In this article, the experts at Clutch Industries explore this important topic

As the automotive industry continues to embrace the trend of larger wheels and tyres, particularly with the increasing popularity of 4×4 and off-road vehicles, Clutch Industries warns it is crucial for automotive technicians to understand the challenges these modifications present to a vehicle’s clutch system.
While larger wheels and tyres offer significant improvements in traction off-road, they also place substantial strain on the clutch system, which, if not addressed, can lead to serious mechanical issues.
In recent years, the trend toward larger wheels and tyres has grown, particularly in the off-road and 4WD markets, with enthusiasts constantly seeking improved performance and traction.
This movement towards bigger wheels, often up to 33 inches or more in diameter, has created new demands on various mechanical components of vehicles, with the clutch system being one of the most affected.
For many mechanics working on vehicles with these modifications, upgrading the clutch isn’t just an option; it’s a critical necessity.

The impact of larger wheels and tyres on the clutch system
The primary challenge with larger wheels and tyres is the increased rotational mass they introduce.
Rotational mass refers to the mass that must be spun by the vehicle’s drivetrain during acceleration and deceleration.
As the size and weight of the wheels grow, so does the rotational inertia that the clutch must manage during gear shifts and acceleration.
This added mass places more demand on the clutch to transfer torque from the engine to the transmission effectively.
A standard clutch system, originally designed for vehicles with smaller wheels and tyres, simply isn’t built to handle these higher loads.
The result? Increased stress on the clutch components, leading to clutch slippage, premature wear of the friction materials, and in some cases, complete failure of the system.
When larger wheels are installed, the increased rotational mass also means the vehicle’s engine has to work harder to maintain the same level of acceleration and torque transfer.
The clutch, in turn, must compensate for this extra load by gripping harder, which can lead to increased heat generation.
Heat is one of the major factors contributing to clutch wear, and when coupled with the additional stresses from larger tyres, it can significantly shorten the lifespan of the clutch system.
Without an appropriate clutch upgrade, Clutch Industries says these problems become inevitable. It states mechanics working on vehicles with modified wheels and tyres must recognise the need for a stronger, more durable clutch that can withstand the demands placed upon it by the larger wheels.

Why clutch upgrades are a necessity
For technicians working on vehicles with larger wheels and tyres, Clutch Industries says it is essential to recognise that upgrading the clutch system is no longer a recommendation but a necessity.
It says a standard clutch simply won’t be able to manage the extra stresses, leading to reduced performance and efficiency.
When the clutch struggles to engage properly, it can result in poor vehicle performance, slipping during acceleration or under high load.
Off-road enthusiasts, in particular, require clutches that can handle higher torque outputs and cope with significant kinetic energy transfers, particularly when navigating tough terrain.
Whether a vehicle is climbing rocky hills, traversing deep mud, or tackling sand dunes, the stresses placed on the clutch are far beyond what is typically required for on-road driving.
To meet these needs, Clutch Industries says it has developed the 4Terrain brand, offering specialised clutch systems designed specifically for 4WD and heavy-duty vehicles.
These clutch systems are engineered to meet the extreme demands placed on off-road vehicles, ensuring that drivers can enjoy enhanced performance and reliability in even the most challenging conditions.

The 4Terrain Heavy Duty Clutch
One of the key ranges in the 4Terrain brand is the 4Terrain Heavy Duty clutch, which has been engineered to meet the extreme demands of off-road and heavy-duty applications.
A standout feature of this clutch is its high clamp Spheroidal Graphite (SG) Iron pressure plate.
SG Iron is a material known for its strength and durability, which is essential in off-road environments where high torque loads and constant clutch engagement are the norm.
The pressure plate incorporates Clutch Industries’ patented ER2 Groove Design.
This CNC-machined groove pattern on the friction face is designed to increase the Mean Effective Radius (Rm) of the pressure plate, which effectively boosts the clutch’s torque capacity.
By increasing the Rm, the clutch system becomes better equipped to handle higher loads, which is particularly important when managing larger wheels and tyres.
The grooves also serve another crucial function: heat removal. In high-performance applications, where the clutch is often under considerable strain, excessive heat can cause the clutch to lose effectiveness, potentially leading to premature failure.

The ER2 Groove Design allows for better heat dissipation, keeping the clutch cooler for longer periods of time and ensuring more consistent performance even under intense driving conditions.
Extensive dyno testing supports the enhanced torque capacity of this design, showing that it significantly improves the torque capacity and performance.
This makes the 4Terrain Heavy Duty clutch ideal for technicians working with off-road and 4WD vehicles that regularly face challenging conditions.
Additionally, Clutch Industries says the 4Terrain Heavy Duty clutch disc is equipped with 25 percent more friction material than standard clutch discs, ensuring longer life.
It says this, combined with a Three-Year/50,000km warranty, provides customers with “unmatched peace of mind in terms of durability and longevity.”
For mechanics looking for a complete solution, Clutch Industries says the 4Terrain Heavy Duty clutch kits include all the necessary components for installation.
These kits come with the release bearing (or CSC), spigot bearing, and clutch alignment tool. Clutch Industries says this makes the installation process straightforward, saving time in the workshop and ensuring that everything needed for a successful installation is provided.
Moreover, Clutch Industries says the range offers replacement flywheel kits, which help streamline the installation process and eliminate the need for expensive and time-consuming machining.
By providing all of the necessary components in one kit, Clutch Industries says it ensures that mechanics have a hassle-free experience when upgrading to a 4Terrain Heavy Duty clutch system.
“The 4Terrain Heavy Duty clutch system is built to endure the rugged demands of 4WD and off-road vehicles, making it the perfect solution for mechanics working with customers who require uncompromising performance and reliability,” Clutch Industries Sales and Marketing Manager, Justin Batten, said.
“When upgrading to a system designed specifically for larger wheels and tyres, mechanics ensure that their customers will experience improved drivability, better performance, and a longer-lasting clutch system.
“Upgrading to a more robust clutch system isn’t just about improved performance; it is about preventing premature failures and maintaining the vehicle’s overall reliability.
“As more vehicles move to larger wheels and tyres, understanding the need for a clutch upgrade is essential for mechanics who want to provide their customers with the best possible service.
“For more information or to place an order, speak to your local Repco or NAPA branch.”

To learn more about Clutch Industries, visit www.clutchindustries.com.au