Oil sludging...

[camry_y2k]

I know that this has been discussed before but today I got the letter from Toyota about the oil-gelling. I have a 02 Solara and I'm wondering how many of you received the letter as well?
I am currently doing my own oil changes (Every 2,500 miles) due to running the S/C, but should I start taking my car to the dealer for oil changes in case sludging does occur? I just don't want to be blamed later on for improper maintenance. I mean every time i drain my oil it still looks goldish clear.

[ericatdallas]

I know that this has been discussed before but today I got the letter from Toyota about the oil-gelling. I have a 02 Solara and I'm wondering how many of you received the letter as well?
I am currently doing my own oil changes (Every 2,500 miles) due to running the S/C, but should I start taking my car to the dealer for oil changes in case sludging does occur? I just don't want to be blamed later on for improper maintenance. I mean every time i drain my oil it still looks goldish clear.

I thought Toyota said that it will cover gelling even if it determines it's the customer's fault?

[ericatdallas]

yeah, my point was that you shouldn't be too paranoid about it. The dealer makes money either way when your car breaks down because Toyota will reimburse them for their work. Course, I think they get a lot more profitability off of you.

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

If I were you, i'd keep the records that show you BOUGHT the filter+Oil. Don't be too worried...as long as you do your serives...and have records, you should have NOTHING to be worried about!

[Flipside909]

I read a Popular Mechanics article describing how sludge forms and what it's main causes are. Oil is more likely to sludge or gel when oil isn't warmed up properly. People who drive their cars on very short trips are more likely to see sludge because engine oil should be warmed up at least 30 mins so that moisture buildup can burn off completely.

[ericatdallas]

yeah, the dummie's guide recommends an oil change interval of 1000 miles for those people.

Synthetic is also less likely to gel up.

[ericatdallas]

I read, and I think it was Pop Mech too, that warming up isn't necessary anymore and it may actually be bad for the newer cars.

(Un)Fortunately (Finding the silver lining...) I have to drive 30-45 minutes to go to school and work sometimes during traffic.