Motor oil keeps your engine running smoothly by lubricating its parts and keeping it cool. Over time, however, pollutants and heat can turn the liquid into a gunky gel. Unaddressed sludge can be the death of your engine. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent this buildup from becoming a costly auto disaster.

Follow the Manual

The rule of thumb that oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles is outdated. Most modern vehicles don’t require an oil change for 7,500 to 10,000 miles. The easiest way to find out how often you should be changing your oil is by looking in your vehicle’s manual. It should outline the maximum mileage or time between oil changes and the type of oil your vehicle requires. That second part is incredibly important, as the wrong oil may hinder your engine’s performance and worsen buildup. If you no longer have the manual, you may be able to find a version online. You can also bring your Honda into your local dealership, as the technicians there will know the specifics of your vehicle’s make and model.

Pay Attention to the Dash

No one wants to see the dreaded “check engine” light, but if it’s on, it’s time to bring your vehicle in for inspection. If you decide to ignore the problem, you could cause irreparable damage to your engine. Full engine replacement can cost thousands of dollars. You also want to be on the lookout for the “oil change” light. There could be a problem with the sensor, or the light may indicate that your vehicle has low oil pressure. Bring your vehicle in for an inspection and oil change as soon as possible to prevent costly, catastrophic damage.

Check the Oil Pan

If you’re handy, you may want to pop the hood and inspect the engine yourself. While motor oil is a see-through yellowish liquid, engine sludge is a dark brown or black viscous goop. You shouldn’t be able to see any chunks of engine sludge on the surface of the engine or anywhere else in your vehicle. If you can spot muck, that’s a surefire sign of sludge. Next, unscrew the cap on your oil pan and peer inside using a flashlight. If you can make out the metallic walls of the oil pan, you’re likely fine, even if the walls are covered in oil. If the gunk is so thick that you can’t see the shininess of the metal, you have sludge.

Take Longer Trips

Your engine is more susceptible to sludge if you take short trips and idle for long periods of time than if you have a long commute or do a fair amount of highway driving. This is because the oil does not have a chance to heat and circulate properly. People who do mostly city driving or live within 15 minutes of work are more likely to see engine sludge. One solution is to avoid short drives and walk, bike or take public transportation instead. If this isn’t an option, consider getting your oil changed more often to lessen the likelihood of your oil turning sludgy.

Bring Your Vehicle in for Service

There are many products on the market that tout their ability to remove sludge from your engine. However, an at-home engine flush may not be in your best interest. By removing sludge, you may be re-opening broken rubber seals that were caked closed by the goo, causing further problems. When it comes to your engine, it’s a good idea to play it safe and bring your car in for professional maintenance. This way, the technician can ascertain the extent of the sludge buildup and determine whether your engine is salvageable or not.

Express Service at Honda of Seattle

No one knows your Honda better than the service technicians at Honda of Seattle. Our team is trained to service all Honda makes and models and will supply your vehicle with the correct oil to help prevent the development of engine sludge. We offer quick oil changes, minor services and vehicle inspections as part of our Express Service. Call us at 206-382-8800 to schedule your service appointment today.