Tom

Tom,

Q I own a beautiful 2006 Mustang GT with a manual transmission and

hydraulic clutch system. I have been told that, with a cable clutch system, it
is not good to leave the clutch engaged when stopped because it causes
excess wear on the clutch system. Is this true? Does it apply to hydraulic
clutches as well? Also, do you have any other advice that might save wear-
and-tear on the clutch and transmission?

Jeannette—Boise,    Idaho

Jeannette,

A This is a fallacy! Clutches, throw-out bearings, and clutch plates are

designed to be engaged and disengaged rigorously over their lifetimes
(usually about 60,000 to 90,000 miles, depending on how you drive). Go
ahead and hold your clutch pedal down at the stoplight any time you feel like
it. As for how to make the clutch last as long as possible, don’t ride the clutch
when taking off from a stop. Make sure it is completely engaged (foot off the
pedal) before accelerating from a dead stop. And don’t “hill-hold“ with the
clutch. Use the brake instead and learn how to engage a clutch from a stop on
a hill. Enjoy your beautiful Mustang.