The problem was almost imperceptible at first: As you were going up a slight hill at highway speeds, you noticed that the engine was revving higher even though your car wasn't going any faster. Backing off the gas, or dropping into a lower gear corrected the problem most of the time. 

That was a month ago. Now you go out of your way to find roads that have no hills, because even a slight incline causes the engine to rev wildly while the car slows down.  

Additionally, there's the smell of burnt buttered popcorn in the air as you downshift in a feeble attempt (the semi driver on your bumper is blasting his air horn) to reduce the engine load and get the car going again. Your biggest fear is that you'll end up backing down the hill.  

The problem isn't in the engine or transaxle. All that slipping is caused by a worn-out or misadjusted clutch.  

Before you find yourself in that situation, here are  seven simple steps that will help your clutch last a good long time.

1.    Make sure your clutch is adjusted properly. Never drive a car with a misadjusted clutch.

2.    Always press the clutch all the way to the floor to release it. Never hold the clutch halfway to the floor, and never drag the clutch while standing at a stoplight.

3.    When starting out, always release the clutch smoothly while apply­ing just enough gas to get moving. Never "pop" the clutch or allow the clutch to drag for longer than necessary.

4.    Always release the throttle when shifting between gears. Never hold the throttle down during a shift.

5.    Always remove your foot completely from the clutch while driving. Never rest your foot on the clutch pedal.

6.    Always use your brakes to stop the car. Don't downshift to slow it down, unless emergency conditions require it.

7.    Don't shift more often than necessary. Feel free to skip a gear (shift from first to third or second to fourth) if you can do so without put­ting a lot of strain on the engine or drivetrain.

Now, isn’t going up hill by yourself better than having that semi behind you give you a push? 

Also see

Your Car's Mechanical Condition

What is a Differential? -During a turn, the outer wheels drive farther than the inner wheels, and this is an important function of the differential.

Dealing with Transmission Problems -learn about some common transmission problems for manual and automatic transmissions.

Maintaining the Suspension and Steering -relatively dependable and trouble-free; however, there are a few things you should do to keep both in good working order.

No Monkey Business Allowed Here!- Steps for Choosing a Mechanic  -some must-know questions to ask before choosing a mechanic.

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