The Trouble With Engine Sludge

How to Prevent Engine Issues

One of the most common annoyances of driving is engine sludge. As you drive along, your engine oil will begin to break down and collect on parts of your engine. Over time, this collection will prevent your engine parts from being properly lubricated. This leads to expensive engine repairs for you, as the engine will seize if not lubricated.

At Chad Miller Auto Care in San Antonio, TX, we know the value of keeping engine sludge out of your engine. It can be difficult when you have a lot of stop/start action, preventing your engine from getting to full working temperature. Another big reason for sludge build-up contaminates entering your engine like dirt and moisture. Dirt usually gets into your oil through normal driving, while moisture may accumulate from cold air. To help you make sure this doesn’t happen to your vehicle, we’ll share with you three ways to prevent engine sludge build up in your engine.

1. Regular Oil Service And Maintenance

The easiest way to avoid sludge deposits is getting a regular oil service. Depending on your vehicle, your engine oil will last anywhere between 3500 to 6000 miles until it begins to degrade, along with your oil filter. If you are laxed with your schedule, your vehicle’s engine won’t run as well as it should. Getting this service done goes a long way in protecting your engine. Plus, you have a good idea how long to wait between oil services.

2. Monitor Your Dashboard For Warning Lights

Another big clue to watch out for is your check engine light. While many causes of the check engine light deal with air flow through the engine, the light could indicate your vehicle’s oil level is low. You need to get it checked out by an ASE-certified technician. In addition, be sure to check your vehicle’s temperature gauge. If it looks high, then the sludge may be starting to accumulate on the engine parts.

3. Get The Right Type Of Oil And Fuel For Your Engine

Why all engine oil may look similar, your engine will feel very different if you put the wrong oil in your vehicle. That’s why your motor should run with the exact oil defined by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Vehicles that demand performance and high lubrication will need synthetic oil. A cheaper alternative we at Chad Miller Auto Care recommend is synthetic blends. They use synthetic and conventional oil, giving longer life to your engine and friendlier to your wallet. The same goes for the fuel you put into your vehicle. If your engine has a simple layout, you can run a lower fuel grade. More complex engines will require a higher fuel grade, otherwise they will not run efficiently in the long run.

If you follow these steps, you’ll never have to worry about engine sludge clogging up and ruining your engine. A well-lubricated engine will run great for years and save you money on maintenance. If you have any further questions about engine sludge, feel free to give us a call at 210-683-4066. We look forward to hearing from you real soon.