Many car owners are puzzled when they notice their vehicle’s engine oil is low or their car is giving off more smoke than usual. If you’re one of them, you might be wondering if your car is burning oil. Unfortunately, there are quite a few reasons this might happen, and each has its own solution or treatment. To help you figure out the problem, here are some common causes of a vehicle burning oil and what to do about them.
Check Your Oil
One of the first signs that your car may be burning oil is that you will notice more smoke from your car’s exhaust than usual. If this is the case, you should check your vehicle’s oil as soon as possible. If you notice that the oil is low, you have a leak somewhere that is causing oil to be burned. If you are not comfortable checking your oil, see your mechanic, and they can do it for you very quickly.
What Is Causing My Car to Burn Oil?
As stated, your vehicle may be burning oil for a variety to reasons. The most common issues are a blown oil pan gasket, blown head gasket, worn piston rings, and worn valve seals. These parts have a relatively common function in different parts of your car’s engine — to keep oil from getting where it’s not intended. While each of these issues is a specific problem with more specific issues, these are all relatively major fixes that your mechanic will need to handle.
Take Your Vehicle to a Professional
If you suspect that your car is burning oil, it’s vital to get it repaired as soon as possible. Your car care specialist can diagnose the problem and get your vehicle back on the road without burning oil. In addition, some car manufacturers advise that some oil consumption is typical for some specific makes of car. However, your mechanic can tell you if your car is burning oil as a result of a mechanical issue.
It may be tempting to put off getting your oil-burning car repaired, but this is a bad idea. Excessive oil consumption can lead to severe damage to your vehicle’s engine if left untreated and ultimately a much more expensive repair bill. Instead, bring it to your trusted mechanic to get it fixed and back on the road if you notice that your car is burning oil.
