If you’ve ever driven behind a car that’s burning oil, you’re familiar with the choking smell that it produces and the thick cloud coming from the tailpipe.
The only thing worse is when those symptoms are being produced by your own vehicle. Burning oil is a problem that can lead to expensive repairs and long downtime if it’s neglected.
An engine burns oil when oil enters the combustion chamber of the engine (where it shouldn’t be) and gets burned along with the fuel/air mixture. It is important to note that a car that is burning oil may not always have smoke coming out of the tailpipe.
In lower amounts, oil can be consumed and not show. Owners will notice this when they check oil and frequently have to add upwards of a quart of oil every time they check, yet there are no signs of any oil leak.
Understanding Oil Consumption
For any vehicle to perform at its full potential, the engine must have the correct oil. It keeps the engine cool, lubricates the engine and its parts and keeps them moving as intended.
Different types of engines consume different levels of oil. A four-cylinder engine, for example, needs at least five quarts of oil.
The smaller the engine, the less oil you need. Check your vehicle’s user manual to see the type of engine oil needed, how much and when to change it.
What Does It Mean When a Car Burns Oil?
Normally, engine oil stays inside the engine to lubricate its parts. It helps keep everything cool and prevents metal parts from grinding against each other.
However, if the oil somehow sneaks into the combustion chamber — where gasoline and air mix to create explosions — it will burn along with the fuel.
When this happens, it’s called burning oil. You might notice a few signs:
- A blueish smoke coming from your tailpipe
- A drop in oil level between oil changes
- A burning smell while the engine is running
Not every case of oil burning is serious, but it’s definitely something you need to keep an eye on.
How Do I Know My Car Is Burning Oil?
Oil burning or excessive oil consumption can sneak up quietly — no warning lights, no puddles, just subtle clues that something under the hood isn’t happy.
Fortunately, paying attention to these small signs early can save you from bigger, pricier problems down the road. Here’s what to look, listen, and smell for:
#1. Blue Smoke.
When oil burns inside the combustion chamber, it turns your exhaust a hazy shade of blue. You might see it when you first start the car, after it idles for a bit, or when you accelerate.
Unfortunately, while it might look like the smoke screen from a James Bond vehicle, it’s not a cool party trick — it’s a sign that oil is slipping into your combustion chamber and getting torched with your fuel.
#2. A Burning Smell.
If it smells like something is frying under the hood, but you’re not at a tailgate, your car could just have an oil leak that’s dripping onto hot engine parts like exhaust pipes. However, this can also be a sign of oil being burned in the combustion chamber.
#3. Low Oil Levels.
If you haven’t noticed any leaks, but you find that you’re topping off between oil changes more often, it’s a clue that oil is disappearing inside your engine instead of onto your driveway.
It’s worth noting that the oil light typically won’t trigger until levels drop to dangerously low levels, so make regular oil checks part of your routine.
#4. Low Oil Pressure.
There are several causes of low oil pressure, including burning oil. If your oil pressure warning light flickers on — or you notice a ticking or knocking sound — it could mean your engine isn’t getting the oil pressure, and therefore, the lubrication it needs.
#5. Rough Running or Misfires.
When oil makes its way into the combustion chamber, it can foul your spark plugs and mess with the air-fuel ratio. The result? A rough idle, poor acceleration, or random misfires that make your car feel sluggish.
No matter the symptoms, if you’re running through engine oil faster than a teenager goes through “gas” money, it’s time for a professional diagnosis.
Our team can inspect your vehicle and determine whether you’re losing oil due to simple leaks or internal burning, so that your car can stay where it belongs—on the road.
Why Is My Car Burning Oil?
Probably you have noticed some of the symptoms listed above. The next thing would be to find out why this is happening. There are two ways your car burns oil.
#1. Internal oil burning.
If your oil is burning, it could be that the parts working together to keep the oil away from the combustion chamber are worn. For example, faulty valves, seals, rings, gaskets, etc.
The combustion chamber is the place that combines air and fuel, which, when ignited by the spark plugs, provides power to start your car. When these components are faulty, the oil seeps into this fuel-air mixture and causes the oil to burn.
#2. External Oil burning.
External oil-burning occurs when oil escapes from the engine and lands on a hot surface outside the engine. A sign that the oil is burning outside is a burning oil smell.
#3. Blown head gasket.
The head gasket helps trap cylinders’ firing pressure and restricts engine oil or coolant from entering inside or outside the cylinders.
A blown head gasket stems from engine overheating. Engine overheating is often caused by a shortage of coolant, non-functioning water pumps, and radiators.
