How to prevent engine oil sludge in your car engine
Engine oil has an important role for the engine to ensure optimal engine performance. Therefore, manufacturers and vehicle owners emphasise routine oil change schedules who already understand how to care for vehicles properly.
One effect of neglecting engine oil changes is engine oil sludge. Engine oil sludge can interfere with engine performance and cause severe damage to the engine without knowing it.
Even in some cases, engine oil sludge can lead to expensive vehicle repair costs. From getting the engine breaks down to replacing other components that have to erode due to obstruction of lubrication of these components. To avoid this, below are some tips to prevent oil sludge in the engine.
1. Use the right and high-quality engine oil
The first step to prevent engine oil sludge is to use the right and high-quality engine oil from the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Yes, choosing engine oil should not be done carelessly. It's a good idea to choose an engine oil that matches the manufacturer's recommendations in the vehicle owner's manual.
According to the book's recommendations, if forced to use oil outside of the manufacturer's recommendation, you should still refer to the same oil viscosity code (SAE) and oil grade (API). Also, consider some of the following characteristics that indicate that the oil is suitable to be selected and used:
- Choose a clear and transparent engine oil. Avoid using cloudy coloured oil.
- Choose engine oil that is already well known and widely used by people.
- When purchasing oil, also pay attention to the condition of the existing oil seal and bottle cap. Choose the engine oil with a seal and the bottle cap, which is still in good condition and neat.
By choosing the right and high-quality engine oil, we can minimise oil sludge symptoms in the engine.
2. Change the engine oil regularly
The second step to preventing engine oil sludge is to change the oil regularly. Yes, regular engine oil changes will minimise residues' build-up and sludge in the oil during engine operation.
That means the residue from engine oil and combustion residue accumulating in the oil is regularly replaced with the new oil. It will prevent the build-up of engine oil sludge.
To determine when you should change engine oil, you should still follow the vehicle owner's manual. Generally, an engine oil change is due every 3000 miles.
However, along with technological developments in vehicles and the engine oil production process, the new engine oil is recommended to replace every 6000miles. It will be better for the engine if you want to accelerate the time, but it is less economical.
Also read:3. If possible, change the oil filter every engine oil changes
The next step to prevent engine oil sludge is to change the oil filter when we change the engine oil. In many cars produced before 2010, generally, the engine oil replacement was carried out every 3000 miles. After passing the next 3000 miles, the oil filter will replace with the second engine oil change.
If you can, also replace the oil filter when changing the engine oil. Changing the engine oil and replacing the oil filter at the same time will keep the engine oil condition up and completely new.
For this type of car, the choice of changing the oil filter when changing engine oil is only natural to continue as a way to prevent engine oil sludge.
Also, it's good to use the engine flush to clean the remaining oil crust inside the engine for every multiple engine oil and filter change to maximise engine condition.
4. Repair the engine immediately if any signs of damage appear
Believe it or not, engine oil is also influenced by the normal working conditions of the engine when used. When the engine is working normally, it will protect the engine oil from excess residue which causes engine oil sludge
Suppose the engine experiences abnormal conditions, for example, incomplete combustion (which results in the engine bruising or the spark plugs blackening quickly) or when the engine overheats. In that case, radiator water can enter and mix with engine oil. So, the condition of the engine oil will be significantly affected.
Incomplete engine combustion will accelerate dirty oil, while mixed radiator water will damage engine oil quality. Therefore, to prevent oil sludge in the engine, always pay attention to the regular maintenance schedule.
Perform regular service and check for symptoms and potential that can cause damage in the future. Perform immediate repairs if the engine shows signs of problems.
That way, engine oil sludge can be prevented and avoided. Also, the vehicle will always be fit and ready to use at any time.