What are the consequences of burning engine oil?
3 Answers
Burning engine oil can lead to several consequences, including incomplete combustion in the engine's combustion chamber, which increases carbon deposits and reduces the vehicle's power performance. It also results in higher fuel consumption and more severe exhaust emissions, potentially exceeding pollution standards, thereby increasing the owner's financial burden. Additionally, carbon buildup can cause the piston rings to seize, losing their oil-scraping function and exacerbating the oil burning issue. Causes and solutions for engine oil burning: Front and rear crankshaft oil seal aging: The front and rear crankshaft oil seals are in continuous and extensive contact with oil. The impurities in the oil and the constant temperature changes within the engine gradually weaken their sealing effectiveness, leading to oil seepage or leakage. In this case, the front and rear crankshaft oil seals need to be replaced. Excessive piston clearance: Carbon deposits can enlarge the gap between the piston rings and the cylinder, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber and causing oil burning. This situation requires cleaning the carbon deposits, reducing the piston clearance, or replacing the pistons. Clogged air filter: A clogged air filter can obstruct airflow, reducing intake pressure and creating a vacuum that draws oil into the combustion chamber, leading to oil burning. In this case, the air filter needs to be cleaned.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, let me tell you, burning oil is no small matter. The most direct consequence is increasingly severe engine carbon buildup. When the piston rings and valve seals get clogged with sludge, you'll notice a significant drop in power—stepping on the gas will feel like the car is struggling. The exhaust may even emit blue smoke, which not only smells bad but will also cause your car to fail the annual inspection. The scariest part is that the oil level keeps dropping. If it suddenly runs too low, the engine could seize up completely. I've seen several owners wait until their cylinders scored before getting repairs, and the cost was enough to buy half a used car. Always keep an eye on the dipstick, carry a spare bottle of oil in your trunk, and head to the repair shop as soon as you notice any issues.
I usually pay close attention to my car's condition, and engine oil consumption is definitely something you can't ignore. The most obvious impact is the hit to your wallet—just think about it: oil consumption nearly doubles, requiring a top-up of a full synthetic oil every 5,000 kilometers, which adds up to an extra 700-800 yuan a year. The engine running at high temperatures for prolonged periods leads to carbon buildup caking the piston rings like cement, accelerating cylinder wall wear. The exhaust system suffers too, with blue smoke constantly puffing from the tailpipe, and the catalytic converter failing prematurely—replacing it costs thousands. Every stoplight becomes awkward as other drivers give you sideways glances. Don't wait for the oil warning light; by then, there's likely already a risk of cylinder scoring.