When this gasket is blown or out of place, engine oil finds its way into the cylinders. Coolants in the cylinder cause the emission of white smoke from the tailpipe and coolant loss with no sign of leaks.
Other symptoms of a blown head gasket are white residues in oil, coolant throwing up in coolant reservoir and radiator, and engine overheating.
#4. Damaged oil pan.
The oil pan is a component of the engine’s lubrication system. It is attached to the engine’s bottom and helps hold the oil needed to lubricate all engine parts.
Vehicles hitting uneven or rough surfaces can cause oil pan leakage leading to an oil shortage. This will also not allow proper lubrication of engine parts. A telltale sign of a leaking pan is visible oil on the ground.
#5. Worn piston ring.
The piston ring is also known as the oil control ring. It works to keep the cylinder walls and moving engine parts lubricated without letting oil slip into the combustion chamber.
A stuck, broken, or worn piston ring will not properly allow oil to lubricate engine parts. And as such, oil finds its way into the combustion chamber.
If the rings are failing, you sometimes experience engine misfire and emission of bluish smoke on acceleration. Another sign of a failing piston ring is higher oil consumption even when there are no external leaks.
#6. Bad PCV valve.
The PCV valves known as positive crankcase ventilation valves are channeling through which the engine pressure leaves the engine. When the engine releases pressure, it goes through the PCV and enters the intake manifold.
A clogged, stuck, or bad PCV valve will not allow engine pressure to leave the engine. Instead, it builds up engine pressure in the PCV valve and returns it to the engine, blowing up seals and pushing oil into the cylinders.
PCV valve burning oil indicates that the PCV valve is faulty and not able to transport engine pressure.
#7. Valve guide and seal leaks.
The intake and exhaust valves work to ensure your car runs smoothly. While the fuel-air mixture enters the cylinders through the intake valves, the burned mixture leaves the cylinder through the exhaust valves.
These valves are constantly lubricated to function smoothly without allowing oil into the fuel-air mixture.
When valve seals/guides are damaged, they allow oil into the combustion chamber as the valves work. A bluish smoke that emits from the exhaust during startup is an indication that these seals are worn.
#8. Using the wrong oil.
Some engines produce a very high amount of heat as they work. Using oil that cannot withstand the engine’s heat will likely cause your oil to burn out quickly.
Impact On Engine Performance
Burning oil can have a significant impact on your car’s engine performance. It not only affects the overall health of the engine but also leads to various operational issues.
Here, we will explore how burning oil influences two critical aspects of engine performance: Reduced Fuel Efficiency and Engine Overheating.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
When your car burns oil, it leads to incomplete combustion. This means the engine is not working at its optimum level. As a result, you will notice a drop in fuel efficiency.
Your car will consume more fuel to cover the same distance. This increased fuel consumption impacts your wallet and the environment.
Here are some common signs of reduced fuel efficiency due to burning oil:
- Frequent visits to the gas station
- Decreased miles per gallon (MPG)
- Noticeable drop in car performance
Engine Overheating
Engine overheating is another critical impact of burning oil. Oil helps to lubricate and cool engine parts. When the oil burns, less oil is available to do this job. This results in increased friction and heat within the engine.
Prolonged overheating can lead to severe engine damage. It can cause warping of engine components and even engine failure.
What To Do If Your Car Is Burning Oil?
Whenever you notice your car is burning oil, you may try doing these;
Stop the car and check
If you notice the illumination of the oil check light, stop, and check what’s going on. You may check the oil level.
To check the oil level, let the oil cool down. Bring out the dipstick from the coolant, wipe off the oil then put it back. Remove it again to see the oil level. If it’s low, you can top it.
If, however, you keep having reoccurring low oil levels without traces of a leak, you may need to take the car for proper examination.
Often check your oil level
Some high-performing vehicles most times use more than the required oil. This is not due to any faulty engine component; it’s just how the car was manufactured. Checking often will keep you informed when the oil needs refilling.
A vehicle that uses more than the manufacturer’s recommended oil will need to be filled before the recommended time.
Check the exhaust
Check the smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. A bluish smoke coming from your tailpipe indicates that your oil is burning. After confirming, take the car to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis to know the cause.
Check how the engine is doing
To confirm your suspicions, check to see how the engine is doing. Engine misfire or rough running engine is a sign of motor oil burning. When oil-burning takes place, it can also damage the spark plugs.
Check to see how the plugs are doing. Bad spark plugs will look wet, oily, or sooty. Replacing the spark plugs will be an excellent step to take. But that will be after knowing what is causing the oil to burn.
