Motorists who drive at a slow speed could be causing ‘black death’ to their car engines, according to experts. Yet preventing the problem is incredibly easy and free
Drivers who favour cautious speeds have been warned that they could be inadvertently harming their vehicle’s engine. Well-meaning motorists might actually be causing more damage than benefit to their cars by heightening the risk of mechanical issues.
Neglecting to drive your motor at higher speeds occasionally results in carbon accumulation that mechanics call ‘black death’. This problem, which can trigger costly repairs, can be avoided with a simple remedy. By merely taking your vehicle onto the motorway, car owners can help ward off long-term engine troubles.
Carbon accumulation causes a build-up of carbon deposits that can block internal vehicle components. Motor repair finance specialists Bumper warn it can also diminish fuel efficiency and potentially cause complete engine breakdown. It comes after police issue urgent warning to drivers as officers crack down on new car scam.
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A company representative stated: “If you’re constantly driving at low speeds – especially for short journeys – your engine never gets hot enough to burn off carbon deposits. Over time, this can lead to a build-up inside your valves, pistons and exhaust system.”
Dubbed “black death” due to its dense, dark appearance, these deposits result from unburnt fuel and inadequate engine circulation. When left untreated, they can solidify and cause severe damage, reports the Daily Record
The Bumper representative warned this could result in complete engine failure, which might cost a staggering sum to repair. They explained: “In the worst-case scenario, carbon build-up can cause your engine to seize – and replacing that could cost thousands.”
Taking your vehicle onto the motorway and driving at a higher, yet legal speed, is a simple and cost-free method motorists can employ to prevent this occurring.
The spokesperson continued: “Modern engines are designed to be run at higher speeds from time to time. Taking your car for a steady drive on the motorway helps heat the engine fully and allows fuel to clean and lubricate components.”
This occurs because when petrol is pushed through the system under greater pressure, it can function as a natural cleaning agent – removing deposits from valves and piston rings in the process.
For those wanting to spot early indicators of engine ‘black death’, another red flag to watch for is white foam or froth beneath the oil cap, which may signal water condensation within the engine oil, frequently resulting from brief journeys where the engine fails to warm up adequately.
The spokesperson clarified: “If you take your oil cap off and notice a milky substance, that’s usually a sign your engine isn’t getting hot enough to burn off moisture.
“It’s not necessarily a serious fault, but it can lead to long-term problems if ignored.” Once more, a routine lengthy drive at consistent speed can remedy the problem.
“When you drive at motorway speed for 45 minutes to an hour, the heat generated by the engine is enough to evaporate condensation and prevent that build-up.”
With drivers increasingly focused on vehicle operating expenses, Bumper is urging motorists to maintain regular servicing schedules and avoid postponing preventative care.
Bumper concluded: “We know unexpected engine repairs can be financially stressful, which is why Bumper helps drivers spread the cost with interest-free payments. But the best approach is prevention – and in this case, it really can be as simple as giving your car a proper run every now and then.”