How can I tell if my clutch is slipping?

Question

I drive a '98 Toyota Corolla. Usually when i park i just use the e-brake. My friends often ask why i don't just put it into first or reverse depending on the slope of hill when I park. So I tried it out the other day, but after turning the car off and putting it into first my car started to roll backwards very slowly, inch by inch. When i drive there doesn't seem to be any signs that it is slipping yet. What could the problem be?

Answer 1

This can also happen by rotating the engine assembly.  That is why they invented a parking brake.  Not only can the car move in gear but it can come out of gear.  Use your parking brake and ask they why they don't.

Answer 2

well not really a sign of bad clutch all the time also could be a sign of leak motor....no need to be worrying if you dont feel it slipping... you will know when it does you will give gas and it wont go. and yes its could be getting close to time either way dont worry til it happens

Answer 3

If your clutch was slipping you could tell it when you shift gears and let out your clutch, you can hear it and feel it, and sometimes smell it burning, really bad smell.

Answer 4

You're probably turning the engine as it rolls.  Use the parking brake, as it was designed for, and point your wheels into the curb in case the brake fails.  Your clutch may be slipping if, say, you are headed up hill, and the engine speeds up a bit without increasing speed - or head up hill, and punch it, if the rpms jump, and the car doesn't, that's probably slippage.   Don't move to San Francisco with a stick shift.