Why does oil sludge

Engine oil is unstable and tends to oxidize when exposed to oxygen under conditions of high temperature. Oxidation can occur faster if the engine oil is heated over extended time periods. During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down and the resultant products combine with the dirt in carbon form, metallic particles, fuel, gases, water and liquid coolant.

Together the mixture forms a sticky sludge. Stop-and-go driving in heavy traffic conditions and in areas where there are lots of traffic lights can contribute to sludge buildup. Frequently driving over short distances can also cause sludge. When you turn the ignition on, check the dashboard for the Check Engine Light and the Oil Change notification light. Both could indicate that the motor oil needs replacing.

Typically, manufacturers give you the mileage increments in which to replace the engine oil. Book an appointment with YourMechanic accordingly. Avoid stop-and-go driving as much as possible. Walk or bike over short distances to prevent motor oil sludge buildup. If the dashboard gauge shows that the car is heating up, have your mechanic check for motor oil sludge also.

It is never advisable to add engine oil if you see that the oil pressure is low. If the oil pressure light is on have it inspected or replace it completely. Your mechanic will check the engine for signs of a sludge accumulation and let you know if the motor oil needs replacing.

He or she may also check for the other possible reasons why the Check Engine Light is on. A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the cause of the various signs of motor oil sludge.

He or she will then provide a detailed inspection report that covers the part of the engine affected by the motor oil sludge and the cost of the necessary repairs.

It is essential that you do this or you risk severe damage to your engine. You might even have to replace the entire engine and that can prove to be very expensive repair work.

YourMechanic uses top-quality Mobil 1 conventional or synthetic oil to prevent sludge buildup. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Oil Change. Our certified mobile mechanics perform over services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2, U. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. Oil Change Cost.

Service Location. Oil sludging is the process of engine oil thickening. The sludge can hinder moving parts through blocking the lubricating system. Engine oil cools a car and ensures that moving parts move freely without any wear. This sludge stores heat rather than releasing it as oil is in place to do, placing stress on your cooling system and causing your engine to overheat. Check out some of the most common engine sludge symptoms and more!

Poor quality additives and oils can also contribute to engine sludge. The correct course of action of treating engine sludge is done on case by case basis. But the presence of engine sludge is not evaluated until an engine has failed. In many instances a mechanic has to dismantle the engine and corresponding parts and look at the extent of damage. With repairing the vehicle, the mechanic will remove the sludge and find what was the reason for it in the first place.

The mechanic will have to recondition the engine. There is a possibility that the engine sludge can be removed, without completely dismantling the engine- the mechanic will have to decide the best course of action depending on the amount of sludge and the reason for its existence in the first place.

Unfortunately, engine sludge can become a very serious issue. Car owners whose cars develop engine sludge will generally spend hundreds of dollars on very expensive repairs. Should you happen to encounter the issues below with your car that we outline, these signs may mean that you have engine sludge. Check out some telltale signs you may have engine sludge:. If your engine develops sludge, then there is a great chance that most of the sludge is quite visible from below the head, right near the tappet area.

The engine sludge will cause the tappets alongside the hydraulic jacks to operate with lots of noise- which can be heard as fast ticking or clicking sounds.

Motor oil sludge first appears on top of the engine, as well as the valve cover and inside the oil pan. It can then block the siphon on the oil screen and prevent oil circulation in the engine. Buildup can occur when the car is driven repeatedly in heavy traffic. Long periods of stop-and-go driving can contribute, and even frequent driving for short distances can cause sludge.

When you start the car, keep an eye on the dashboard. Both can signify that the oil needs to be changed. Additional preventive measures include:. You can help keep your car engine purring with regular oil changes and cleaning of sludge buildup.