Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can offer some advice.

I'm quite a new driver and have had my 58reg new shape fiesta since literally the start of the year. It's a 1.6 petrol and has always felt very nippy and powerful. Today while driving home from work in very slow traffic after a lot of stopping and starting i happened to stall the engine. I quickly restarted and pulled away since there was a fair gap in front of me at the time. The car pulled away but for some reason the revs were a lot more than i was expecting and the car starting to act like i had put my foot down when i actually hadn't, at least not enough to cause that.

After regaining control of the car, I noticed a bad smell. I guessed it was either the tires or the clutch. Since then i have noticed a considerable drop in performance when accelerating and higher revs than normal.

I spoke to a friend and have done some research, my friend seems to think i burnt the clutch or glazed it, and that i should give it a couple of hours to cool down and try it again. Well over 3 hours later I tested the car again and it still has the increased revs reduced performance symptoms. It literally feels like i have half the horse power.

I'm pretty sure this sounds like a warn clutch, but the reasons I've came in here for advice is because the car has only done 9000 miles. I've only done 1000 miles since buying it and I'm also a fairly careful driver and definitely don't like to drive irresponsibly, there was also no symptoms of clutch slippage before hand. Is it really possible to destroy a clutch as quickly as that? The incident after stalling probably only last for 3-4 seconds.

I should also point out while accelerating now I can hear a very faint hum or almost airy kind of grind in the engine i didn't notice before, this is even when accelerating very gently. I'm not 100% sure if this is related or I'm just noticing it now because of the problem and being paranoid.

My questions are could anything else be causing this? Is it normal for a clutch to ruined like how i described? Or if i really did glaze the clutch would it take longer to recover or is there anything in particular i need to do to fix it?

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to reply. :)

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can offer some advice.

I'm quite a new driver and have had my 58reg new shape fiesta since literally the start of the year. It's a 1.6 petrol and has always felt very nippy and powerful. Today while driving home from work in very slow traffic after a lot of stopping and starting i happened to stall the engine. I quickly restarted and pulled away since there was a fair gap in front of me at the time. The car pulled away but for some reason the revs were a lot more than i was expecting and the car starting to act like i had put my foot down when i actually hadn't, at least not enough to cause that.

After regaining control of the car, I noticed a bad smell. I guessed it was either the tires or the clutch. Since then i have noticed a considerable drop in performance when accelerating and higher revs than normal.

I spoke to a friend and have done some research, my friend seems to think i burnt the clutch or glazed it, and that i should give it a couple of hours to cool down and try it again. Well over 3 hours later I tested the car again and it still has the increased revs reduced performance symptoms. It literally feels like i have half the horse power.

I'm pretty sure this sounds like a warn clutch, but the reasons I've came in here for advice is because the car has only done 9000 miles. I've only done 1000 miles since buying it and I'm also a fairly careful driver and definitely don't like to drive irresponsibly, there was also no symptoms of clutch slippage before hand. Is it really possible to destroy a clutch as quickly as that? The incident after stalling probably only last for 3-4 seconds.

I should also point out while accelerating now I can hear a very faint hum or almost airy kind of grind in the engine i didn't notice before, this is even when accelerating very gently. I'm not 100% sure if this is related or I'm just noticing it now because of the problem and being paranoid.

My questions are could anything else be causing this? Is it normal for a clutch to ruined like how i described? Or if i really did glaze the clutch would it take longer to recover or is there anything in particular i need to do to fix it?

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to reply. :)

Riding the clutch can cause premature wear and tear and failure, if your quite a new driver that could be your driving style? I would take it 2 a garage 2 get checked cos it does sound serious.

Riding the clutch can cause premature wear and tear and failure, if your quite a new driver that could be your driving style? I would take it 2 a garage 2 get checked cos it does sound serious.

Thanks for the reply.

Riding the clutch is where you keep you foot on the clutch pedal while driving right? That's not my driving style as i like to keep my foot completely away from the pedal while not using it.

I guess i might have to take it to a garage like you said. Is this kind of thing covered in warranty or does it depend on what it is? Also do i just take it to a ford dealer or do i have to book an appointment.

You can tell I'm a driving noob.

Thanks for the reply.

Riding the clutch is where you keep you foot on the clutch pedal while driving right? That's not my driving style as i like to keep my foot completely away from the pedal while not using it.

I guess i might have to take it to a garage like you said. Is this kind of thing covered in warranty or does it depend on what it is? Also do i just take it to a ford dealer or do i have to book an appointment.

You can tell I'm a driving noob.

Not sure about the warranty, but as for ford, I have 2 book 4 my local one, and as theyl prob need 2 keep it for a bit you might want them 2 arrange a courtesy car for you and 4 that they need 2 book a couple of weeks in advance sometimes. Sorry not more helpful mate, hopefully someone who knows about cars might respond and offer some advice. Good luck!