renault laguna

[uklady]

I'm new to driving and i just stoped. When i pulled off I was in 3rd gear insted of 1st not knowing. I drove about 12ft till i relized what i have done, because it didn't sound or feel right. Now i've got a strong burnt out smell. Could it be i burnt out the gear box, or the clutch. How do i check them both? Or is it i will need to take it in to be looked at. Be greatful of you help. Thank you.

[clancyblob]

You shouldn't have done any harm to clutch or gearbox. I have driven hundreds of thousands of miles, and sometimes have made a mistake and pulled away in 3rd instead of 1st gear. The gearbox is metal cogwheels so you won't have damaged that.

Go to a quiet area. Start the engine, put handbrake on hard, and try to drive off using 3rd gear. The car should stall and stop. If the engine keeps going but you do not move anywhere, the clutch may be worn. You can still use the car but it will need to be looked at before long, quite an expensive repair, because it takes time to get the old clutch out of the engine. If you can drive off, then your handbrake is not very good but the clutch is OK!