Steps to Avoid Oil Sludge Buildup in Your Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a timeless brand that consistently delivers in performance and durability. Unfortunately, even the most well-designed and well-engineered vehicles face common problems. Though Volkswagen drivers are ultimately pleased with the performance and reliability of their cars, the occasional trip to the repair shop usually involves one of the few systems that typically encounter problems. One such issue involves the oil system’s functioning.
Oil care and maintenance is critical for all cars, but it is especially important for Volkswagen vehicles, as one of their common issues is low oil pressure. When oil pressure is low, the engine oil cannot flow through the necessary parts that require consistent lubrication. When parts are inadequately lubricated, they can become faulty or malfunction—in worst-case scenarios, they create a chain reaction of parts to fail. Another common issue associated with low oil pressure is oil sludge buildup. To avoid oil sludge buildup in your Volkswagen and to tackle its low oil pressure, here are some helpful things to keep in mind:
What causes sludge buildup?
Oil sludge buildup is a thick, gunky, dark material that collects in your engine over time, usually caused by an issue with the oil system. When oil isn’t properly maintained, it can become thick and filled with dirt and debris, and the constant exposure to the heat of your engine only causes the liquid to become thicker over time. Regular oil changes prevent any version of this contaminated fluid from circulating in your engine, causing serious side effects and symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of sludge buildup
There are a variety of signs and symptoms that can show up as a result of oil sludge buildup. The first sign you might notice is that your dashboard oil service light will turn on. If your engine is experiencing low oil pressure, sensors detect that there are problems with the oil flowing freely through the engine. You might also experience trouble draining or filling oil during your regular oil changes due to the thickness of the oil or impediments in the oil system. Another effect of sludge buildup is decreased fuel economy—which for a Volkswagen is especially troubling, as they are known for their exceptional fuel economy.
Side effects of buildup
Some of the side effects of sludge buildup can be troubling, and are certainly red flags that indicate you need to have your engine serviced immediately. The longer the buildup remains, the worse the problem will get. You may experience that your engine runs rough due to engine damage and malfunction. Sometimes low oil pressure and sludge buildup can lead to oil leaks. Any of these signs should be taken seriously, because the damage that can come from buildup could be devastating and expensive. To avoid these issues, regular oil changes and ongoing maintenance is essential.
The importance of routine, ongoing oil changes
Scheduling automotive appointments is half the battle of keeping your car in good running condition. Owning a Volkswagen comes with the responsibility to find specialized care for it—an average automotive shop doesn’t possess the necessary skill or experience to work with German-engineered cars, so it’s critical to find an automotive shop that specializes in Volkswagen models. As evidenced by the common oil pressure issues in some Volkswagens, even simple oil changes should be left to specialty technicians. Following through with routine, ongoing oil changes can keep your oil in optimal condition, and it can also alert your mechanic to any significant changes in oil consistency and clarity.
The automotive specialists at Ronin Autowerks have over 2 decades of experience working with German-engineered cars such as Volkswagen. Clients all over the area from Fullerton and Anaheim to Yorba Linda, CA, come to us for simple oil changes because they have experienced first-hand our dedication to being a thorough and investigatory automotive shop; in other words, we take every automotive repair or maintenance procedure as seriously as the next. Our pricing is competitive, and our skill level is kept high—our goal is to provide better quality services and offer more affordable pricing to our clients than the nearby dealerships. If you would like to schedule an oil change, or if you think that your Volkswagen engine might be dealing with the effects of oil sludge buildup, contact us directly. We are here to help with all your specialized automotive needs.