Maintenance ≤ Virginia Auto Service: Auto Repair Shop Phoenix Arizona

5 Strange Noises Your Car Makes, And What They Mean

Did you know that, if you listen, your vehicle can tell you quite a bit? Your car will often communicate to you that it has a problem in the form of squeals, rattles, and knocks. You drive your vehicle the most and you know the sounds it usually makes, so when you hear something new, pay attention. These vehicle grumbles are often the first sign that something is going wrong.

This is a list of five strange noises your vehicle may make, and what could be causing them:

Squealing

Often, a squealing heard coming from under the hood of your vehicle that fluctuates based on speed, indicates a loose belt or two. When loose or showing signs of wear, power steering belts will make a shrill squealing noise. Fan and air conditioning belts will make a similar sound. If you hear a loud squealing, you should have your belts inspected right away. A power steering belt can be both dangerous and create serious damage if it breaks while you are driving.

Screeching

If you hear a high-pitched screeching noise when you attempt to stop your vehicle, it means that it is time to have your brakes inspected. Brake pads are made with indicators on them that create the screeching noise when the pads are worn down too low and need replacing. If you pay attention to this noise as soon as it begins to present itself, the only thing you will have to change is the brake pads. If you delay, you will increase your chances of causing further damage to the vehicle resulting in more expensive repairs.

Rumbling

If you are hearing low and rhythmic rumbling noises, it indicates that there is a problem with the exhaust system or either of the drive line components. If it is a problem with the exhaust system it could be coming from the converter, exhaust pipe, or muffler. Each of these could become a serious problem and you should not delay in bringing your vehicle in for repairs.

Knocking

If you hear a recurring knocking or pounding sound, it may mean that there is a problem with your vehicles connecting rod bearings, crankshaft, or transmission. Each of these could be a serious threat to the safety and performance of your vehicle and needs to be taken care of right away.

Clicking

A clicking sound can indicate a few different things. It might mean that there is a bent or loose fan blade, or that you have a loose wheel cover. It could also indicate that your oil levels are low or one of your valve lifters is stuck. These problems can become serious if not remedied in a timely manner, so if your vehicle is clicking, bring it in as soon as you can.

If you pay attention to the noises your car is making and have them taken care of in a timely manner, you will keep your vehicle running in peak condition, prevent further damage and more expensive repairs, and prolong your vehicle’s road life. So, the next time your vehicle speaks to you, listen closely to what it has to say.

If you are hearing any of the noises listed above, bring your vehicle into the experts at Virginia Auto Service. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Fuel Pump

Your vehicle is made of many components that work together to keep it running smoothly. One such component is the fuel pump.

Most people are aware of the existence of the fuel pump, but they don’t give it much thought. However, as the fuel pump plays an important part in ensuring your vehicle operates efficiently, it should not be ignored.

What is the purpose of the fuel pump?

As you know, your engine is on the opposite side of your vehicle than your fuel tank. The fuel pump, which is located either next to or inside of the gas tank, is meant to bring fuel to the engine of your vehicle. Modern vehicles are equipped with an electrical fuel pump which transfers a continuous stream of fuel at the correct pressure and volume from its fuel tank to the fuel injection on its engine. This is what allows the engine to perform properly under various driving conditions and degrees of fuel consumption. If your fuel pump is properly cared for, it can last for the life of your vehicle.

How can you take care of your fuel pump?

As we stated above, your fuel pump is likely to last for the life of your vehicle, so long as it is properly cared for. But how do you take care of a fuel pump? The answer is actually very simple- keep your car fueled up. It is recommended that you never let your fuel level drop lower than a quarter of a tank. The fuel that is in the tank helps to keep the fuel pump cool. If your tank is allowed to get to empty, the fuel pump can overheat. If you continuously allow the tank to get too low the fuel pump will eventually wear out.

Another way to help maintain your fuel pump is to change your fuel filter, which is located in the fuel line, as recommended. You can find specifics on your vehicle in your owner’s manual, but a general recommendation is around every 50,000 miles. The fuel filter helps clean the fuel that goes to the injectors. The less dirt and debris that collects and builds up on your fuel pump, the longer it will last.

How can you tell there is something wrong with the fuel pump?

