If left unremedied, engine sludge build up can be a very costly problem for drivers. It can cause your VW engine to run roughly, and that can be only the beginning of things. With the correct maintenance, oil sludge build up can be completely avoided. With this in mind, we will take a look at what oil sludge is in this article, discuss what it can do to your VW, and explore what actions you should take to prevent it from building up.
What is oil sludge and what can it do to your VW?
Oil sludge can also be referred to as engine sludge. Oil sludge is a build up of deposits comprising of broken down or used up oil as well as other contaminants. This build up forms around both the engine and the motor of your VW. It will cause the engine to lack lubrication due to preventing fresh oil from circulating. Without being properly lubricated, the engine’s moving parts will cease up, which can catastrophically reduce engine function and even cause complete engine failure.
How to Avoid Oil Sludge Build Up
While the job of cleaning up oil sludge can quite tricky, preventing it from occurring in the first place couldn’t be more simple and should be included as part of your maintenance routine. Let’s take a look at those tasks:
Oil Quality
It always feels great when you bag yourself a bargain, but when it comes to your precious VW, it’s really better not to run the risk. Cheap oil, while saving you some money, is usually of a poor quality and usually does not contain the conditioners or additives needed to keep your engine at peak form. Cheap oil can also be higher in contaminants and usually doesn’t last as long, meaning that you end up needing to change it more often anyway. These are all factors that can increase the risk of sludge build up. Instead, you should always opt for name-brand oils or oils that are advised by your mechanic or advised by VW themselves.
Expired Oil
Oil has a lifespan and will begin to break down when it is past its best. The broken down parts of oil are sticky and will clump around engine parts, creating blockages and buildups. Therefore, you should always change your oil as directed by your mechanic or owners manual.
Clogged Oil Filter
One of the parts which can become clogged by expired oil or poor quality oil is the oil filter. The role of the oil filter is to catch the contaminants present in the oil as well as the oil that has broken down. With expired or poor quality oil, this filter can become completely overwhelmed. When this becomes ineffective, the filter is unable to catch the contaminants that lurk within the oil, resulting in a sludge build up.
Driving Habits
Poor driving habits can also contribute to oil sludge build up. The number one culprit is what is known as “stop-and-go” driving. Stop-and-go driving happens when a driver takes regular, short commutes in heavy traffic or multiple traffic signals, stopping and starting on the way. The rush hour journey into work or the school run in the afternoon is a great example of this. This type of journey is strenuous on the engine, as it requires a lot of exertion. It can not only cause the engine parts to deteriorate faster, but it also monumentally increases the likelihood of oil sludge buildup.
Is sludge remover safe?
Mechanics are torn on the effectiveness of sludge remover, with some swearing by it,and other recommending you steer clear. However, if you notice your VW is prone to sludge buildup, purchasing a sludge remover may be worth a try. Sludge removers are readily available at many auto stores and are simple to use by following the instructions listed on the product.
Regular Servicing
The best way to keep oil sludge build up at bay its 
to ensure you schedule regular servicing of your VW. DART Auto is onhand to help those living in or around Englewood, Littleton, Centennial, or Denver, CO with all their oil sludge-related issues. With a friendly team of knowledgeable technicians, no job is too big or too small, and you’re sure to drive away happy, and most importantly, sludge-free.
