Is It Normal for a New Car Engine to Have Sludge?
2 Answers
It is normal for a new car engine to have sludge. Reasons for sludge in the engine: When the car frequently operates at low speeds, the crankcase temperature remains low. Additionally, the fuel injection volume is higher during low-speed engine operation, causing some incompletely burned gasoline to enter the crankcase, resulting in low-temperature sludge. When the crankcase ventilation valve is partially or completely blocked by oil impurities or sludge, waste and water vapor inside the crankcase cannot be discharged in time, leading to sludge formation. To improve fuel economy, some high-performance direct-injection engines on the market use a technology called lean combustion, which reduces fuel injection. In China, due to poor fuel quality and lean combustion, exhaust gases entering the crankcase contain higher nitrogen oxide levels, contributing to sludge formation. Additionally, low-quality engine oil and gasoline can also cause sludge. Introduction to sludge: Sludge is a deposit formed in the engine during operation when impurities in the crankcase combine with thickened engine oil under high temperatures. It adheres to components such as the engine camshaft, crankcase, oil passages, and oil pan. Both sludge and carbon deposits are harmful substances that negatively impact engine performance.
Finding sludge in a new car's engine is absolutely abnormal! As a car owner who has experienced similar issues, I can confirm that a new engine's interior should be spotless since it undergoes rigorous testing and cleaning before leaving the factory. Sludge refers to those black, sticky deposits primarily caused by degraded engine oil, impurities, or incomplete combustion. If this appears in a new car, it might be due to improper driving habits during the break-in period—such as prolonged low-speed driving or frequent idling, leading to excessive oil temperature and dirt buildup. Alternatively, it could result from using low-quality oil or contamination during storage or transportation. I strongly recommend immediately checking the oil condition—if it appears black and viscous, take the car to a professional shop for a thorough engine flush and oil change. Ignoring this issue can accelerate engine wear, increase noise, and in severe cases, cause overheating failures, shortening the vehicle's lifespan. Remember, during the first few thousand kilometers, drive smoothly, change to high-quality oil on schedule, and avoid such surprises.