There are a few things that indicate there may be a problem with your fuel pump including:

A noise coming from the pump area
Long engine crank before starting
Lack of power
Stalling
Vehicle fails to start regardless of the motor turning over

Unfortunately, in some cases, there may not be any warning signs. However, if you are performing regular maintenance and keeping your gas tank filled past a quarter of a tank, you shouldn’t have any problems with the fuel pump.

If you are noticing any of the above complications with your vehicle or to schedule regular maintenance, we invite you to schedule an appointment with the experts at Virginia Auto Service. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.

What to Do If You Have a Radiator Leak

Most people are guilty of putting off auto repair at one point or another. For some issues, this may be okay for a short time. For others, you never want to delay repair. One such item of repair that you never want to delay would be a leaking radiator.

Your radiator is a key component in your vehicle’s cooling system, which means it helps to keep the engine running cool. If a leaking radiator is not repaired quickly it could result in your engine overheating- which could mean expensive engine repair or even replacement. Should you at any point notice the temperature gauge rising on your dashboard and/or steam coming from under the hood, you should pull over and shut off your vehicle immediately. Even overheating for a short time can result in head gasket damage or possibly even engine failure.

What causes leaking radiators?

In most cases, radiator leaks are a result of failing to regularly maintain the vehicle with things such as coolant flushes- which permit oxidation of the cooling system. Another major cause of radiator leaks is over-pressurization. This occurs when the thermostat sticks, or a head gasket fails.

Most radiator leaks are found at a joint that is between the radiators tank and core. To make vehicle’s more fuel efficient, today they are made with materials like “plastic-based” composites, which means they can crack easier. If the tank is cracked it could be from a blown head gasket which lets highly pressurized exhaust be pushed into the cooling system.

How do you know if you have a radiator leak?

Low coolant levels. When you are performing regular maintenance on your vehicle, such as oil changes, take a moment to check to see if your coolant level is sufficient. If you notice lowered levels of coolant, it is possible that you have a leak.
Fluid under the vehicle. If the leak is bad enough, you won’t have to look under the hood to know it’s there. Instead, you will see a pool of yellow/orange, pink, or green fluid under your vehicle.
Increased engine temperature. If your engine temperature rises it is usually a warning sign that you have a radiator leak.

If you think that you have a leak in the radiator it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible. The automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service can help determine how large your leak is and where it is located.

Should you use radiator sealant?

To use these products is like using a band-aid when you need stitches. They don’t quite get the job done, and we certainly don’t recommend them for long-term use. Not all the glue will make it to the location of the leak and will stick to other places, potentially causing a blockage. If you are going to use them, only do so in the event of an emergency to help you get your vehicle to our mechanics.

Dealing with radiator leaks quickly can prevent further and more expensive damage to your engine. If you experience complications with your vehicle, contact the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service today. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

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When to Replace Your Water Pump

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, your water pump may be out of sight, but don’t let it be out of mind.

The water pump is an important part of your vehicle’s cooling system. When your vehicle is running, your drive belt helps to operate the water pump allowing it to continuously pump water and coolant into your engine. Without a properly working water pump, your vehicle would overheat, which could easily result in expensive engine damage.

Tucked out of sight under the timing belt cover, the water pump is easy to forget about. For this reason, as far as maintenance and repairs go, the water pump will not often cross a vehicle owner’s mind. Water pumps are, thankfully, built to last for quite some time. Depending on what vehicle you have, a water pump should last you between 60,000 to 90,000 miles. (You can refer to your owner’s manual for guidelines specific to your vehicle.) Unfortunately, there may be times when the water pump will stop working early, without notice. Regular maintenance and automotive check-ups can help you spot a failing water pump before it has the chance to do some serious damage.

Signs That it is Time to Replace the Water Pump

There are a few ways you can spot a failing water pump including:

Coolant leaking from your vehicle onto the ground
Coolant leak near the timing belt
Vehicle overheats – or a sudden change in the temperature gauge
The water pump makes a squeaking noise
When you look under the hood, you see coolant -even if it’s just a little bit- dribbling out from the water pump weep hole

Other factors that can affect the functionality of your water pump include a loose shaft and bearings or the pump impellers fail. If the bearings and shaft are loose, when you pull back and forth on the water pump pulley there will be some play, or it may actually move back and forth. If this is happening, then the water pump will be ineffective. If the impellers have failed, the water pump will still pump or spin, but it will stop moving water and coolant through the system.

