As your vehicle ages, the conversation of replacing a failed part or scraping the vehicle entirely becomes more and more relevant. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to 2008 Honda Civic clutch replacement costs to help you make this fateful decision.

We’ll cover what a clutch does, common signs that it may be failing, and whether clutch replacement is a viable option relative to the resale value of your 2008 Honda Civic. Let’s get started!

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How much does it cost to replace a clutch in a 2008 Honda Civic?

It will cost you between $1,000 and $1,500 to replace a clutch on your 2008 Honda Civic. Expect to pay on the lower end of the range if your model has the five-speed manual transmission. The five-speed automatic is on the higher end of the cost range.

Considering a clutch replacement will punch four to eight hours on the mechanic’s time clock, a large portion of your costs will come from expensive labor rates. If you’re inclined, you could do the job yourself and narrow down your expenses to just parts. If you go this route, you can find

aftermarket clutch kits for as little as $250 at Advance Auto Parts

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What is a clutch?

All gasoline-powered vehicles have a clutch, but you will interact with the clutch more actively if your 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. Your transmission is a mechanical device that enables you to change gears while you drive.

Here’s how it works. The clutch is a friction plate controlled by a third pedal next to your gas and brake pedals. Its responsibility is to transfer power from the engine to the transmission, which then distributes the power to the wheels. When your foot is off the clutch pedal, springs push the clutch plate against the flywheel, keeping the transmission output shaft and engine spinning at the same speed and continuing to transfer power to the transmission.

But when you push down on the clutch pedal, a different set of springs temporarily disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing you to change gears while continuing to drive.

Not a car person? Well, the main takeaway is that the clutch relies on friction to change gears. And just like your brake pads, the friction-creating material on the clutch plate can wear down over time, causing your clutch to slip and eventually fail—more on this next.

MORE: How to do summer car maintenance

What are the symptoms of a 2008 Honda Civic clutch problem?

Typically, your clutch will show signs of going bad well before it fails. So if you can identify the symptoms immediately, you may avoid getting stranded on the road. Here’s what you’ll want to keep an eye out for:

Clutch is slipping: the vehicle won’t stay in the intended gear

Clutch is sticking: holds the clutch open too long

Weak acceleration: engine revs for a prolonged period

Grinding gears: shifting gears should be a smooth process

Burning smell: metal-on-metal friction is occurring

If you get a hint that you may be dealing with a clutch problem, bring your Civic to an automotive repair shop or a Honda dealer as soon as possible. Letting a professional technician get their eyes on it sooner rather than later could save you hundreds in repair costs, especially if it is just a simple fix, like one of these:

A leak or defect in the

master or slave cylinders

A broken or stretched

clutch cable

Worn clutch release bearings

Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch?

No! There’s no telling when your slipping or sticking clutch will turn into a failed clutch. Once that happens, you won’t be able to drive at all. So again, don’t let a small problem turn into a big one if you can help it.

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How long should a 2008 Honda Civic clutch last?

Many 2008 Honda Civic drivers report using their original clutch for 100,000 miles or more.

And considering the KBB fair market value for this model is just over $6,000, it still seems worth replacing the

OEM clutch

when it fails. Especially if your Civic is in otherwise good condition!

2008 Honda Civic clutch recalls

There has never been a recall for the clutch on the 2008 Honda Civic, but that doesn’t mean it has a squeaky-clean reliability record.

Recalls for the 2008 Honda Civic

were mainly related to the improper deployment of its airbag system, causing a greater risk of injury. So if you’re considering purchasing a used Civic from this model year, you’ll want to check its maintenance history to ensure this critical safety recall has been adequately addressed.

Another common issue in this model (and all Honda Civics between 2006 and 2009) is a cracked engine block. While the issue never reached recall status, Honda did have to settle a related class-action lawsuit. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to put in a claim with the case anymore, so it’s even more important to thoroughly review the maintenance history and have a professional car inspector take a look before purchasing a used 2008 Honda Civic.

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