Preventing Sludge Buildup in Your Honda Engine

Your Honda engine needs oil to lubricate its internal parts and components, allowing the engine to run smoothly and avoid overheating. However, the oil can turn into sludge over time, which can negatively impact engine performance. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent engine sludge from building up in your engine.

Follow Manufacturer Recommendations

Regular oil changes can help keep engine sludge at bay. Most modern engines need an oil change approximately every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or so, but you may need one sooner depending on your engine. It’s a good idea to check the manual and follow the guidelines there. It should tell you what type of oil to use as well as the maximum mileage you can reach before your next recommended oil change should be done. If you no longer have your manual, your local Honda engine expert at NB Sales and Service can advise you.

Inspect the Engine and Oil Pan

Inspecting the engine and oil pan periodically can help you keep an eye on sludge buildup. Engine sludge is dark brown or black in color and may look like a sticky gel. Ideally, you shouldn’t see any of this gunk on the surface of your engine or other parts. If you do see signs of sludge, it’s a good idea to check the oil pan with a flashlight. If the oil appears so thick that you can’t see through to the shiny walls of the metal oil pan, then you probably have sludge and should have it addressed as soon as possible.

Don’t Miss Service Appointments

Unattended sludge can lead to poor engine performance, so it’s crucial to keep to your service schedule. Issues related to sludge buildup can be minor at first, but putting off an inspection could cause even more damage to your engine, possibly beyond repair. A professional technician should look at your engine periodically to ensure peak performance.

Protect your engine by ensuring it’s serviced regularly by a Honda professional at NB Sales and Service of Bakersfield. Contact us today to book your appointment.