What Causes Engine Sludge?
3 Answers
It may be caused by oil leakage during oil addition or oil seepage. The following are the hazards of excessive engine sludge: 1. It greatly reduces the heat dissipation capacity of the cylinder block, leading to excessively high oil temperature and a decrease in engine power. 2. It increases the flow resistance of the oil, reduces the oil flow rate, and thus affects the lubrication effect of the oil. 3. It clogs the engine oil passages, resulting in insufficient lubrication between engine components, and in severe cases, it can cause bearing seizure and crankshaft locking. Here are some methods to prevent excessive engine sludge: 1. According to data, fuel has a greater impact on sludge formation than lubricating oil. Therefore, using high-quality fuel is essential. It is recommended that car owners refuel at reputable gas stations, such as Sinopec. 2. In terms of lubricating oil selection, the type of lubricating oil should be determined based on the vehicle's daily usage. It is also important to frequently check the oil level of your car and replenish it as soon as possible when it is low to reduce the pressure on the existing oil.
Last time I had my car serviced, the technician said there was sludge in the engine, mainly because the oil wasn't changed on time. Over time, the oil thickens, and combined with the high temperature of the engine, carbon deposits and dirt inside stick together to form clumps of sludge. This stuff clogs the pipes, drastically reducing lubrication and increasing wear—engine noise gets louder, fuel consumption spikes, and in severe cases, it might even cause engine seizure. Prevention is simple: change the oil every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometers, and don't skimp by using off-brand oil. I also learned that driving habits matter—like me frequently driving short distances with constant starts and stops, the engine doesn't reach optimal temperature, making it more prone to accumulating dirt. Regularly checking the air filter and cooling system can also reduce risks—don't wait until there's a problem to fix it.
My vintage car once had sludge issues, and upon inspection, I found that low-grade engine oil was used. The excessive impurities caused clumping. When the engine ran, the sludge would cling to the pistons like mud, causing severe friction—resulting in sluggish acceleration and elevated coolant temperatures. I used to neglect timely oil changes out of laziness, which ended up costing me a fortune in repairs. The lesson learned is to opt for API-certified, high-quality full synthetic oil and not cut corners to save money. When driving long distances frequently, pay attention to engine cooling—for example, don’t shut off the engine immediately after highway driving; let the fan run a bit longer. Regularly cleaning the engine internals is also a wise practice to extend your car’s lifespan.