Water Pump Replacement

As they are located under the timing cover, there is a lot of work involved in replacing a water pump. It is not a simple garage DIY.

Timing belts and water pumps have about the same lifespan. So, if a mechanic needs to change one, they will likely change the other at the same time. With the water pumps placement where it is, this only makes sense. You may not have to replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt, but it is more cost effective to do so. Changing the water pump is labor-intensive and therefore can be a little expensive. If you have your timing belt replaced then later have to go back in and replace the water pump, you are spending money that could have been saved had you done both at the same time, as you are paying for labor twice.

When you deal with water pump problems quickly, you can prevent any further damage to the cooling system or engine. If you notice any of the signs listed above or experience other complications with your vehicle, please get in touch with the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service today. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

5 Things Every Vehicle Owner Should Know

One of the biggest investments a person makes in their life is their vehicle purchase. For drivers old and new, owning a vehicle is a huge responsibility, one that should never be taken lightly. If you are lucky enough to own a vehicle, there are some important things that you should know to remain safe and to keep your investment running in its best condition. Fortunately, the knowledge is not hard to come by.

Here are five things every vehicle owner should know:

Basic Automotive Maintenance

Every vehicle owner should understand how to perform your basic automotive maintenance. This includes being able to check things like the antifreeze, brake fluid, oil, and windshield wiper fluid. You should also learn how to jump-start a vehicle and change a tire in case of emergency. Investing a little time to learn such things can save you time and money later.

How to Read and Use the Owner’s Manual

Vehicle manufacturers know that it is not realistic to expect every driver to know every little thing about their vehicle, so they supply you with a vehicle owner’s manual. This manual provides you with information specific to the needs of your exact vehicle make and model. Never lose your owner’s manual! This manual will let you know what maintenance tasks should be prioritized and provide guidelines on how often maintenance tasks should be performed. It will also tell you what each dashboard light indicates in your vehicle.

Insurance and Registration

To drive in Arizona, you need more than just a valid drivers license. You also need to have your vehicle registered and insured. Once you have done this, you need to keep your information in a safe place in your vehicle in the event you have been pulled over or there was an accident. Keep all the information together in one easy to reach spot, and don’t let it expire.

What to Have in Your Emergency Kit

Every vehicle should have an emergency kit in the trunk. A first aid kit, blanket, spare tire, flashlight and jumper cables are all very important, but along with these things, you should include gear that could be important in the climate in which you reside. In the Phoenix area, extra water, sunscreen, and even Chapstick may be some items you want to consider. Always remember, safety first!

A Reliable Mechanic

Read online reviews, and look around until you find a mechanic that will work with you and makes you feel comfortable. One that is honest and direct with you about the state of your vehicle and has the knowledge and technology necessary to take care of your vehicle. If you are near the Phoenix area, we know just the place for you to begin, here with the automotive repair professionals at Virginia Auto Service. At Virginia Auto Service, we like to help people with their vehicles and road safety in any way that we can. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to seeing you.

What Causes the Brake Warning Light to Come On?

There are many drivers that are in the habit of ignoring their dashboard warning lights when they appear. For the safety and longevity of your vehicle, this is never a good idea.

The brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature. When the brake warning light appears, you need to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. The light often implies that the brakes are becoming worn and will need to be replaced soon. However, in some cases, it is possible that your vehicle’s brake system is leaking brake fluid, which is an urgent problem that needs attention right away.

In modern vehicle’s there are usually three different brake warning lights. One light is for the parking brake and it is usually red or yellow in color. Another brake light is for the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and it is usually yellow in color. And, finally, there is one for the actual brakes. This one is red in color and if it comes on it could indicate that there is a serious problem. If your vehicle only has one brake light, take time to check the parking brake before you panic and attempt to diagnose other possible problems.

