Clutch pub-question!

[blue chim]

I know we all normally drive the beasts doing 100zillion mph, so please slow down for this one:
I was stuck in traffic yesterday (what a crime) got plenty of time to worry about little things like what causes more wear to the clutch, going in and out of first gear or keeping the clutch down? I know that the clutch disk ware should be the same in both cases.
Oh by the way I AM SETTING OUT FOR A 5 DAY :driving: GOING THROUGH FRANCE, TO THE SUNNY COAST, BIT OF ALPS, CROSSING ITALY TO ANCONA AND THE ACROSS TO GREECE. I needed to shout that one out loud!!!!!

[k4trv]

Sitting with clutch pedal depressed gives the thrust bearing a hard time - it's supposed to be resiliant, but hot summers in traffic can get it over heated. Taking off in traffic every few seconds (so long as you are not lighting the tyres) will not produce much, if any wear, on the clutch material. Releasing the clutch pedal in neutral, lets the thrust release bearing cool to surrounding material temps. Squealing indicates it has overheated and lost its grease (supposedly sealed for life) and needs replacing asap.

Likewise, having the clutch pedal depressed too long will give the diaphram springs a beating. Eventually, this weakens the clutch so that you have loads of clutch material left, but the diaphram is too weak to prevent slippage at high torque situations. (1500 rpm onwards in 5th, full throttle !!).

Enjoy your hols and drive.............