What Causes the Highlander to Burn Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Burning engine oil in the Highlander is caused by either normal wear or abnormal wear. Reasons for burning engine oil: Normal wear: This is a common occurrence after the vehicle has been driven for a certain number of kilometers. Typically, this happens around 200,000 kilometers, but the lifespan of the engine can vary significantly depending on the vehicle model, driving habits, and regional factors (such as air dust content). Abnormal wear: Early wear due to abnormal causes can result from product quality issues or improper usage. If the vehicle starts burning engine oil during the warranty period, promptly contact the manufacturer's 4S store for repairs or engine replacement. Causes of early engine wear: Using substandard engine oil, failing to change the oil and oil filter on time, starting the engine with a heavy throttle when cold, operating the engine with insufficient oil for extended periods, running the engine at high temperatures for long durations, operating under long-term high-load and high-speed conditions (engine speed exceeding 4,000 RPM), running the engine in poor air quality (excessive dust levels) or failing to replace the air filter on time, insufficient oil pump pressure, low oil pressure, clogged oil passages, etc.
I've been driving a Highlander for over a decade, and burning oil is a common issue I've encountered. The main culprit is likely worn piston rings, which allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber and burn, with blue smoke from the exhaust pipe being a telltale sign. Aging valve stem seals are another frequent cause, as the sealing rings lose their effectiveness and fail to seal properly. Additionally, a faulty PCV valve can disrupt crankcase pressure, sucking oil into the system. High-mileage vehicles are more prone to this problem; my car started burning oil after hitting 150,000 kilometers, and catching it early made repairs easier. If you notice rapid oil consumption—say, more than 1 liter per 1,000 kilometers—don't delay; get it checked immediately. Regularly checking the dipstick is crucial, and using high-viscosity synthetic oil can help reduce wear. Ignoring the issue isn't just costly for engine repairs; overheating could lead to catastrophic engine failure or even a breakdown on the road—safety first. For prevention, I check the oil level weekly, which has saved me a lot of hassle.