Determine whether to fix the car or not
After confirming your suspicions, the best cause of action will be to take the car to an expert mechanic for proper diagnosis.
Then fix the problem early enough. If you do nothing on time, your vehicle may run rough, and in worse and rear case scenarios, it may cause fire hazards.
And in other cases, it may damage other components like the catalytic converter, and spark plugs and even knock the engine due to low engine oil. But if after diagnosis you confirm that so many parts are already ruptured, you may need to sell your car.
Most parts associated with oil-burning issues are expensive. And sometimes can make you spend more than your car’s worth on only a few repairs. So if you do not want to get to this stage, fix the problem on time.
Diagnosing the Issue
There are several ways to check if you suspect your car may be burning too much oil all at once.
- Performing a visual inspection: Check the oil level of your car using the oil dipstick for possible excessive consumption.
- Utilizing diagnostic tools: Use diagnostic tools to help identify potential problems with your engine. Consider getting an automotive scanner for a thorough check of all vehicle systems.
- Seeking professional advice and assistance: Call your trusted mechanic if you think your car might be burning oil. Seek professional advice to address the problem right away and prevent further damage.
How to Stop Engine From Burning oil?
If your car is burning oil, the best course of action is to take it to a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis. They will determine the cause and recommend the best fix. Some of the fixes for a car burning oil include:
- Replace blown head gaskets: Replacing blown head gaskets will prevent oil or coolant from entering the cylinders.
- Fix anything causing engine overheating: Engine overheating can cause the head gasket to blow, leading to oil burning.
- Replace bad spark plugs: Bad spark plugs can cause engine misfiring and higher oil consumption.
- Fix worn ring pistons: Worn piston rings allow oil to enter the combustion chamber, leading to oil burning.
- Use the right types of oil: Using oil that can withstand the engine’s heat will prevent it from burning out quickly.
- Fix a damaged oil pan: A damaged oil pan can cause oil leakage, leading to an oil shortage and improper lubrication of engine parts.
Preventive Measures
#1. Regular Oil Changes.
Regular oil changes are vital for maintaining your car’s health. Using the correct type of oil for your vehicle ensures optimal performance and longevity. If you’re wondering, “What oil does my car use?” check your owner’s manual or consult a professional.
#2. Check for Leaks Frequently.
Routine inspections can help you detect oil leaks early. Check for oil puddles, inspect seals and gaskets, and monitor your oil levels regularly to avoid surprises.
#3. Store Oil Properly.
Many car owners ask, “Does car oil expire?” While motor oil itself doesn’t expire, its additives can degrade over time, reducing its effectiveness. Always store oil in a cool, dry place and avoid using oil that’s been sitting unused for years.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Burning Oil?
You can fix a burning oil for as low as $100 and fix it for as high as $5000 or more. It just depends on what is causing the oil to burn. A blown head gadget can replacement cost for over $500.
If the damage has affected several internal engine components, you may be looking at $2000 – $4000. If the issue is oil type, you can change your oil for as low as $100. In summary, the higher the faulty components, the higher the cost.
FAQs.
Q: What Happens When You Burn Oil?
When you burn oil, there will be a coolant shortage. And thus, your engine will not get enough oil to function correctly, which consequently leads to the vehicle malfunctioning. Coolant shortage and malfunctioning vehicles will mean spending more cash.
Q: What Oil Is Best For A Car That Burns Oil?
If you’re using a high mileage vehicle and diagnosis has shown your oil type is the issue, then use synthetic oil.
Synthetic oil contains a high amount of additives and conditioners to withstand engine heat and combat sludge. It also helps prevent engine wear and tear and can soften hardened seals causing leaks.
Q: Why Is My Car Burning Oil After Oil Change?
Your car is still burning oil after an oil change because the major culprits have not been tackled. When a car burns oil, get the root cause of the problem, then fix it. If the oil is not the only culprit, changing oil won’t do anything.
Q: What Does Burning Oil Smell Like?
Burning oil smells like cooking oil. But unlike the pleasant smell of cooking oil, this one is strong and harsh. And can cause stomach upset. This upset can cause someone to throw up.
Final Thoughts
Burning oil mainly stems from faulty engine components like seals, valves, gaskets, etc. Not using the correct type of oil can also cause motor oil burning.
Yes, these components can get worn out and cause oil to burn. But leaving them unattended will cause more damage and possibly shut down your engine.
Oil on the air filter, white or bluish smoke from the tailpipe, and excessive oil consumption are some burning oil symptoms.
It is advisable to quickly take your car to a professional mechanic to check and fix it on time. You can be saving your life and a lot of money addressing the issue on time.