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My OH has been towing our van for 2 years now without any problem until recently. We bought a new 1.9 (150) Diesel Zafira which is well matched with the van and was manouvering well until last few times. I don't know what he's doing differently but the last couple of times he has managed to really affect the clutch whilst reversing onto the drive. Any hints on how he can do this better- what is he doing that causes this?

Thanks in advance- a new clutch is not what I want!

Would love a mover- just been reading a price matching thread about the power touch one. Money money money!

I'm not sure if tt's the van- had never thought about it- how do we make sure the auto-reverse brakes are coming off?

The drive isn't totally level it slopes at the bottom to meet the kerb, so this part of the drive slopes the rest is pretty level.

No it doesn't slip- it definately stalls- found that out when adapting to the new car myself.

Is he not using the accelerator enough and pulling the clutch up too slowly. I've no idea cause I don't tow myself. But the first time he did it the car was only a month old and it still smelled the following morning!

How do we deal with this then- I know I'm being stupid- but I don't know anything about auto-reverse brakes. How do they work?

Thanks for your patience!!

Hi,

It is a common feature with modern clutches. My Mondeo used to stink for a few days after a "bout" of reversing, the clutch just sees to get very hot. If you use an Alko stabiliser try releasing the friction pads before reversing, it does make the turn that bit easier.

By the way.....

My old car was sold on to a work colleague (his request, from the leasing company) at eighty odd thousand miles.

He had only owned the Mondeo for a couple of weeks and the clutch fell apart.

oops

Mr U-M