How long to Clutches last on these things?

I have an 04 Mazda 3 and I want to know when to start worrying about the clutch. Generally speaking I have mainly Highway miles on this vehicle. It drives great and I dont have any unusual smells as of yet. So far the biggest fix on this car was the tires I replaced at about 95000. Other wise I changed the rear brakes once. With that said this car rocks!!! :biggrin: Also I am thinking the Gear oil is probably due as well as a good flushing of the radiator for good measure.

The life of a clutch is related to how the vehicle is driven and how the clutch is used. Sounds like you are driving under ideal conditions for a long clutch life. A clutch will last longer if the transmission is shifted to neutral and the foot off the pedal at stop lights, don't slip the clutch to hold the car on a hill and keep foot off the clutch pedal when driving. If your clutch begins slipping (engine speeds up) when going up a hill in top gear it's time for clutch replacement.

Clifton

Also try not to decrease mph's by downshifting, it is easier an less expensive to change your brakes than your clutch! A way to know if your clutch is worn and burned out is to put your car on even ground not a slope and put the 5th gear and desingage the clutch pedal slowly, if your engine still running you have a very worn clutch, if the engine stops it is in good conditions. That is a cheapest way to check it.