Engine oil is crucial for keeping your car's engine running smoothly. It lubricates the moving parts, reduces friction, and helps prevent overheating. But what happens when your car starts burning oil? If you've noticed that you need to top off your oil more frequently or if there's blue smoke coming from your exhaust, you might be dealing with this issue.

The team at Christian Brothers Automotive is here to discuss common signs that your car is burning oil, explore the potential causes, and provide solutions to fix the issue before it leads to bigger problems.

Signs Your Car Is Burning Oil

A common sign of burning oil is the need to constantly top off your engine oil, whether it's through regular oil changes or adding oil between them. This is because the oil is burning up faster than it should, leaving your engine without enough lubrication.

You may also notice that the oil pressure light on the dashboard came on or by checking your oil dipstick regularly and noticing a steady level drop. While these can also be caused by a faulty oil pressure gauge or a leak, consider the following signs if no leak is found:

• Blue or grayish smoke coming from the exhaust tailpipe
• Decreased engine performance and acceleration
• The smell of burning oil (from oil escaping and coming in contact with hot parts)

If your exhaust has changed colors, your MPG has decreased, or you're experiencing a rougher ride, address these issues promptly. Ignoring them can affect your car's performance and lead to severe and costly engine damage.

Why Is Your Car Burning Oil?

Several factors can contribute to a car burning oil excessively. While some oil consumption is normal, particularly in older or high-mileage vehicles, excessive oil burning can indicate underlying issues that require attention. Here are some common causes of cars burning oil:

• Worn Engine Components: The most common cause of burning oil is worn piston rings, valve seals, or cylinder walls. Over time, these parts can become damaged, allowing oil to leak into the combustion chamber, where it burns off.
• Incorrect Oil Viscosity: Using the wrong type of engine oil can also lead to excessive oil consumption. If you're using a thicker viscosity than recommended for your car, it may not circulate properly and can cause oil to burn off quickly.
• Faulty PCV Valve: The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is responsible for regulating the flow of blow-by gasses from the crankcase back into the intake system. If it malfunctions, it can cause excessive pressure in the crankcase and push oil into the combustion chamber.
• Engine Overheating: When an engine overheats, the oil can break down and lose its lubricating capabilities. This can lead to increased friction, wear on engine parts, and oil burning.

If you suspect any of these issues are causing your car to burn oil, be sure to have it inspected by a professional mechanic. Driving with these problems can cause further damage and result in more expensive repairs.

Why Can You Smell Burning Engine Oil?

If your car is burning oil externally, you may also notice a distinct burning smell while driving your vehicle. Engine oil may be leaking onto hot engine parts due to a:

• Loose oil filter
• Damaged oil pan
• Overfilled crankcase (too much oil)
• Worn or damaged valve cover gasket

Smelling oil is never a good sign in your car. Treat it with urgency and have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible to avoid any dangerous situations.

How to Stop Your Car from Burning Oil

The specific repair needed for your car will depend on the root cause of the oil burning. In some cases, it may be a simple fix, such as replacing a worn PCV valve or switching to the correct oil viscosity. However, other times it may require more extensive repairs, such as replacing piston rings or valve seals.

If your car is burning oil, it’s important to get repairs immediately. Address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and potentially expensive repairs!

Does Burning Oil Mean Your Engine Is Failing?

A car burning oil doesn’t guarantee engine failure, but it's crucial to address the issue promptly. Ignoring this problem can result in engine damage or failure if left unattended. Regular maintenance and inspections are key to detecting issues early on and avoiding major problems.

Get Help with an Oil-Burning Car

With the expert technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive, you can address any issues causing your car to burn oil. Our team specializes in engine services and repairs for various vehicle makes and models, ensuring high-quality maintenance to keep your car running smoothly. Get started with a Courtesy Inspection and see how our Nice Difference can help you get back on the road!

Find your nearby Christian Brothers Automotive auto shop and book your appointment today!