Clutch break-in period

[NewToVersa]

On a new car, how many miles ( or days ) does it take? Got 125 miles so far.

[Ever Victorious]

You don't need to break-in a clutch.

The owner's manual suggests breaking in the ENGINE for the first 1000 miles or so. No jackrabbit starts, no red-lining, no long-distance cruising at one speed for the first 1000 miles.

[NewToVersa]

Ok then. How do i get rid of the jerkinest from 1-2, 2-3 up-shift and sometimes downshifth? I feel that my seating position is as good as it get. It's my first manual-trans car. Learned a little ( 3 hours total ) on a 2000 acura 1.6 El ( mostly small city street driving ) and at that time, it seemed easier then the Versa

[p2ranger]

I would imagine you are still just learing how to drive a stick. After a while you will learn where the foot position is for when the clutch engages and disengages. There is a chance that you could be popping the clutch instead of easing it out propperly.

Jason

[NewToVersa]

Im not popping the clutch ( no offense ). I have problem in the last 1/4 of the pedal travel ( range ). No grinding, no over-rev, no burning clutch smell. Have the occcasionnal stall ( at traffic light ). So i guess im 75% on my way of being able to drive a stick shift car. No race driver yet . Im just scared of wearing-out the clutch early.

[Ever Victorious]

Yup, this all sounds like your personal adjustment period to the new car. Eventually you will learn more finite movement with your feet and become smoother.

It takes me probably 3,000 miles on ANY manual car to make the transition to the new clutch, before I would consider myself TRULY "smooth". You may take more or less time depending on how good your body is at muscle memory.

[NewToVersa]

So, no real ( danger ) of breaking it early then? Worst case scenario it wont last the average life of 50k miles. So not being smooth the fisrt 3000 miles is normal?
Modified by NewToVersa at 3:28 PM 11/25/2007

[Neo Xian Wu]

just takes a bit to get used to. like the others said, the more you drive, the more comfortable you'll become with it.

[Ever Victorious]

So, no real ( danger ) of breaking it early then? Worst case scenario it wont last the average life of 50k miles. So not being smooth the fisrt 3000 miles is normal?

Be mindful that "average life" also includes people who do nothing but clutch burnouts, drifting, and other... harsh... maneuvers.

I don't usually have a problem coaxing 80k or so out of a clutch, depending on how it's built and how well it's matched to the car.

Then again, the last clutch I ever had to replace was a cable clutch. Hydraulics (like on our V's) are supposed to be more even and durable.

[0wn3r]

125 miles? That's nothing.

Just learn where the clutch grabs and how much throttle you need for a smooth engage.

UNLESS the car is unusually jerky and/or you hear noises or slipping...then be concerned.

[lain]

Ya when I first test drove the Versa 6-speed I thought the clutch was messed up then by the end of the test drive I was getting use to the change. I didn't get fully comferable with the clutch till about 2 weeks of owning the car. Just got to find that sweet spot...just think of it like a girl...every clutch is different.

[NewToVersa]

Ok thanks to everyone