Clutch failure usually shows itself on a hill start, in queuing traffic or when pulling away from a junction — which in Cornwall means steep harbour roads, holiday traffic and bridge queues.
Recognising a failing clutch
A pedal that goes to the floor, a high biting point, a burning smell or revs that rise without the car speeding up are all signs the clutch is slipping or the hydraulics have failed. If the car will not select gears at all with the engine running, stop somewhere safe. Forcing it can damage the gearbox.
Why it should go on a flatbed
A vehicle with a failed clutch often cannot be driven or towed safely, and towing some automatics and four-wheel drives on their wheels can damage the transmission. We load the vehicle onto a flatbed so all four wheels are off the ground, which protects the drivetrain and makes it simple to deliver to your garage.
Getting it to a garage
Tell us the make, model and where it is stuck, and whether it is manual or automatic. We will recover it to your chosen garage, your home or our yard near Redruth. We cover cars, vans and light commercials up to 7.5 tons, 24 hours a day, with no membership and a clear price before dispatch. Call 07874 130193.
What to do right now
- Stop as soon as it's safe — don't keep slipping the clutch trying to limp home
- Engage the handbrake firmly and leave the car in gear if you're parked on an incline
- Note exactly what happened — pedal soft, stuck, smell of burning, won't engage
- Have the V5 to hand for the specialist quote
What not to do
- Don't tow a manual car with a broken clutch — it can damage the gearbox internals
- Don't try to 'force' it into gear without the clutch — you'll wreck synchros
- Don't drive on a slipping clutch — you'll overheat and warp the flywheel
- Don't ignore a burning smell — that's the friction plate going
What affects the cost
- Distance from your location to the chosen clutch specialist
- Whether the car is accessible (driveway vs underground car park)
- Out-of-hours premium for evening or Sunday recovery
Equipment we bring
- Flatbed recovery — clutch failures cannot be towed
- Winch for vehicles stuck in gear that won't roll
- Wheel skates for tight-access pickups
Questions drivers ask
Can you tow my car with a broken clutch in Cornwall?
No — manual cars with clutch failures must go on a flatbed. Towing a manual with a broken clutch (especially if stuck in gear) can damage the gearbox. We always use a flatbed for Cornwall clutch recoveries.
How much does a clutch replacement cost?
Typically £600–£1,400 depending on car. We don't fit clutches ourselves — we recover to a specialist. The advantage of choosing your own specialist (rather than a tow to the nearest garage) is often hundreds of pounds saved.
Is it the clutch or the gearbox?
If the pedal feels different (soft, stuck, no bite), it's almost certainly clutch hydraulics or the clutch itself. If the pedal feels normal but gears crunch or won't engage, it's more likely gearbox. Specialists diagnose properly on a ramp.
Should I recover to a main dealer or independent?
Clutch work is one of the jobs where a good independent often beats the dealer on price by 30–40% without compromising parts quality. Tell us where you want it delivered.
A failed clutch in Cornwall means flatbed recovery — never towing, which can damage the gearbox on a manual car. Broadside Recovery loads cleanly, transports to the clutch specialist of your choice, and lets you avoid the inflated "tow-to-nearest-garage" prices that come with breakdown-club call-outs.