Oil sludge is one of the most prevalent issues that can develop in your Volkswagen, causing significant harm to your engine without you realizing it. It begins with the formation of thickened oil accumulating on critical components of the engine, hampering the process of lubrication, causing overheating, and possibly leading to the failure of the engine.
If left unchecked, oil sludge can cost thousands of dollars to fix, which makes prevention more cost-effective. There are certain things that you can do to keep the engine of your VW in good condition for many years. Let’s try to understand some of the causes of oil sludge formation and the measures that can be taken to avoid it.
What Causes Oil Sludge Buildup in VW Engines?
- Lack of Regular Oil Changes: One of the primary reasons for the formation of oil sludge is infrequent changing of the oil. Over time, oil becomes denser as it absorbs any dirt, carbon, or moisture within the engine’s compartment. If left as is, it thickens into sludge which clogs the oil ways and deprives your engine of the lubrication it needs.
- Short Trips and Stop-and-Go Traffic: Short trips and stop-and-go traffic do not allow the engine to reach a high enough temperature to expel moisture and contaminants from the oil. This leads to the accumulation of sludge in the long run. If your VW is used for only city driving, then you are more likely to experience this problem.
- Low-Quality Oil: It is important to understand that not all oils available in the market can be used on your car. When the wrong type of oil is used, or a low-quality one is used on your VW, it leads to excessive wear and sludge formation. VW engines are known to use synthetic oil, which is more resistant to breakdown than the conventional oils. Anything less than this can increase the rate of sludge formation.
- Defective PCV System: The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system assists in expelling undesirable gases and moisture from the car’s engine. If it fails, the excess moisture and combustion byproducts are collected in the oil and will form sludge much quicker.
How to Prevent Oil Sludge Buildup in Your Volkswagen
- Adhere to the Recommended Oil Change Schedule: One of the surest ways of avoiding sludge is to ensure that you change your oil frequently as recommended. Volkswagen suggests that an oil change should be done after every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on the type of Volkswagen and the conditions the car is driven in.
- Choose the Right Engine Oil: Always use the recommended synthetic engine oil to ensure that it meets Volkswagen’s standards. Synthetic oil has a longer useful life and a lower tendency to form sludge compared to conventional oil. You can refer to your owner’s manual for the specific type of oil and the viscosity that is suitable for your car model.
- Let Your Engine Warm Up Properly: Most drivers take a few minutes to warm up their cars before they start driving, especially those driving short distances. This makes it possible for the oil to warm up to the required temperature and eliminate any water or other substances that may be present.
- Replace the PCV Valve as Needed: If your PCV valve is not working properly, you will have excessive moisture and gasoline in your oil, which can cause sludge. Your PCV system should be checked often, and the valve replaced as needed to ensure proper circulation in your engine.
Schedule Your Next Volkswagen Service with Bavarium Autoworks
At Bavarium Autoworks, we are the 
leading auto repair company in the Mountain View area for Volkswagen vehicle maintenance services. Our expert mechanics are familiar with VW and its issues such as oil sludge buildup. Whether you are not sure about the condition of your oil, facing some engine issues, or simply require the services of professionals to change your oil, we can help you out. Our shop is located in Mountain View, CA, and we gladly work with VW drivers from surrounding San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Palo Alto, and Saratoga neighborhoods. Bring your Volkswagen to us for an inspection, and let us assist you in keeping your engine free from sludge.