How to Deal With Oil Sludge Buildup in Your Volkswagen

09 Aug, 18

Volkswagen vehicles are known for their durability and consistent performance; however, there are a few common issues in VW models that must be addressed in order to retain the value of the car and the quality of the driving experience in this luxury vehicle. One of the most important tasks for Volkswagen drivers is to prevent oil sludge from building up in the engine. Oil sludge buildup your VW is problematic for its functioning, reliability, and longevity. In this article we’ll talk more about what oil sludge buildup is, why it’s harmful to your car, and what you can do about it.

Why your engine’s oil is essential to maintain

All vehicles utilize various fluids to keep the car running optimally. Engine oil is one of the most critical components for your engine’s functioning, as it is solely responsible for reducing friction of various parts inside the engine by lubricating them adequately. When engine parts are exposed to excessive heat for ongoing periods of time, they corrode and grind against one another, often shaving off tiny particles of metal into the engine oil system.

Keeping contaminants out of the oil is essential for this reason, as the smoother and cleaner the oil is the better the engine performance. When the engine oil isn’t properly cared for, the debris and carbon particle buildup turns into what is known as engine “sludge.” Oil sludge is detrimental to the function of your VW’s engine, and must be attended to immediately to avoid further damage.

A more in-depth look at how sludge buildup affects your VW

When oil is exposed to oxidation, sludge can form and prevent the oil from freely moving through the engine components and adequately lubricating them. Furthermore, if sludge gets into the different components of the engine, it can cause engine overheating or even total failure – even other systems of the car like the engine cooling and timing system. Imagine all the hoses, valves, and gaskets your car’s engine contains; now clog all of those pathways with oil sludge – can you imagine the toll this would take on your VW’s lifespan and performance?

What factors can cause oil sludge to build up?

As we’ve mentioned, there are a few factors that commonly contribute to the creation of sludge in the engine such as excessive heat and the process of oxidation on the oil. These are a few other things to consider that have an affect on whether your VW builds up sludge:

The environment the car is driven in

When your car is attempting to drive up a hill, carry a heavy load, or drive in congested traffic conditions frequently, the engine has to work much harder, creating more heat and friction within the engine. Since heat is a huge component for creating sludge, these conditions can put your VW at risk.

The driver’s own unique customs

When drivers must travel long routes every day to work or out of town every weekend to visit friends and loved ones, the car is often working hard for an extended period of time, creating optimal conditions for sludge buildup.

How to protect your VW from sludge

Since sludge buildup is a common problem for Volkswagen drivers, it’s critical to stay on top of your oil maintenance. Furthermore, frequent inspections of the engine are in order to ensure that sludge has not already begun to develop. Besides oil care, here are a few other things you can do to keep your VW protected from sludge:

• Find a trustworthy and affordable Volkswagen specialist near you.
• Stay alert of the common warning signs that often accompany sludge buildup: high engine temperature, decreases in oil pressure, or illumination of the check-engine light.
• Stay on top of ongoing maintenance tasks and inspections as recommended by the VW manufacturer.

Here at Santa Barbara Autowerks in Santa Barbara, CA, we always take a holistic, preventive approach to caring for our clients’ vehicles. When it comes to Volkswagens, we know that oil sludge buildup is a common problem, and we adjust our services to help prevent this issue from occurring. If you’ve recently encountered oil sludge buildup, or are experiencing concerning symptoms in your VW, please contact us to schedule an inspection – as Volkswagen enthusiasts and specialists, we commit to restoring your VW back to it’s best version of itself.

* Volkswagen Cars at Service Center image credit goes to: jetcityimage.