What to Do When a Car Burns Engine Oil?
4 Answers
Solutions for engine oil burning: repair the engine, clean carbon deposits inside the engine, and replace damaged components. If the situation is severe, an engine overhaul may be required. The reasons for engine oil burning are as follows: 1. Poor valve sealing: Valves prevent oil from leaking into the combustion chamber, but over time, wear and aging can cause poor sealing, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber more easily. 2. Increased piston clearance: Long-term operation leads to carbon buildup and wear in the piston area. Over time, the piston clearance increases, making it easier for oil to enter the combustion chamber. This is why it's often recommended to use higher-viscosity oil in older vehicles. 3. Low oil viscosity: Using oil with too low viscosity can also cause oil burning. Low-viscosity oil flows more easily and can seep into the cylinder, participating in combustion. 4. Excessive oil volume: High oil pressure can force some oil into the cylinder, resulting in oil burning.
I've been driving for over a decade, and a few years ago my car had serious oil burning issues. Back then, every time I checked the dipstick, I could see the oil level had dropped significantly, and there was even blue smoke from the exhaust, which really startled me. I did some self-inspection first and found that the piston rings might be worn out, and the valve stem seals might have aged, causing oil to leak into the combustion chamber. This wasn't something to delay because engine oil burning leads to insufficient lubrication, and over time, it could result in a major overhaul. I quickly took it to a professional repair shop for diagnosis. The mechanic first performed a compression test to check the cylinder sealing and then recommended replacing the piston rings and seals. After the replacement, the problem was mostly resolved, and oil consumption dropped significantly. Since then, I've been more diligent about using high-quality oil during regular maintenance and checking the oil level periodically to ensure the engine runs smoothly. Oil burning is usually not a minor issue—it's best to address it early to avoid bigger losses. Safety first.
I just got my driver's license when I encountered engine oil burning, which really freaked me out at first. The tailpipe was emitting weird smoke. After consulting car-savvy friends, I learned it's mostly caused by worn piston rings or leaking oil seals, where the oil gets burned and expelled. I started by checking the dipstick—if the level was too low, I'd top up some oil as a temporary fix. But in the long run, it's best to visit a professional repair shop to diagnose the root cause. Minor issues can be addressed with fuel additives to clean carbon deposits, while severe cases may require part replacements. During maintenance, always choose the right oil grade—don’t use the wrong viscosity. Although oil burning isn’t immediately dangerous, don’t ignore it, as it wastes fuel money and pollutes the environment. Now, I’ve made it a habit to check the oil level every 1,000 km to prevent problems.
I've repaired my car several times myself and know that common causes of oil burning include worn piston rings, aging valve stem seals, or a clogged crankcase ventilation system. After oil is consumed, the engine's power decreases, exhaust emits blue smoke, and accelerated wear may occur. To address it, first check for leaks such as at the oil pan or seal areas. If not severe, using a high-quality oil additive might alleviate carbon buildup. However, repair costs must be considered—replacing seals is cheaper, while a complete overhaul is expensive. I recommend having a shop test cylinder pressure to confirm the issue and using full synthetic oil during regular maintenance to reduce the likelihood of oil burning. Although oil burning is troublesome, targeted solutions can extend the car's lifespan.
