How do I teach my child to drive without ruining my clutch?

Question

I taught my son to drive my standard, and he had a bit of driving experience on his father's (we're divorced) automatic.  My mechanic tells me now that my clutch is in a very bad way and the "learning experience" is likely the only reason (I'm very careful, never ride the clutch).  The repair will be $900 and I don't want to do it again in a couple years after teaching my daughter.  Any advice?

kevusaborn · Accepted Answer

Learning on a standard vehicle is going to cause wear, but it
    shouldn't have to cost you a clutch unless it's time was up. I don't
    know how your son drove it when he was out on his own but regardless whether he was hard on it or it was just worn is now in the past.
   So, spend lots of time teaching your daughter and be certain she
    is well aware what the price will be to replace that clutch should
    she drive it improperly.

   There's not much else you can do. Be thankful it's only a clutch..

   Good Luck you ..

Robert · Answer

You might try to get an old beater. You might just pick one up for $400 that runs and drives, but is a rust bucket... a perfect car/truck to learn on! Let them burn the clutch out, then sell it for $200 as a part's car. A $200 loss is a lot nicer than a $900 new clutch.

I have an old Escort that's been with me forever, and in a few years the frame may be questionable as to being safe to drive... I'll probably dump it for dirt cheap for parts before it becomes "unsafe"... something like that would be perfect to learn on!

On another note, I learned how to drive a stick on my car, and same with my sister and my fiancee, and it's been 65,000 miles since the clutch was put in... and still going strong! You'd think with all that training, the clutch would be shot, but that's not the case at all. Perhaps more hands-on training is needed to ensure that the clutch is being properly used. Don't just let them go do their own thing, be right there helping them hone their skills each step of the way.

bandit_60 · Answer

just don,t let him jump the clutch. teach him how much gas to give it, how fast to let the clutch out and where the clutch takes hold at.

Brian T · Answer

hire a learner car until he has learned how to use a clutch.

kelly_f_1999 · Answer

teaching the right way really and it might have been about woreout before and kid just help it along  teach more show them how you do it more

19.09 · Answer

when your songn gets his car tell him its his job to teach his sister or tell him since he rewined your clutch, his sister is going to rewin his lol,, buy and old car or buy them theire first car wich they are going to wrech anyway for theire driving lessonns

Mike H · Answer

go to your local rent a wreck and rent a cheap car for the day

bboy · Answer

let her play the arcade game battle gear. its so realistic.:D

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How do I teach my child to drive without ruining my clutch?

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