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How do you clean sludge out of your car engine?
My oil warning light turned on and the oil pressure was really low, so I popped the hood to check my oil. But instead of oil, I found this thick, pasty substance. What’s the best way to clean sludge out of my car’s engine?
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Engine sludge is a common problem for people who use poor quality motor oil or forget to regularly change their oil. But try not to worry! You can follow these steps to make cleaning the sludge out of your car engine as easy as possible:
- Park your car on a flat surface and pop the hood.
- Pour engine flush into your oil compartment by following the product’s directions.
- Turn on your car and let it idle for 10-15 minutes to help the oil heat up and mix with the flush.
- Turn off the engine and drain the oil into a new container by removing the drain plug under your car.
- Replace your old oil filter since the sludge most likely clogged your current one.
- Replenish your oil levels with new oil and put the cap back on.
Congratulations! You just cleaned the sludge out of your car engine. To avoid the same issue in the future,
check your oil every few weeks
to make sure everything’s alright.If you followed the steps above and still have engine sludge, take your car to a professional. Mechanics may be pricey, but thick engine sludge could cause our engine to stall, potentially leaving you stranded on the road!
If you’re worried about the cost of a professional, offset the price by saving on car insurance with the
Jerry
app. As a licensed broker, Jerry can help you find and compare quotes from over 50 top providers like Progressive and Nationwide in minutes. When you find a better rate, Jerry can help you switch policies and even help cancel your old one!View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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