Why Is Your Car Burning Oil? Causes You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you’ve noticed your car is burning oil in an extreme way, then don’t ignore it. Many drivers will ignore the first symptoms of oil consumption, such as frequently needing to add oil and or seeing light colored smoke coming from the exhaust, and will assume that it is just normal wear and tear.

However, both of these could be signs of a larger problem with the engine. This article will discuss why your car engine is burning oil. We have mentioned different types of symptoms to look for when diagnosing this issue, potential causes of this condition, and how prompt repairs can help prevent serious damage to the engine.

Car Burning Oil: What Does It Mean?

Car burning engine oil means that oil from the engine is entering the combustion chamber and burning when fuel is burned. Engine oil only lubricates the moving engine parts. If it starts to burn, that typically means there is internal wear on the engine parts or some other problem with an engine component.

Most people will notice the problem for the first time when they are constantly having to fill their oil levels up because there are no oil leaks under the vehicle, yet there is still a low oil level. Continual loss of engine oil from burning will affect engine performance and make the costs of the repair more expensive.

Car Burning Oil: Common Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Blue smoke from car exhaust is one of the first signs of the engine burning oil. In most cases, this occurs due to the engine burning oil during combustion. Some cars will also produce a burning smell, especially after long distances.

There are other signs that an engine is using too much oil, such as rough running, a decrease in fuel economy, and having to add oil to the engine more frequently than normal. Most drivers will not be aware of these signs until they develop over time.

1. Worn Piston Rings

One reason a car is burning oil can be due to worn piston rings. Piston rings help to seal off the area where combustion takes place and keep oil from entering the combustion chamber. When the engine gets older, the piston rings become worn down. When they wear down enough, they allow oil to leak into the cylinders and eventually burn.

2. Damaged Valve Seals

Another reason a car is burning oil is because of damaged valve seals. The purpose of a valve seal is to keep control of how much oil flows to the engine valves. If they become cracked or weak, oil will leak into the combustion chamber and burn along with the fuel, which is often a contributing factor in vehicles smoking either upon startup or after sitting idle for an extended period of time.

The Importance of Choosing The Right Engine Oil

A car burning oil or using much oil is not always because of big problems with the engine. It is often because of poor maintenance. Choosing the right engine oil is very important for a vehicle, and this choice also ensures the longevity of the engine and the vehicle.

Selecting the oil with the wrong viscosity or of poor quality can result in higher oil consumption and less protection for the engine.
Additionally, doing regular maintenance and changing oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations will reduce the chances of the car burning oil issue and excessive oil consumption issue. A good mechanic can give you proper advice on selecting the right type of oil for your vehicle.

Why Ignoring a Car Burning Oil Problem Can Be Expensive?

A neglected engine that clearly has an oil-burning problem will ultimately suffer extensive damage! Lowering the level of oil in the engine reduces the amount of internal lubrication, increasing friction and heat, and damaging the working parts of the engine, as well as shortening the life of the entire engine.

Therefore, having your auto engine diagnostics performed properly by a proper mechanical inspection will help determine the cause of the problem before it turns into something worse and more expensive to repair. The cost of early repairs can usually be significantly less than what it would cost to replace the major engine parts later.

Where to Get Your Car Checked?

If your engine has been smoking or leaking oil, you should get in touch with an auto repair shop for help. A professional auto mechanic from a good auto repair shop can diagnose the issues properly and work with you to find the solutions for them. They can give you various solutions, including replacing broken parts like valve seals and piston ring seals, or they can even do a complete diagnostic analysis of your vehicle.

For people who need reliable engine repair services in Perth, they normally prefer choosing a local workshop that offers a whole inspection of your vehicle. A proper car safety check Perth can help in catching potentially dangerous hidden mechanical defects before they can cause worse problems with your car engine.

SAI Auto Care has good mechanics who take care of cars that have engine problems. If you are looking for a car service in Perth and mechanics who can fix your engine, you should take your car in for regular checks. You should also have your car looked at if you notice any problems.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait until it’s too late to fix your car if you notice something that might be causing your car burning engine oil or have another problem. Blue smoke from the exhaust or a low oil level are usually signs of bigger damage that can cost a lot to fix or replace.

Getting your car checked at a garage and using the right engine oil will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your car safe and reliable. If you have any of these problems, SAI Auto Care can help you with professional diagnostic, inspection, and engine repair services.

FAQ’s

1. How do I fix a car that burns oil?

Answer 1:
You can fix car burning oil issues by either changing to a good engine oil or having a proper inspection of your car engine. Maybe a piston valve or some wear and tear is there in your engine, or you can have a complete diagnostic of your car engine by a professional mechanic.

2. Can I still drive my car if it burns oil?

Answer 2:
Yes, you can, but you should not, because when you forcefully drive your car, burning oil issues can damage your engine permanently. This situation will lead to major damage to your car’s engine and to more expensive services.

3. What is the most common reason a car burns oil?

Answer 3:
Cars burn oil for many reasons. One reason can be that the piston rings are worn out. Another reason can be that the valve seals are damaged. When this happens, oil can leak into the engine cylinders over time. Then the oil will get burn along with the fuel in the car engine.

4. How much does it cost to fix a burning oil issue?

Answer 4:
The cost of fixing a car burning oil problem depends on the main reason for the issue. Minor repairs like replacing valve seals or fixing small leaks may cost less, while major engine repairs involving piston rings or internal engine damage are usually more expensive.

5. Does burning oil mean engine rebuild?

Answer 5:
No, it is not always the case. There are situations where the engine problem can be fixed by replacing engine valve seals, engine piston rings, or other engine components that are damaged. However, if the engine has internal engine wear and the engine problem has been ignored for a long time, a major engine repair may eventually be required for the engine.