How Often Should the Clutch Disc of an Automatic Transmission Car Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission clutch discs generally do not need replacement. There are several types of automatic transmissions: AT, CVT, AMT, and DCT. Among them, AT and CVT do not have clutch discs, while AMT and DCT do. As long as the vehicle is used normally and maintained regularly (checking and replacing transmission fluid), theoretically, the clutch disc of an automatic transmission does not need to be replaced throughout the vehicle's lifespan. Here is more information about automatic transmission cars: 1. An automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Typically, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P, R, N, D, S, and L. 2. Automatic transmission cars usually use a hydraulic transmission device to replace the mechanical clutch of manual transmission cars, so there is no clutch pedal. When the engine speed is low, the torque transmitted by the fluid is limited and insufficient to propel the car forward. When the gear lever is placed in the drive position and the brake pedal is released, as the accelerator is pressed and the engine speed increases, the transmitted torque increases, pushing the car forward. 3. The greatest advantage of automatic transmission cars is convenience, especially in heavy traffic.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for many years and found there's a bit of a misconception. Many friends think automatic transmissions have clutch plates that need regular replacement, but regular AT or CVT transmissions use a torque converter and don't have clutch plates at all. Only dual-clutch models like some Volkswagens or Fords actually have clutch plates. My DSG car started slipping at 80,000 kilometers—the RPM would rise during acceleration but the car wouldn't gain power, so I had to replace it. Driving habits make a big difference: I frequently start and stop in city traffic, which wears it out faster; being less aggressive with starts and maintaining smooth operation can prolong its life. A replacement is ridiculously expensive, so I recommend checking for symptoms between 50,000 to 100,000 kilometers—don't wait for a failure to happen. During regular maintenance, have the mechanic check the clutch condition—it can save a lot of trouble and money, since safety comes first.
