Sludge: jumping through hoops to make a case.(Automobile industry working to provide sludge protective engines)

Publication: Consumer Reports

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COPYRIGHT 2005 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.

A killer named sludge may live in your engine and can choke the life from your car, regardless of maintenance or mileage And the automakers whose engines are susceptible to sludge still aren't always eager to help.

Sludge often forms when oil oxidizes and breaks down after prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The baked oil turns gelatinous and car block vital oil passages, which could lead to repairs exceeding $8,000 or even an engine replacement.

While sludge often result from poor upkeep, notably not changing oil at prescribed intervals, some engines from Audi, Chrysler, Saab, Toyota and Volkswagen appear prone to it (see the chart below).

The Center for Auto Safety says it has received...

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