Clutch Wear
The major reason clutches wear out too soon is excessive heat. Clutches are designed to absorb and dissipate more heat than encountered in typical operation. The temperatures developed in typical operation will not break down the clutch friction surfaces. However, if a clutch is slipped excessively or required to do the job of a fluid coupling, high temperatures develop quickly and destroy the clutch. Temperatures generated between the flywheel, driven discs, and pressure plates can be high enough to cause the metal to flow and the friction facing material to char and burn.
Notice: Do not allow sustained slippage of the clutch; this could severely damage the clutch disc, pressure plate, or flywheel. Damage caused by clutch slippage due to improper break-in is not warrantable.
Slipping and excessive heat are practically nonexistent when a clutch is fully engaged. But during the moment of engagement, when the clutch is picking up the load, it generates considerable heat. An incorrectly adjusted or slipping clutch will rapidly generate sufficient heat to destroy itself.
The most important items that a driver should be aware of to ensure long service life of the clutch include: starting in the right gear, recognizing clutch malfunctions, and knowing when to adjust a clutch.