People who drive short distances or commercial drivers who always have to stop and move every time while driving end up having issues with their engines. One of these issues is engine sludge. This occurs when the engine oil starts breaking down and gathering around the engine. It usually mitigates how oil circulates to the movable components of the car engine. This leads to the engine sludge amongst other issues in an internal combustion engine.

Fixing the problem can cost you tens of thousands of nairas. The main ways to prevent engine sludge is to ensure you carry out routine vehicle maintenance. That said, here's all you need to know about engine sludge and how to handle it.

1. Keep an eye on engine lights on your dashboard

Pretty much every car has lights on the dashboard that tells when something is wrong in the engine, brakes, transmission, fuel gauge and so on. If your notification light for the engine oil goes red you need to check the oil and either top up or replace it to avoid engine sludge. Also, check for leaks and fix it if necessary.

When your car has engine sludge for a long time you might have to replace the entire engine

2. Always examine the engine

As part of your own personal routine, always carry out a visual examination of your car engine. Every morning before you head out or when you notice something different, pop the bonnet and examine. If you notice spills over the engine or anything out of the ordinary, contact your mechanic immediately. A sign of engine sludge is having dark, thick, oil splatters around the front of your vehicle. Sometimes these splatters could be in clumps.

The engine sludge is all about the breakdown of engine oil accumulated around the engine

You can also examine the oil pan of your car. The oil inside is expected to be clear. You can use a torch if you can't see deep inside. If you find it difficult to see what's underneath or the silver metal at the bottom, it means engine sludge is eminent and you may need to see a professional as quickly as possible. What's most important is detecting the problem before it goes bad. Removing engine sludge can be costly, but is dependent on how bad the problem is. It could get worse to the point where the entire engine needs to be changed - as everywhere is blocked from free oil flow.

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3. Avoid stop and go driving habit

Except you're a commercial driver who has to always stop and pick passengers at every chance they get, avoid stop and move driving. This is one of the major causes of engine sludge. This is because it causes the oil in the engine to clump, it strains the car engine and somewhat disrupts the easy flow. Also, avoid driving really short distances. If the distance is one you can cover under 5 minutes by walking, do it and let the car rest.

Stop and go driving is the biggest factor that leads to engine sludge

4. Use a sludge remover

You can buy a sludge remover at shops where other vehicle lubricants are sold. You can even order them online. Not everyone thinks the engine sludge remover works, but a lot of drivers say it does. Give it a try. It usually comes with a manual on how to use and what results to expect. Go through it properly and apply accordingly.

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Finally, lots of drivers always pray that their vehicles should never "knock engine". But how possible is that, if you don't take care of it? Always ensure you service and maintain your car often. Follow these tips handle engine sludge and you won't have to worry about it for lots of years to come.

>>> Check out more on driving and car maintenance tips right here on Naijacarnews.com!