What Causes Excessive Engine Oil Consumption?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for excessive engine oil consumption: Worn or damaged piston rings: When piston rings wear out, their elasticity weakens, reducing the pressure on the cylinder walls and diminishing their oil-scraping function. Wear between the piston rings and ring grooves also increases side clearance and back clearance, leading to more oil leakage. Particularly when the oil ring is damaged, oil leakage can multiply several times. Excessive clearance between piston and cylinder wall: When the fit clearance between the piston and cylinder wall is too large, or the cylinder becomes tapered or oval-shaped, the piston rings, piston, and cylinder wall cannot seal properly. Splashed oil can then leak into the combustion chamber and burn off, causing a sharp increase in lubricating oil consumption. Low oil viscosity: Low-viscosity oil is more prone to leakage and forms a thinner oil film, making it easier to burn off. Additionally, low-viscosity oil has a higher evaporation rate.
I've been driving for decades myself, and the most common cause of rapid oil consumption is piston ring wear. The piston rings are responsible for sealing the cylinders, and once they age and leak, oil is easily sucked into the combustion chamber and burned off, leading to a sharp increase in consumption. Another major issue is damaged valve stem seals, which can cause oil to leak from the top—checking for blue smoke from the exhaust pipe can help diagnose this. External leaks, such as a broken oil pan gasket or failed seals, can also silently drain your oil, so it's important to check the ground for oil stains after parking. Additionally, aggressive driving habits can raise oil temperature, causing it to evaporate faster—I recommend driving gently and keeping RPMs under control. Regular oil changes every 5,000 kilometers with high-quality oil are a must; neglecting this can lead to early engine problems and increased wear, making repairs to the entire powertrain both troublesome and expensive.