Do Japanese Cars Burn Oil?
2 Answers
Japanese cars do not burn oil. The reasons are as follows: 1. Smooth cylinder walls: The cylinder walls of Japanese cars are quite smooth, which not only ensures good power output at low RPMs but also prevents excessive oil retention, thereby avoiding oil burning. 2. Small piston ring-to-cylinder wall clearance: Japanese cars have a relatively small clearance between the piston rings and cylinder walls, providing superior sealing (between the piston and cylinder walls), which further reduces the likelihood of oil burning. 3. Focus on fuel efficiency: Japanese cars prioritize fuel efficiency and do not require high-intensity power output. Therefore, the clearance between the cylinder walls and pistons is designed to be minimal, reducing the probability of oil burning.
I've owned three Japanese cars and can definitively say that oil burning is not exclusive to Japanese vehicles, but certain models do carry risks. For example, older Subaru EJ-series engines with over 150,000 kilometers and some Nissan VQ35 engines from specific years have defective piston ring designs, making them prone to burning 0.5 liters of oil per 1,000 kilometers. However, Toyota's 2AR/2GR engines are particularly durable—I've seen them last 600,000 kilometers without major repairs. Ultimately, it comes down to engine design and maintenance. If you're changing oil every 3,000 kilometers with low-quality oil, even the toughest engine will start blowing blue smoke. Remember to check the dipstick monthly—if the oil level is below the minimum mark when the engine is cold, it's time to take action.