should take special note: avoid creeping in second gear—I've witnessed cases at repair shops where transmission gears were shattered while queuing for service.