These are some of the reasons why your brake lights may turn on, and what you should do about it:

Low brake fluid/Worn brake pads

Often, the brake warning light is telling you that your vehicle is low on brake fluid, which is a result of worn brake pads. Carl Roberson, owner of the highly rated Carl’s Cool Cars, a service center in Las Vegas, explains the situation well, “As the pad wears, the brake caliper piston extends further to keep the pad in contact with the rotor. The brake fluid fills this extra area inside the caliper as the piston advances, and eventually the level in the master cylinder drops.” For this reason, when the brake fluid is low, most mechanics will not only recommend filling the brake fluid but suggest the brake pads be replaced as well.

Brakes leaking

The brake warning light will sometimes come on because of leaking brakes. Without brake fluid, your brakes will not be capable of stopping the car. For this reason, it is very important to have your vehicle inspected when the light illuminates on your dashboard. You don’t want to be a danger to yourself, your passengers, or other motorists and pedestrians.

Faulty speed sensor

There is a device inside of your wheel that determines the speed at which your tires are rotating and sends its readings to the ABS control module. This device is known as the speed sensor, and it is a part of the ABS. If it isn’t working properly the ABS light will come on and your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system will not function properly. When the light comes on it could indicate that either the speed sensor needs replaced, or simply that it needs to be cleaned- which our professional mechanics can easily do.

The automotive professionals at Virginia Auto Service, are pleased to help you with your auto repair and service needs. If your brake warning light comes on schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

The Top 4 Reasons for Preventative Maintenance

Often, vehicles become unreliable or require expensive repairs because they do not receive regular maintenance. Having regular preventative maintenance performed on your vehicle will keep it running newer for longer. If that’s not enough to convince you, here are the top four reasons for preventative maintenance.

Ease Your Mind

Having regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups allows for you to be certain that your vehicle is running optimally and will get you to all your destinations safely. Avoiding regular maintenance could result in a blown tire in the middle of nowhere, or perhaps an overheating engine on your way to work!

Safe Operation and Reliability

Driving a vehicle can be dangerous, especially if parts are at risk of malfunctioning. Preventative maintenance will make sure that the components of your vehicle are in their best condition and functioning properly. When you skip an oil change or forget to replace vital fluids, mechanical parts of your vehicle will wear out more quickly and require you to have them replaced sooner. Preventative maintenance helps you get the most life out of the mechanics of your vehicle, which means less or no breakdowns.

Serious vehicle trouble, like engine or transmission failure, can also be prevented when regular maintenance is performed. Refer to your owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule recommended for your specific vehicle make and model, then follow it closely.

Improve Gas Mileage

Preventative maintenance helps to ensure that your vehicle gets the best gas mileage that it can. Should you fail to have the motor oil and engine air filters replaced on schedule, your gas mileage will be reduced and could cause unnecessary wear on the engine. It is usually recommended that vehicle’s using conventional oil have it changed every 3,000 miles. If the vehicle uses synthetic oil it can go up to 6,000 miles. However, the exact mileage will depend on your exact vehicle, so you should refer to your owner’s manual. Tire care and rotations are also important to gas mileage. Check the inflation of the tires monthly, and have them rotated and balanced ever 10,000-15,000 miles. Another part that affects gas mileage are the spark plugs. Standard copper spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles, and iridium plugs every 100,000.

Save Money

If you do not have regular preventative maintenance performed on your vehicle you risk having simple repairs turn into large, expensive problems. Even the simple act of neglecting oil changes could result in engine failure. Replacing the timing belt every 60,000 miles and the serpentine belt every 40,000 miles will also help prevent costly engine problems. Putting off, or skipping tire rotations could throw off your alignment, which could end up damaging the suspension and other components. Having the battery inspected and cleaned at each oil change will save you the cost and hassle of being stranded with a dead battery. The list of money-saving benefits of preventative maintenance goes on and on.

Regular maintenance will help guarantee that your vehicle is performing optimally. For further information on how preventative maintenance can benefit you, please contact our experienced mechanics today. Virginia Auto Service is here to help you with your preventative maintenance needs. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Why You Should Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Maintaining the proper tire inflation is one practice that can help drivers save money and help maintain their vehicles health and longevity. Keeping all four tires properly pressured provides you with better efficiency and safety out on the road.

In fact, the benefits of maintaining the proper tire pressure have become so evident that almost all newer vehicles come with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). If your vehicle is not currently equipped with a TPMS, here are three important reasons why you should check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the optimal pressure for your vehicle.

