The last thing you want to hear is that your engine is accumulating sludge and deposits as it ages. The good news is that you can reduce or clear out the sludge! The most effective way to remove engine sludge is to switch to a high-detergent motor oil or one specifically formulated to remove engine deposits.
Valvoline Restore & Protect Full Synthetic Motor Oil removes up to 100% of piston deposits* (no costly teardown, no separate flush product required). Change your oil, drive it, and let the chemistry do the work.
*Up to 100% piston deposit removal when used as directed for four or more consecutive oil changes and with continuous use. In adapted sequence IIIH testing.
What Causes Engine Sludge and Oil Deposits?
The motor oil inside your engine can break down and turn into a thick, tar-like buildup that eventually hinders your engine. This process does not happen suddenly.
Over time, heat, moisture, and contaminants cause your oil to oxidize. When that degraded oil mixes with combustion byproducts and sits in tight passages, it bakes into a gummy residue. Short trips, extended oil change intervals, and stop-and-go driving all speed the process along.
According to the American Petroleum Institute, oil that isn't changed on schedule loses its ability to protect, and the residue it leaves behind can block oil passages critical to engine lubrication.
Look for the Warning Signs of Sludge Buildup
A common sign is an unusually loud engine, especially at startup. That noise is metal-on-metal contact happening because oil isn't flowing fast enough through sludge-clogged passages.
Other warning signs include:
These signs mean it's time to visit an experienced team that can help restore your engine and clear the sludge. An active sludge buildup should be addressed immediately.
Motor Oil Can Remove Existing Deposits
The right oil can remove piston deposits to help keep engines clean.
Valvoline Restore & Protect, a premium full synthetic oil, goes further by preventing future deposits.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that a significant percentage of engine damage is related to contaminated or degraded oil, problems that proper oil selection and regular changes can prevent or reverse.
How Valvoline Restore & Protect Works
Valvoline Restore & Protect Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Powered by proprietary Active Clean Technology, Valvoline Restore & Protect Full Synthetic Motor Oil removes harmful piston deposits that rob engines of power and fuel economy. Its exclusive Liqui-Shield formula helps prevent future deposits, keeping engines cleaner for longer while minimizing friction and maximizing efficiency.
Restore & Protect's full synthetic base oil and anti-wear additives deliver 79% stronger wear protection than industry performance limits.*
*As tested in Seq IVA vs. industry performance limits.
This is not a one-time engine flush. This is your regular motor oil doing double duty: cleaning the past while protecting the future.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Engine Sludge with the Right Oil
Engine sludge sounds scary, and without the proper knowledge, you may be willing to spend money at a mechanic's shop to do something that can happen with the right motor oil and regular oil changes.
Step 1: Check your symptoms and confirm sludge is the issue.
Pull your dipstick. If the oil is very dark, thick, or has a gummy texture, you've may have degraded oil that's likely contributing to sludge. Pop the oil filler cap. If you see brownish buildup around the inside of the cap, that's sludge.
Step 2: Choose the right oil for your engine.
Select Valvoline Restore & Protect Full Synthetic in the viscosity grade recommended in your owner's manual. This is not a generic high-mileage oil; It's engineered for deposit removal.
Step 3: Replace the oil filter at the same time.
A new oil does no good if it has to push through a clogged, old filter. Swap it out with a quality filter. Valvoline Oil Filters are engineered to match Valvoline oil performance and are a natural pairing.
Step 4: Drain the old oil completely.
Let the engine warm up for 2-3 minutes before draining, as warm oil flows more freely and carries more contaminants with it.
Step 5: Fill with Restore & Protect and drive normally.
No special procedure needed. Fill to the recommended level, start the engine, and check for leaks. Then drive your normal routine.
Step 6: Change again at the recommended interval.
Restore & Protect starts working within the first oil drain interval and continues to work as long as you use the product for subsequent oil changes.
Removing Engine Sludge FAQ
Is engine sludge removal the same as an engine flush?
No. Engine sludge removal is not the same as an engine flush. For an engine flush, separate additives are poured in before an oil change and run for a few minutes. They are aggressive and not always beneficial to high-mileage engines. Valvoline Restore & Protect is an actual motor oil, not an additive. It cleans continuously over your entire oil change interval.
How long does it take to reduce or remove engine sludge?
It depends on the engine. It's important that you stick to your oil change schedule to maintain engine cleanliness.
Will cleaning engine sludge fix my noisy engine?
Clearing those passages allows oil to reach critical components faster can quiet lifter tick and other oil starvation noises. If the noise is caused by wear damage that has already occurred, cleaning will help prevent further damage but won't reverse it.
How do piston deposits affect engine performance?
A clean metal surface is crucial to minimizing friction, ensuring optimal power while maximizing fuel economy. Deposits and varnish inhibit the formation of the oil film on the metal surface and can prevent anti-wear additives, detergents, and friction modifiers from forming an effective protect layer. Deposits and varnish also insulate metal surfaces and don't allow heat to be removed effectively, leading to higher engine operating temperatures.
What viscosity of Restore & Protect should I use?
Always use the viscosity grade specified in your owner's manual. SAE International establishes the viscosity grading system used worldwide by automakers.
Can I use Restore & Protect as my regular oil going forward?
Yes, Restore & Protect is designed to be your everyday motor oil. It works to its fullest capabilities when used consistently during regular oil drain intervals.
Lasting Engine Sludge Removal
Engine sludge is not good for a high-mileage engine, but it can be reduced or removed. You don't need an expensive repair. You don't need a teardown. You need the right oil, changed on time, doing its job every mile.
Valvoline Restore & Protect removes up to 100% of piston deposits* with continued use and helps keep your engine clean. It's a practical, proven way to turn back time on your engine and improve performance.
Find the right viscosity for your vehicle at shop.valvolineglobal.com.
*When used as directed for four or more consecutive oil changes and with continuous use. In Adapted Sequence IIIH testing. Piston Deposit Removal.
