A car burning oil is a frustrating issue for any driver. It can lead to a messy engine bay, decreased performance, and even engine failure if left unaddressed. But before you panic and head straight to the mechanic, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the problem and potentially fix it yourself.

This comprehensive guide dives into the world of engine oil burning, exploring the common causes, potential solutions, and preventative measures. We’ll also provide tips on how to determine the severity of the issue and when to seek professional help.

Understanding Engine Oil Burning

Engine oil plays a vital role in your car’s engine. It acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between moving parts, and as a coolant, helping to regulate engine temperature. When an engine burns oil excessively, it means the oil is leaking or seeping into the combustion chambers and being burned along with the fuel. This can happen for several reasons:

• Worn Piston Rings: Piston rings are responsible for sealing the combustion chamber and preventing oil from entering. Over time, these rings can wear down, allowing oil to leak past them.
• Worn Valve Seals: Valve seals keep oil from leaking down the valve guides into the combustion chamber. Worn valve seals can also contribute to oil burning.
• Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Issues: The PCV valve regulates pressure in the crankcase. A faulty PCV valve can cause a vacuum in the crankcase, sucking oil past the piston rings.
• Damaged Cylinder Walls: Deep scratches or gouges on the cylinder walls can allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber. This is a more serious issue and typically requires engine rebuilding.
• Improper Oil Viscosity: Using oil that is too thin for your engine can lead to increased oil consumption. Always consult your owner’s manual for the recommended oil viscosity.

Diagnosing Engine Oil Burning

Here are some signs that your engine might be burning oil:

• Low engine oil level: Check your oil level regularly. If you find yourself needing to top up the oil frequently, it could be a sign of burning oil.
• Blue exhaust smoke: Burning oil can produce blue or grayish smoke from the tailpipe. This is especially noticeable when accelerating.
• Oil fouled spark plugs: Oil burning can foul spark plugs, leading to rough idling and misfiring.
• Loss of engine performance: As the engine loses oil, it loses lubrication, which can lead to decreased performance and increased fuel consumption.

Fixing Engine Oil Burning (DIY Options)

If you suspect your engine is burning oil, there are a few DIY solutions you can try before taking your car to a mechanic. However, it’s important to note that these fixes are temporary and may not address the underlying cause of the problem.

• Use a High Mileage Oil: High mileage oils contain additives designed to help swell worn piston rings and valve seals, potentially reducing oil leakage.
• Try an Oil Thickener: Oil thickeners are aftermarket additives that can increase the viscosity of your engine oil. This can be helpful in mild cases of oil burning. However, using an oil thickener with the wrong viscosity oil can lead to other problems.
• Fix the PCV Valve: A faulty PCV valve is a relatively inexpensive fix that can sometimes resolve oil burning issues.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the DIY solutions don’t work, or if you’re uncomfortable tackling the problem yourself, it’s time to take your car to a qualified mechanic. They can diagnose the cause of the oil burning and recommend the appropriate repair. Here are some situations where professional help is necessary:

• Severe oil burning: If your engine is burning oil excessively, you risk serious engine damage. Don’t delay seeking professional help.
• Blue smoke at idle: Blue smoke even when idling is a sign of a significant problem and requires a mechanic’s attention.
• Engine performance problems: If you’re experiencing engine performance issues along with oil burning, it’s best to have a mechanic diagnose the problem.

Preventing Engine Oil Burning

The best way to deal with engine oil burning is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some preventative measures you can take:

• Regular Oil Changes: Change your oil and oil filter at the recommended intervals specified in your owner’s manual.
• Use the Right Oil: Always use the oil viscosity recommended by your car manufacturer.
• Warm Up Your Engine: Avoid revving your engine before it has a chance to warm up properly.
• Maintain Proper Oil Levels: Regularly check your oil level and top it up if necessary.
• Drive Conservatively: Avoid excessive speeding and hard acceleration, which can put extra strain on your engine and increase oil consumption.

Don’t Let Engine Oil Burning Grind Your Gears – Invest in Long-Term Solutions

By following the tips in this guide, you can diagnose engine oil burning, explore potential solutions, and take preventative measures to keep your car running smoothly. Remember, early detection and addressing the root cause are crucial to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Here are some additional considerations:

• Engine Overhaul: In severe cases, a complete engine rebuild might be necessary to replace worn piston rings and other damaged components. This is a major repair, but it can restore your engine to proper functionality.
• Warranty Coverage: If your car is still under warranty, check if the oil burning issue falls under the manufacturer’s warranty. This could save you significant repair costs.
• Replacement Engine: For very old cars with extensive engine damage, replacing the entire engine might be a more cost-effective option compared to a rebuild.

Don’t Put Off Addressing Engine Oil Burning!

Engine oil burning is a problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Taking action promptly can prevent further damage and save you money in the long run.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge:

• Consult your car’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations on oil type and maintenance intervals.
• Watch online tutorials or visit automotive forums to learn more about basic engine maintenance and troubleshooting.

Invest in Your Car’s Health:

• Consider purchasing a high-quality oil filter that can trap more contaminants and potentially extend engine life.
• Explore synthetic oil options, which can offer better performance and protection compared to conventional oil, especially for older engines.

Shop for Engine Oil Burning Solutions:

• Browse online retailers or visit your local auto parts store to find high mileage oils, oil thickeners (use with caution!), and PCV valve replacements.

Take Charge of Your Car’s Care!

By following these tips and taking a proactive approach, you can address engine oil burning effectively and keep your car running smoothly for miles to come.

Delving Deeper – Common Causes of Engine Oil Burning Explained

The previous sections provided a general overview of engine oil burning. Here, we delve deeper into the common culprits:

Worn Piston Rings:

• Function: Piston rings are located in grooves on the pistons and form a seal between the combustion chamber and the crankcase. They prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber while allowing the pistons to move freely within the cylinders.
• Signs of Wear: Blue exhaust smoke, especially during acceleration, excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-ups, and decreased engine performance.
• Repair: Replacing worn piston rings typically requires engine disassembly and can be a complex repair job. In some cases, a mechanic might recommend a cylinder hone to smooth cylinder walls before replacing the rings.

Understanding the specific cause of oil burning in your car is crucial for determining the appropriate repair strategy. The information above equips you with a basic understanding of these common issues.