1. Better Fuel Economy

Saving fuel saves you money. When your tires are properly inflated your vehicle gets better gas mileage, which allows you to travel further without needing to fill up. One study shows that tires under-inflated by 30 percent lost up to 10 percent fuel economy.

2. Decrease in Tire Wear

Low air pressure causes erratic wear and is the number one cause of tire failures. The Tire Maintenance Council reports that tires running 10 percent under-inflated lose up to 16 percent of their tread life. Along with regular rotations, balancing, and alignment, maintaining the appropriate tire pressure in all four tires will help to decrease your chances of developing bad tire wear patterns.

3. Increased Safety

Appropriately inflated tires provide better vehicle handling. When tire pressure is too low or too high the vehicle is not able to maintain the right amount of traction on the road, and driving gets more dangerous. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, 260,000 accidents, resulting in 79 deaths and 10,600 injuries, each year are due to low tire pressure. This may be, in part, because low tire pressure increases the vehicles required braking distance and has a dramatic affect on steering and handling. Also, tires that are correctly inflated help extend the tire casing life, resulting in less overheating and blowouts.

Determining Tire Pressure

To find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle you can refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or look for the tire specification decal on your driver-side doorframe. In vehicles that were made prior to 2003, this information may be found on the glove box door, trunk lid, or fuel filler flap. Never use the pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire. This indicates the number required to meet the tires full rated load carrying capacity.

Tire Inflation Tips

For your safety, and longevity of the tires, you should be checking and maintaining the tire pressure regularly. Optimally you should check once a week, but no less than once a month, and before any long road trip. Here are some tips for the next time your check your tire pressure:

You should always check and adjust your tire pressure first thing in the morning before driving on them. Cool, unused tires give the most accurate reading. When tires are hot, it is common for there to be an increased pressure reading.
The weather will affect your tire pressure. Winter weather may cause the pressure to drop, while summer weather can cause the pressure to increase. When the weather changes, check your tire pressure!
Use a quality tire pressure gauge when you check the tires. Digital and dial gauges are the most accurate, and usually cost between $10-$20. If your vehicle has a TPMS it should alert you when you are losing air or have fallen below the recommended tire pressure. Even with a TPMS you should keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove box. Using the same gauge each time you check your tires will help to ensure you are getting a consistent reading every time.
Check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle manufacturer recommends that you increase pressures for towing, carrying heavy loads, or extended highway travel.

At Virginia Auto Service, we like to help people with their vehicles and road safety in any way that we can. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

The Top 5 Reasons Your Car Won’t Start

You rely on your car for a lot of things, such as getting to work on time and transporting the kids to and from soccer practice. It’s easy to see why problems can arise if your car refuses to start.

There are literally dozens of reasons why your vehicle may not start. However, it can be fairly easy for our expert auto repair technicians to diagnose the issue depending on the symptoms.

The following are the five most common offenders of automotive no-start situations, and advice on how to ensure your vehicle stays in tip top shape.

You Have a Dead Battery

The most common reason for a car not starting is a dead battery. It is especially common after a long, hot summer. There are several factors that can contribute to a dead battery in a vehicle including its age, loose wires, leaving the lights on, and more. If you determine that your car is not starting because the battery has died, your first step would be to check and make sure the terminals are clean and connected tightly. If they are good, you will want to try and jump-start your vehicle. If the jump-start is successful, then your battery wasn’t completely dead but is on its way out. At this time, you should consider bringing your vehicle in and having the battery inspected by an automotive technician.

You Have an Empty Gas Tank

Sometimes the obvious answer is the right one. If your vehicle was running on fumes and you forgot to refuel, you may not have enough gas left in the tank to get it started the next time you need it to. Try not to be embarrassed, you aren’t the first driver to let your gas level get too low. Though it is embarrassing and more than a little inconvenient, it is a very fixable and affordable problem. Grab your wallet and a gas can then catch a ride to the nearest gas station. And, don’t let it get so low next time.

You Have a Clogged Fuel Filter

If your fuel filter is clogged, the gasoline won’t reach the engine. The fuel filter is responsible for keeping the fuel lines clear and blocking dirt and debris from reaching the engine. When the filter is clogged, several problems can arise, including a vehicle that won’t start. Most fuel filters require changing every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. For details specific to your vehicle, you should refer to your owner’s manual.

