Passing a driving test has become a rite of passage for young adults, who often see only the excitement, independence and increased peer status of having personal transportation. At that point in life the boring, mundane details of vehicle maintenance may seem unimportant, until neglect results in expensive and time-consuming repairs. Engine sludge symptoms are a warning sign that trouble may be brewing.
Admonishing new drivers to change the oil every three thousand miles has become standard practice, even though it is not really necessary. The chemistry of oil as well as engines themselves have changed radically since the era when that advice actually mattered. Many newer vehicles can easily travel ten thousand miles before the lubricant becomes sub-par, but that particular number should never be taken literally.
Oil loses the ability to lubricate properly when vehicle operation includes predominately short trips, quick starts and stops, long idles, cold weather operation, and road conditions that are not optimal. In other words, the life of an oil change depends on individual driving habits and location. Longer than advisable periods between changes allow the oil to grow progressively dirty, and sludge may begin to build.
Lubricants begin to break down as soon as they are installed. The addition of synthetics can delay that process significantly, but even they must be filtered periodically. Oxidation is the main culprit, and it increases along with operating temperature or difficult driving conditions. The chemical changes involved in oxidation create a thick goo made of liquids, gases and solids containing carbon residue and metal particles.
If harsh conditions or neglect continue unabated, the gel-like substance eventually coats most moving parts. Similar to cholesterol-clogged human arteries, certain areas begin to function poorly. The baked-on materials continue to accumulate over time, eventually strangling or closing close passages and tolerances, causing performance to degrade noticeably. Rather than helping lubricate, the oil is actually causing damage.
Few people enjoy seeing the red dashboard warning light. Regular oil changes and consistent routine maintenance are still the best way to forestall disaster, both literally and financially. Replacing the engine is costly and time-consuming. But in some cases, diligent attention to maintenance and lubrication schedules has little effect, and some new cars are prone to develop sludge even under the best driving conditions.
This perplexing problem has plagued many auto makers, and has resulted in publicized legal action. The resulting investigations revealed no smoking industry gun, but instead pointed to individual design issues that affect only certain makes and models. Although this problem pales in comparison to recent safety issues that have sparked massive recalls, it can create real problems for people in the market for a used vehicle.
Before buying a used vehicle, have it checked by a mechanic for signs of previous engine flushing. Be sure to check the maintenance records closely, and avoid vehicles that have been neglected. When considering a new car or truck, using synthetic lubricant blends may prevent buildup, especially when daily use includes cold weather or stop-and-go driving. Sludge buildup is not inevitable, and need not ruin a car.
Admonishing new drivers to change the oil every three thousand miles has become standard practice, even though it is not really necessary. The chemistry of oil as well as engines themselves have changed radically since the era when that advice actually mattered. Many newer vehicles can easily travel ten thousand miles before the lubricant becomes sub-par, but that particular number should never be taken literally.
Oil loses the ability to lubricate properly when vehicle operation includes predominately short trips, quick starts and stops, long idles, cold weather operation, and road conditions that are not optimal. In other words, the life of an oil change depends on individual driving habits and location. Longer than advisable periods between changes allow the oil to grow progressively dirty, and sludge may begin to build.
Lubricants begin to break down as soon as they are installed. The addition of synthetics can delay that process significantly, but even they must be filtered periodically. Oxidation is the main culprit, and it increases along with operating temperature or difficult driving conditions. The chemical changes involved in oxidation create a thick goo made of liquids, gases and solids containing carbon residue and metal particles.
If harsh conditions or neglect continue unabated, the gel-like substance eventually coats most moving parts. Similar to cholesterol-clogged human arteries, certain areas begin to function poorly. The baked-on materials continue to accumulate over time, eventually strangling or closing close passages and tolerances, causing performance to degrade noticeably. Rather than helping lubricate, the oil is actually causing damage.
Few people enjoy seeing the red dashboard warning light. Regular oil changes and consistent routine maintenance are still the best way to forestall disaster, both literally and financially. Replacing the engine is costly and time-consuming. But in some cases, diligent attention to maintenance and lubrication schedules has little effect, and some new cars are prone to develop sludge even under the best driving conditions.
This perplexing problem has plagued many auto makers, and has resulted in publicized legal action. The resulting investigations revealed no smoking industry gun, but instead pointed to individual design issues that affect only certain makes and models. Although this problem pales in comparison to recent safety issues that have sparked massive recalls, it can create real problems for people in the market for a used vehicle.
Before buying a used vehicle, have it checked by a mechanic for signs of previous engine flushing. Be sure to check the maintenance records closely, and avoid vehicles that have been neglected. When considering a new car or truck, using synthetic lubricant blends may prevent buildup, especially when daily use includes cold weather or stop-and-go driving. Sludge buildup is not inevitable, and need not ruin a car.
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