How long to Clutches last on these things?

[schimrobman]

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!!! Also I am thinking the Gear oil is probably due as well as a good flushing of the radiator for good measure.

[Flash75]

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

[PRCIVIC]

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.