You Have a Bad Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is the area in which you insert your key, and it can malfunction. This may be the case if you know your battery is fine, yet your car isn’t turning over. If you are unsure, you can try turning on your headlights. If they work, then the battery is fine, and the ignition switch is the likely culprit. If you have a broken ignition switch, this kind of repair can be proven to be difficult. It is made that way to prevent theft. Bring your vehicle to us and we’ll fix it for you.

You Have a Broken Starter

A broken starter is another common reason your vehicle won’t start. The starter is a small motor that provides the turning force necessary to get the engine running. If you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key, it may indicate a broken or weakened starter. This problem may be temporarily fixed with a jump-start, but to completely fix it, you will need to bring it in to be repaired or replaced.

If your car won’t start, chances are it’s because of one of the above five problems. Whether a dead battery or a bad ignition switch is to blame, you can trust the certified automotive technicians at Virginia Auto Service to fix the problem. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

What is Motor Oil Sludge – And How Can You Prevent It?

Motor oil is often considered the lifeblood of your vehicle. Having regular oil changes is probably one of the most important maintenance tasks performed on your vehicle.

Motor oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine, reducing friction and keeping the engine cool. When the oil is new and unused it is a transparent and easily flowing liquid that combines a base stock with various additives. The additives hold soot and other particles while maintaining the consistency of the oil. With use, the oil builds up contaminants such as fuel, dirt, water, coolant, etc. It also oxidizes due to the intense heat of the engine. The combination of contamination and oxidization turns the oil into “sludge,” a gel-like fluid that can seriously damage your engine.

A basic understanding of how motor oil works:

Motor oil is either synthetic or conventional and absorbs and protects the engine from contaminants. However, after a period of time, the oil will reach its absorption capacity. When this happens, instead of carrying contaminants away, it will deposit them on the engine surfaces and any other parts in which it circulates. It will stop lubricating the engine and reducing friction and, instead, cause heat to build up in the engine. Clean motor oil acts as a sort of coolant for the engine, however, when it becomes oxidized sludge, it acts as the opposite. When the oil becomes overly oxidized and contaminated, turning into this sludge, you will notice that the oil pressure falls and that you get lower gas mileage.

Motor oil sludge development:

Motor oil sludge first accumulates on the top of the engine, in the oil pan, and the valve cover section.
Then it blocks the oil screen siphon and prevents oil from circulating in the engine.

When motor oil sludge develops you risk serious engine damage as well as damaging the timing belt, gaskets, radiator, and cooling system. If not taken care of, motor oil sludge could cause the engine to stall completely.

How motor oil turns into motor oil sludge:

When it is exposed to oxygen under high-temperature conditions, the motor oil oxidizes. The oxidation occurs more quickly when the motor oil is heated for longer time periods.
When the oil oxidizes, the motor oil molecules break down and combine with the dirt, metallic particles, fuel, gases, and other contaminants forming the thick, sticky sludge.
Heavy stop-and-go traffic can contribute the buildup of motor oil sludge, as well as frequent short trips.

How to avoid motor oil sludge build up:

Have regular oil changes performed per the intervals laid out in your vehicle specific owner’s manual.
When you start your car, check the dashboard for the Check Engine light and/or the Oil Change notification light. Either light may indicate the need to replace your motor oil.
Avoid driving in stop-and-go driving as much as you can. Also, avoid taking too many short distance trips. Walk, bike, or consider public transportation when possible.
If the gauge on your dashboard shows that your vehicle is heating up, make sure your mechanic checks for motor oil sludge.
If you see the oil pressure is low, avoid adding engine oil and instead have your vehicle inspected for motor oil sludge. If the oil pressure light is on, you should have it inspected and/or replaced completely as soon as possible.

The most important thing you can do for your vehicle is to make sure that you are always following the maintenance guidelines laid out in your owner’s manual. This is especially important when it comes to the motor oil, or you risk serious and expensive engine damage.

If your Check Engine light or Oil Change notification is on, schedule an appointment with Virginia Auto Service. We will check the engine for signs of motor oil sludge build up and let you know if your motor oil needs replacing. We may also check for other reasons why the light has come on. We will relate any findings to you and thoroughly go over your repair options and costs.

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