What Are the Consequences of Burning Engine Oil?
3 Answers
Continuing to drive a car with insufficient engine oil can cause significant harm to the engine. Here are the impacts of burning engine oil on a vehicle: 1. Mechanical Wear: Insufficient engine oil affects the lubrication of the car's engine, leading to severe wear on all moving mechanical parts. 2. Cylinder Scoring: Low engine oil levels and poor lubrication can cause the engine to overheat, potentially resulting in cylinder scoring. 3. Bearing Failure: When engine oil is too low, especially during uphill/downhill driving or high-speed operation, the oil pump may draw in air, increasing the risk of bearing failure and causing unnecessary damage.
I've been driving my old car for several years, and the issue of burning oil is really a headache. The direct consequence is blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe, making it look like a smoke bomb on the road, which is especially embarrassing. Moreover, the engine noise has increased, and the power has noticeably dropped—I have to press the accelerator harder. Not only that, but the fuel consumption has also skyrocketed because the oil level drops frequently, requiring constant top-ups, which burns a hole in my pocket. If left unrepaired for a long time, the internal engine components will wear severely, such as piston rings or valve stem seals failing, potentially leading to more serious problems like cylinder scoring or even an engine overhaul, which could cost thousands of dollars in repairs. That's why I've developed the habit of checking the oil dipstick every two weeks. If I notice the oil consumption is fast, I immediately take it to the repair shop for inspection—better to address it early than regret it when a major issue arises. Safety first.
Having worked in the automotive repair industry for over a decade, I've dealt with numerous oil-burning vehicles. The biggest issue with oil burning is that it accelerates internal component wear. When oil enters the combustion chamber and burns, it leaves carbon deposits that can clog various small passages, causing the engine to run poorly. If left untreated, this can trigger a chain reaction—such as cylinder wall scoring or even piston seizure. At that point, it's no longer just a simple oil change; you'll need a complete engine overhaul, which is both costly and time-consuming. Customers often overlook the initial symptoms, thinking it's just some blue smoke or odd smells. In reality, these are the engine's warning signs. If ignored, increased fuel consumption and reduced power are just the beginning—the vehicle's lifespan could be cut by more than half. My advice is to get it checked immediately if you notice these signs. A cylinder pressure test or replacing oil seals can go a long way.
