Can a Car Still Be Driven If It's Burning Engine Oil?

[AnaAnn]

If a car is burning engine oil severely, it should not be driven further. Here are the specific details: 1. Introduction: Engine oil has a certain level of consumption, but excessive consumption indicates a problem of burning oil. 2. Factors affecting oil burning: Fuel quality, driving conditions, driving habits, maintenance habits, etc. Here are some additional details: 1. Continuing to drive a car that is burning oil can cause significant harm: It may lead to greater losses, so it is recommended to address the issue promptly. 2. The main hazards include: Excessive carbon buildup inside the engine, increasing the likelihood of engine knocking. Severe piston ring sticking can accelerate wear on the cylinders and pistons. It may also clog the catalytic converter.

[LeTessa]

A car burning oil can still be driven, but don't keep ignoring it! I once drove an old car that burned oil—initially, it needed half a liter of oil every thousand kilometers, and it ran fine. But later, the engine noise got louder, blue smoke came from the exhaust, and there was a noticeable loss of power during acceleration. When I took it for inspection, the piston rings were already worn out, and the repair cost me thousands. So, I recommend checking immediately whether it's due to aging valve seals or a failing turbocharger seal. Minor fixes can cost just a few hundred yuan, but waiting until cylinder scoring occurs will cost you much more. Remember to check the dipstick regularly, and always carry a spare bottle of oil on long trips.

[StLeila]

How long an oil-burning car can last depends on the severity. My German car started burning oil at 100,000 kilometers, and initially, topping it up once a month was enough for daily commuting. However, the mechanic told me that insufficient oil increases engine wear, and prolonged oil burning can cause carbon buildup to seize the piston rings, and the catalytic converter is also prone to failure. If the oil burns excessively, like losing a significant amount every 500 kilometers, it's best to stop driving immediately. I once experienced driving with the oil light on, and the engine seized up, costing me three months' salary for a major repair. Now, I've learned my lesson and always keep spare oil and cleaner in the trunk for emergencies.

[DelAdriel]

Actually, driving a car that burns oil for a short period is fine. I drove a car with oil burning issues for two years, as long as you top up the oil regularly. The key is to control the driving distance and road conditions, avoiding long-distance high-speed driving and uphill sections to minimize high engine load. However, there are quite a few hidden risks. The carbon deposits from burning oil can clog the fuel injectors, and it's also difficult to pass emissions tests. Moreover, the resale value of such a car is low, as buyers will haggle when they see blackened exhaust pipes. I have a friend who stubbornly drove until the oil ran out, resulting in valve damage, and the repair costs exceeded the car's value. It's advisable to first identify the cause of the oil burning; fixing minor issues can still allow you to drive for several more years.

[Barnes]

Driving with oil burning is still possible, but it depends on the specific situation. Experienced drivers know that minor oil consumption doesn't affect daily commuting, the key is to monitor the oil consumption rate. For example, I keep driving as long as it burns less than 0.5 liters per 1,000 kilometers, just keeping a cheap bottle of oil in the trunk for top-ups. But if you notice blue smoke during cold starts or the dipstick shows empty within three days, you really shouldn't drive it anymore. I've seen people continue driving oil-burning cars until the oil residue formed carbon deposits that completely clogged the catalytic converter. Repairs cost at least 5,000 yuan, ten times more than timely maintenance. Nowadays when buying a new car, I always ask whether it's equipped with an oil-gas separator and improved piston rings - these two design flaws were the root cause of oil burning in older vehicles.