Is Excessive Oil Consumption a Common Issue with the Highlander?
2 Answers
Excessive oil consumption is not a common issue with the Highlander. Engine oil naturally has a certain level of consumption, but when the consumption becomes excessive, it indicates an oil burning problem. Consequences of Oil Burning: It leads to incomplete combustion in the engine's combustion chamber, resulting in increased carbon deposits, reduced vehicle performance, and sluggish acceleration. This also causes higher fuel consumption, more severe exhaust emissions (potentially exceeding standards), and increased financial burden on the owner. Solutions for Oil Burning: It is necessary to thoroughly inspect the entire oil lubrication system, remove carbon deposits from combustion residues, ensure smooth operation of intake and exhaust valves, and replace aged or damaged valve seals and crankshaft seals. Additionally, the gap between the engine cylinders should be reduced to maintain optimal engine temperature.
I've been driving a Highlander for five years, and oil burning is really not a common issue. Generally speaking, the Highlander's engine is quite reliable. For someone like me who uses it for daily commuting and follows regular maintenance schedules, I've never experienced excessive oil consumption. However, I've heard from other owners that some older models or high-mileage vehicles might burn a bit of oil, especially after surpassing 100,000 kilometers due to piston ring wear or aging valve seals. This isn't unique to the Highlander—any car can develop similar issues with prolonged use. A friend of mine had his Highlander start burning a little oil after 150,000 kilometers, but replacing the seals fixed the problem. The key is to regularly check the oil dipstick, change the oil on time, and never delay maintenance. Toyota's overall quality is dependable, and the risk of oil burning is very low with a new vehicle or a well-maintained used one.
