mardi 29 juillet 2014
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Ignoring Engine Sludge Symptoms Can Be Costly
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.
The life-expectancy of an oil change depends on physical location, road conditions and driving habits. These can include many short trips of less than one mile, predominantly cold-weather operations, sharp stops and starts, and long idles. All these factors can contribute to degradation, requiring shorter intervals between changes. Longer periods allow the oil to become increasingly contaminated, encouraging sludge buildup.
Oil begins to break down the instant it is poured in. Synthetic blends of laboratory-based lubricants slow the process, but even the longest-lasting varieties must eventually be filtered. The main culprit is oxidation, which speeds up in poor driving conditions and high temperatures. Over time, the chemical reactions present during oxidation form a gelatinous goo of solids, liquids and gases, including burnt carbon and small metal fragments.
When this continues over extended periods due to neglect or environmental stresses, the gooey, gel-like substance can spread. Much like human arteries that become blocked with cholesterol, mechanical parts no longer operate efficiently. Baked on deposits eventually begin to strangle narrow passageways, and performance begins to suffer noticeably. Instead of lubricating, the oil causes overheating, and eventual damage.
Few people enjoy seeing the red dashboard warning light. Regular oil changes and consistent routine maintenance are still the best way to forestall disaster, both literally and financially. Replacing the engine is costly and time-consuming. But in some cases, diligent attention to maintenance and lubrication schedules has little effect, and some new cars are prone to develop sludge even under the best driving conditions.
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.
The life-expectancy of an oil change depends on physical location, road conditions and driving habits. These can include many short trips of less than one mile, predominantly cold-weather operations, sharp stops and starts, and long idles. All these factors can contribute to degradation, requiring shorter intervals between changes. Longer periods allow the oil to become increasingly contaminated, encouraging sludge buildup.
Oil begins to break down the instant it is poured in. Synthetic blends of laboratory-based lubricants slow the process, but even the longest-lasting varieties must eventually be filtered. The main culprit is oxidation, which speeds up in poor driving conditions and high temperatures. Over time, the chemical reactions present during oxidation form a gelatinous goo of solids, liquids and gases, including burnt carbon and small metal fragments.
When this continues over extended periods due to neglect or environmental stresses, the gooey, gel-like substance can spread. Much like human arteries that become blocked with cholesterol, mechanical parts no longer operate efficiently. Baked on deposits eventually begin to strangle narrow passageways, and performance begins to suffer noticeably. Instead of lubricating, the oil causes overheating, and eventual damage.
Few people enjoy seeing the red dashboard warning light. Regular oil changes and consistent routine maintenance are still the best way to forestall disaster, both literally and financially. Replacing the engine is costly and time-consuming. But in some cases, diligent attention to maintenance and lubrication schedules has little effect, and some new cars are prone to develop sludge even under the best driving conditions.
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.
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You can visit www.auto-rx.com for more helpful information about The Cost Of Ignoring Engine Sludge Symptoms.
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