If your car has started acting strange whenever you try to manually shift gears, you may wonder if the clutch is going bad. If so, look for the following three signs that your car's manual transmission clutch is starting to fail.

Clutch Pedal Feels Spongy When Applied

When you apply the clutch pedal, you are probably used to it feeling solid as you press down. However, when the clutch is failing, it may seem as though the pedal does not go down all of the way or feels soft and spongy even when it is flush with the floor.

This strange sensation when you apply the clutch is often a sign that the gears are worn or stripped. Because the gears are not completely interlocking with each other, the clutch cannot fully engage with the transmission.

Car Shakes in First Gear

Another sign that your clutch is failing is noticeable while you are driving in first gear. Until you are able to gain enough speed to shift up into second, you may feel the entire car shake, with the sensation seemingly coming from under your feet.

If the clutch has become loose or worn down, it will no longer have a tight attachment to your car's transmission. Because of the low speeds, either of these conditions will make the both the clutch and the transmission vibrate. Eventually, the clutch may fall off altogether, leaving you without control of your vehicle.

Burnt Odor While Shifting Gears

As your clutch's condition worsens, the gears and gaskets surrounding the clutch box attached to the transmission will wear down. Because these parts are no longer properly protected, the friction caused by use during driving will make the rubber heat up, resulting in a burning odor each time you apply the clutch to shift gears.

In the beginning, you may notice the faint smell of burning rubber. However, the closer the clutch gets to failing, the stronger the odor will become. If you smell this odor, you should have your car's transmission and clutch examined as soon as possible, as one or both are getting ready to break down.

If you notice any of the above signs, your car's clutch may be in danger of failing completely, making you lose control of your vehicle while driving it. Before this happens, take your car to a transmission service so they can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs to keep you safe on the road. Visit a site like http://www.budgetautomotivetucson.com for more help.