Why don't Japanese cars burn engine oil?
2 Answers
Japanese cars don't burn engine oil because: The piston rings have high tension, which can thoroughly scrape off residual oil from the cylinder walls. The functions of engine oil are: 1. To separate the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, thereby reducing wear; 2. To bring heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air to help the radiator cool the engine; 3. To circulate carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine parts back to the oil tank, flushing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts through the flow of lubricating oil. Engine oil is composed of base oil and additives. Base oils are classified by quality into Group I, Group II, and Group III base oils, with Group I and II being mineral oils and Group III being synthetic base oils. There are many types of additives, and the quantity and quality of additives directly affect the API quality level of the lubricating oil.
I think Japanese cars are less prone to burning oil mainly due to the precision of their engine design. For example, the sealing between piston rings and cylinder walls is exceptionally well done, reducing the chance of oil leakage. When I studied engines, I noticed that brands like Toyota and Honda conduct rigorous testing before leaving the factory to ensure component gaps are controlled at the micrometer level, preventing excessive oil consumption under high temperature and pressure. Japanese cars also emphasize material durability, using special coatings to enhance wear resistance and extend oil life. Additionally, their manufacturing processes prioritize consistency, making almost every vehicle equally reliable. Regular maintenance is also key—Japanese cars typically recommend high-quality synthetic oil, which better maintains engine cleanliness. If oil change intervals are consistently ignored, any car can develop issues. Therefore, buying a Japanese car not only saves money but also reduces the hassle of frequent repairs, making it ideal for long-term worry-free driving. Models like the Corolla or Civic, often chosen by urban commuters, are proof of this.
