What to Do When a Car Burns Engine Oil?
2 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.
