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Car engine burning oil: causes and symptoms
Have you noticed that your car seems to be burning through oil more quickly than usual? Engine oil consumption, commonly known as burning oil, can be a worrying issue for many motorists. Here we’ll look at why your car might be burning too much, the symptoms to look out for, and steps you can take to address and prevent excessive oil consumption.
Why is my car burning oil?
Your car could be using too much due to several reasons:
- Worn piston rings: piston rings create a seal between the piston and the cylinder wall to prevent it from entering the combustion chamber. Over time, these rings can wear out, letting them get into the combustion chamber and burn along with the fuel.
- Leaking valve seals: the valves in the engine's cylinder head have seals that prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber. If these seals degrade or sustain damage, oil can seep past them and be incinerated during combustion.
- Leaking gaskets or other seals: the engine has various gaskets and seals that prevent leakage. If any of these seals or gaskets fail, oil can leak onto hot engine components and burn, resulting in visible smoke from the exhaust.
- High engine temperature: operating the engine at high temperatures, such as under heavy loads or for long periods, can cause it to break down and burn more quickly.
- Poor maintenance: neglecting regular oil or car oil filter changes, or using poor-quality products can accelerate degradation and increase the likelihood of combustion.
- Engine wear: as the engine ages, and internal components wear out, leading to increased oil consumption and combustion.
Take a look at video for more information:
Car burning oil – symptoms
If your engine is using a lot of oil, you might notice a few different things. It could be that your car engine components or lubrication systems are not working properly. One common sign is blue or greyish smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, especially when you accelerate or decelerate.
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This smoke is caused by oil leaking into the combustion chambers and burning along with fuel. As time passes, the oil level in your engine can gradually decrease, which may result in a noticeable drop in the level on the dipstick. This can lead to problems if the level drops too low, potentially causing damage to your engine. To avoid this, it's important to check the level regularly and top it up as needed or schedule more frequent oil changes to ensure that your engine is well-lubricated and protected.
How to stop the engine from burning oil
If your car is using too much oil, you should consider the following preventive measures:
- Regular maintenance: make sure you're following the manufacturer's recommended change intervals and using the correct type and viscosity of engine oil. Regular oil and oil filter changes will help maintain proper lubrication and prevent degradation.
- Check your fuel pump: a faulty fuel pump can disrupt fuel delivery to the engine, leading to inefficient combustion and potentially increased oil consumption.
- Check for leaks: check your engine regularly for signs of leaks. Repair any leaks immediately to prevent oil loss and burning.
- Replace worn components: if worn piston rings or valve seals are causing oil burning, consider replacing them.
- Monitor driving habits: avoid aggressive driving, high-speed driving or prolonged idling as these can increase engine temperature and oil consumption.
- Use high-quality oil: opt for high-quality synthetic oils, which often offer better protection against oil burn than conventional ones.
You can get even more information in the article How to check your car’s engine oil level.
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