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.
When oxidation continues due to environmental stress or simple neglect, this substance can end up coating most moving parts. Like human arteries blocked by atherosclerosis, they may still work, but not very well. Narrow machine tolerances or restricted passages become strangled, and overall performance becomes sub-par, with poor acceleration and gas mileage. Rather than providing lubrication, the oil becomes damaging.
No one wants to see warning lights on the dashboard. Regular oil changes and related routine maintenance may not always be convenient, but remain the best way to prevent trouble related to lubrication. The cost of replacing the engine is far higher, and is time-consuming as well. In some cases, however, cars develop internal sludge even when maintenance suggestions are followed precisely.
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.
When oxidation continues due to environmental stress or simple neglect, this substance can end up coating most moving parts. Like human arteries blocked by atherosclerosis, they may still work, but not very well. Narrow machine tolerances or restricted passages become strangled, and overall performance becomes sub-par, with poor acceleration and gas mileage. Rather than providing lubrication, the oil becomes damaging.
No one wants to see warning lights on the dashboard. Regular oil changes and related routine maintenance may not always be convenient, but remain the best way to prevent trouble related to lubrication. The cost of replacing the engine is far higher, and is time-consuming as well. In some cases, however, cars develop internal sludge even when maintenance suggestions are followed precisely.
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.
About the Author:
Our auto mechanics can recognize your car's engine sludge symptoms and come up with the most appropriate solution. To book a diagnostic test today, click on this page http://www.auto-rx.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment