**Motorists Warned Over Dangers of Slow Driving: ‘Black Death’ Risk Highlighted**
Drivers across the UK are being cautioned that consistently slow and cautious driving practices, particularly over short distances, could inadvertently cause serious harm to their vehicle engines. This warning comes from experts at Bumper, a car repair finance company, who say that while many motorists adhere to the belief that gentle driving will extend their vehicle’s lifespan, the opposite could be true if engines are not regularly exposed to adequate high-speed operation.
Mechanics refer to the resultant problem as the “black death”, a term for a damaging build-up of carbon deposits inside the engine. Rather than being caused by reckless or aggressive driving, this phenomenon tends to affect vehicles that are habitually driven at low speeds or on short urban routes. Over time, according to Bumper, these habits prevent a car’s engine from reaching optimal running temperature, making it difficult to burn away accumulated carbon.
A spokesperson for Bumper explained, “Engines require heat to burn off carbon which naturally collects with usage. If you limit your car to frequent short trips or rarely venture above town speed limits, these carbon deposits can settle and gradually impair components such as valves, pistons, and the exhaust system.” Visible signs of this deposit are sticky, black substances—a tell-tale sign that combustion is failing to clear fuel residue.
The danger is more than cosmetic. If left unchecked, carbon build-up can harden and substantially diminish the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, ultimately risking catastrophic engine failure. The Bumper representative added, “A severe case can result in the engine seizing up completely, a repair that could run into the thousands of pounds.”
Industry specialists recommend a surprisingly straightforward solution: drivers should periodically take their vehicles for a longer, steady run—preferably on a motorway. Modern engines are designed to be exercised under higher speeds and warmer conditions, which helps fuel flow at higher pressures, naturally cleaning moving parts as it travels through the engine’s system.
Another tell-tale sign of insufficient engine temperature is the appearance of a white, milky froth under the oil cap. This unusual substance is an indicator of condensation mixing with engine oil, generally due to continued low-temperature running. As the Bumper spokesperson noted, “If you see a creamy residue under your oil cap, it could mean your engine isn’t being worked hard enough to burn away moisture, which can lead to complications over time.”
Industry advice remains simple: a regular, steady drive at motorway speeds for about 45 minutes to an hour allows the engine to build up the necessary heat to evaporate any lingering condensation and clear carbon build-up. This approach is recommended as a minimal yet effective measure to safeguard against avoidable engine damage and expensive repair bills.
“Preventative action is key,” added the Bumper representative. “Many people think that avoiding high speeds is best for their car, but periodic purposeful drives at proper speeds are vital for the engine’s health. Taking this simple step could help drivers avoid major unexpected costs down the line.”
As the cost of motoring continues to rise, drivers may be interested to note that companies such as Bumper are responding by offering finance options for necessary repairs. However, motorists are reminded that prevention is always preferable—and cheaper—than cure.
Ultimately, a balance is needed. While safe and considerate driving must be maintained, occasional longer, faster journeys are evidently vital for engine health. With cars often serving as lifelines for many families and workers, understanding and acting on this automotive wisdom could spare many inconveniences and costs in the months and years ahead.