Why Do Cars Burn Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Cars burn engine oil for the following reasons: 1. Due to the inconsistency between domestic fuel quality and international standards, a large amount of carbon deposits can easily form in the combustion chamber during engine operation. Carbon deposits are the root cause of various engine problems. 2. Carbon deposits accumulate in the piston grooves, causing the piston rings to stick together. This prevents the piston rings from sealing completely, and the 'stuck' piston rings significantly reduce their oil-scraping and sealing capabilities. Additionally, sludge can clog the oil return holes, preventing the engine oil from returning normally and leading to increased oil consumption. 3. Carbon deposits also exacerbate wear between the piston and cylinder walls, creating excessive gaps that allow engine oil to enter the combustion chamber. 4. The valve stem seals corrode and age, resulting in poor sealing. Valve stem seals are among the most vulnerable components in an engine and are prone to aging. Cars with over 100,000 kilometers on the odometer typically experience this issue. 5. The front and rear crankshaft seals age due to prolonged and extensive contact with oil. The impurities in the oil and the continuous temperature changes inside the engine gradually weaken their sealing effectiveness, leading to oil seepage or leakage.
I've seen many older cars burning oil, mainly because the internal engine components are severely worn, such as aging piston rings or valve stem seal issues, allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber and burn. Additionally, normal oil consumption increases with high mileage, especially if frequent hard acceleration raises oil temperature and accelerates wear. Furthermore, turbocharger leaks or clogged crankcase ventilation systems can also lead to unnecessary oil consumption. It's recommended to regularly change to high-quality oil and filters and conduct early inspections to prevent faults from escalating, which could affect engine lifespan, performance, and safety.
