What are the causes of excessive oil consumption in a 2012 Highlander?
2 Answers
Here are the main reasons for severe oil consumption in a 2012 Highlander: 1. The primary cause of oil burning is the use of substandard oil or incorrect viscosity grade. Low-quality engine oil can accelerate wear. Additionally, oil viscosity that is either too low or too high can lead to poor engine lubrication, increasing wear on piston rings and cylinder walls, reducing sealing performance, and resulting in oil burning. 2. Excessive clearance between piston rings and cylinder walls, improper installation of piston rings, or degraded sealing performance can allow oil from the cylinder walls to enter the combustion chamber, causing oil burning. Furthermore, poor sealing performance of valve seals, damage to the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, or clogged crankcase ventilation ports can increase pressure in the crankcase, allowing oil to enter the cylinder along with crankcase gases and participate in combustion.
Hey, having driven a 12-year-old Highlander, I've encountered quite a few oil burning issues. It's usually because the engine has worn out over time, with gaps in the piston rings or cylinder walls allowing oil to sneak in and burn. Sealing components like valve stem seals can also age and crack, leaking oil into the combustion chamber. Additionally, if the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system gets stuck, it can cause pressure imbalances that suck away the oil. Moreover, excessive carbon buildup inside the engine or using oil that's too thin for an older vehicle can also lead to burning. I suggest starting with simple checks: see if the exhaust pipe emits blue smoke and if the oil level on the dipstick drops quickly. Regular maintenance is crucial—don't skimp on small expenses and risk major issues. Getting a professional inspection can prevent major overhauls.
