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Operational conditions that accelerate clutch wear

1. Don't overload a vehicle or trailer to exceed the gross vehicle mass (GVM) or gross combination mass (GCM). Apart from stressing all vehicle components, overloading has a marked effect on accelerated clutch wear. A clutch cannot be 'beefed-up' to match the excess of a 50% excess in GCM - the vehicle start-ability in such operational conditions is taken up in slipping - and damaging - the clutch.
2. Inability to perform parking manoeuvres increases clutch wear. This is particularly so in the case of articulated vehicles where the driver skill is important when placing a trailer in a docking bay. Drivers who struggle with reverse-parking wear out a clutch in the process.
3. Do not attempt to control road speed by slipping the clutch. This is a lazy way out of changing gears. Worst of all is holding the vehicle on inclines by slipping the clutch in place of using a handbrake.
4. Driving off on extremely steep inclines means that the engine torque has to be transmitted through the clutch to get the stationary mass of the vehicle moving. Drivers may inadvertently have a stopping point on an incline that repeatedly places extreme pressure on the clutch - a change of route habits can save the clutch. Drivers should not persist in driving up inclines if the clutch is slipping.
5. The high torque output of today's new engines lets the driver believe it is permissible to pull off in second gear. Do not move off in higher gears. Clutch wear is tripled if second gear is used for driving off from stationary position - wear is even more drastic with increased engine speed.
6. The high gearing ratio within a clutch release mechanism means that relatively small loads on the clutch pedal can considerably affect the clamp load of the clutch. Drivers should understand that they must never use the clutch pedal as a footrest. This leads to clutch slippage, early wear of clutch facings, and damage from overheating.
7. Total clutch failure can be experienced if descending a hill in lower gears with the clutch depressed. When engaged, the clutch will be accelerated by the low gear to rotational speeds far exceeding the engine speed. The sudden engagement of the mismatched rotating masses can result in extensive damage.