Extended Oil Changes Take A Toll On Engine Life!
Auto manufacturers, in general, are continuing to reduce vehicle maintenance requirements by extending oil change intervals. However, many vehicle owners are forgetting to check their engine's oil level between oil changes. The most common result is an engine ruined by excess accumulations of varnish and sludge due to using motor oils that are not approved by the engine manufacturer. In less common instances, the engine fails due to low oil levels and a subsequent lack of lubrication. Whatever the case, extended oil change intervals are changing the face of preventative vehicle maintenance services.
OIL LIFE ISSUES
Neglected oil change intervals can ruin the best of engine oil. As it accumulates miles, it becomes contaminated with carbon, water and various acids, all of which are a by-product of internal combustion and which will form a film of black, gooey sludge on the interior parts of the engine. The formation of sludge is accelerated due to cold-engine operation, because the oil temperatures aren't sufficient to evaporate accumulated moisture. Sludge is also caused by short-trip, cold-weather driving and by thermostats that are stuck open.
ENGINE LUBRICATION PROBLEMS
When the engine is operated at high speeds and temperatures, sludge often dislodges and clogs the oil filter. Since most oil filters incorporate bypass valves that allow the lubricating oil to flow around a clogged filter media, the dirty oil can pass directly into the engine and clog small-diameter oil galleries.
In any case, heavily sludged oil will eventually clog the engine's oil pump pickup screen, filter and galleries. The initial symptoms of oil starvation are engines that become noisy during cold start-up and oil pressure gauges that rise very slowly.
Broken timing belts are also symptomatic of oil starvation on overhead camshafts. Because the damage usually includes the crankshaft and piston assemblies, a cylinder head replacement may or may not be the cure for a seized camshaft. Have it checked out by a trained auto technician.
For premium oil changes and advice on engine problems, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
Auto manufacturers, in general, are continuing to reduce vehicle maintenance requirements by extending oil change intervals. However, many vehicle owners are forgetting to check their engine's oil level between oil changes. The most common result is an engine ruined by excess accumulations of varnish and sludge due to using motor oils that are not approved by the engine manufacturer. In less common instances, the engine fails due to low oil levels and a subsequent lack of lubrication. Whatever the case, extended oil change intervals are changing the face of preventative vehicle maintenance services.
OIL LIFE ISSUES
Neglected oil change intervals can ruin the best of engine oil. As it accumulates miles, it becomes contaminated with carbon, water and various acids, all of which are a by-product of internal combustion and which will form a film of black, gooey sludge on the interior parts of the engine. The formation of sludge is accelerated due to cold-engine operation, because the oil temperatures aren't sufficient to evaporate accumulated moisture. Sludge is also caused by short-trip, cold-weather driving and by thermostats that are stuck open.
ENGINE LUBRICATION PROBLEMS
When the engine is operated at high speeds and temperatures, sludge often dislodges and clogs the oil filter. Since most oil filters incorporate bypass valves that allow the lubricating oil to flow around a clogged filter media, the dirty oil can pass directly into the engine and clog small-diameter oil galleries.
In any case, heavily sludged oil will eventually clog the engine's oil pump pickup screen, filter and galleries. The initial symptoms of oil starvation are engines that become noisy during cold start-up and oil pressure gauges that rise very slowly.
Broken timing belts are also symptomatic of oil starvation on overhead camshafts. Because the damage usually includes the crankshaft and piston assemblies, a cylinder head replacement may or may not be the cure for a seized camshaft. Have it checked out by a trained auto technician.
For premium oil changes and advice on engine problems, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
