Clutch is an important mediator which transmits the power developed in the engine to the drive lines. Any malfunction of the clutch related components affects the vehicle performance in terms of pulling and mileage. By implementing the following tips may enhance the overall vehicle performance of the vehicle, apart from low maintenance and enhanced operational profit to the fleet owners.
1. Select proper gear which is required to pull the load. Over selection or under selection of Gears will strain the clutch components very much and reduces its life.
2. Always check for the oil leakage through the oil seals of the gear box side which faces the clutch mechanism (in case of dry clutch). The leakage may cause oil or grease entering the clutch mechanism which results in clutch slippage and loss of power.
3. Ensure that the clutch release bearing did not touch the pressure plate release levers when you engage the clutch. Sufficient clearance between these two parts takes care of wearing of clutch related components like clutch plate, pressure plate and release bearings.
4. Please set the recommended free play in the clutch pedal and as a driver of the vehicle please keep off your leg from the clutch pedal. If the clutch pedal keep pressed always there are chances of partial clutch engagement, which results in loss of power apart from fast wearing of clutch plates.
5. Keep all clutch linkages clean and ensure that it free from dust and replace the missing linkages and the broken one.
6. Lubricate all the Sliding surfaces and pivot points including all external linkages.
7. Check the Clutch master cylinder hydraulic fluid level, on vehicle with hydraulic fuel linkage. It should be ¼ inch from the top of the reservoir. Top up if necessary. Also check for any leakages from the master cylinder and connecting flexible lines, because the clutch master cylinder should not consume any oil.
Also while moving the vehicle from rest position, do not accelerate, as the raised rpm will translate to wear, & most important-use 1st gear
The tips given here are more towards maintenance / mechanic. Could have been extended to the end-user. I observe many drivers do not press the clutch completely while changing gears and also at traffic lights, they try to hold the vehicle by pressing half-clutch which is not correct and results into faster wear of clutch pads and also increase in emissions due to running the engine at higher rpm.
Many people use half clutch in place of brake which will reduce clutch life.