Your engine relies on motor oil to keep moving parts lubricated, cool, and running smoothly. It’s normal for some oil to be used during regular operation, especially in older vehicles. But if you’re topping off more frequently than you used to, or noticing strange smells or smoke, your car might be burning oil faster than it should. This can lead to major engine trouble if left unchecked.
Here are the most common signs that your engine is consuming oil at an unusually high rate and what to do about it.
You Smell Burning Oil While Driving
A strong, acrid smell while you're driving, especially when the engine is warm, is often a clear indication of oil burning. This happens when oil escapes from the engine and drips onto hot components like the exhaust manifold. As it burns off, it creates a distinct odor that most drivers notice right away.
If you catch this smell more than once, it’s a good idea to check your oil level and look for visible leaks around the engine bay.
Blue Smoke From the Exhaust
One of the most obvious symptoms of oil consumption is bluish smoke coming from your tailpipe. This is a sign that oil is entering the combustion chamber and being burned along with the fuel. You’ll usually see it most clearly during acceleration or right after starting the engine.
Burning oil can result from worn piston rings, valve guides, or faulty seals. These components are designed to keep oil out of the combustion chamber, but once they begin to wear down, oil can seep past them.
Low Oil Level Between Oil Changes
If you find yourself regularly topping off your oil between scheduled changes, something may be wrong. Most cars shouldn’t lose more than a quart of oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If yours is using more, and there’s no obvious external leak, chances are it's being burned inside the engine.
Make a habit of checking your oil level every few weeks or before long trips. If it’s consistently dropping, don’t just refill and forget; instead, have the cause investigated.
Engine Running Rough or Misfiring
When oil enters the combustion chamber, it can interfere with proper fuel ignition. This may lead to misfires, especially during startup or while idling. You might notice shaking, hesitation, or uneven engine sounds.
In addition to performance issues, oil burning inside the cylinders can cause carbon buildup over time. This buildup can damage spark plugs or oxygen sensors, potentially reducing fuel economy and leading to more serious problems.
Spark Plug Fouling
Spark plugs are designed to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside each cylinder. If oil is seeping into the combustion chamber, it can coat the spark plug tips with oily deposits. This fouling prevents the spark plugs from firing cleanly, leading to poor engine performance and increased emissions.
A technician inspecting your plugs can usually tell whether oil consumption is the culprit. If your spark plugs are heavily fouled with oil, it’s time to check for internal leaks.
Warning Lights or Check Engine Light
Many modern vehicles monitor engine conditions closely. If your car is burning oil, sensors may detect issues and trigger a warning light. The check engine light might come on due to misfires, oxygen sensor faults, or emissions problems, all of which stem from excessive oil burning.
Don’t ignore warning lights, especially if they’re accompanied by other symptoms like low oil or poor engine performance.
What Causes Excessive Oil Consumption
Some of the most common causes include:
- Worn piston rings or cylinder walls, which allow oil to slip into the combustion chamber.
- Valve seal wear, often seen in high-mileage engines.
- Turbocharger problems in turbocharged vehicles, where oil leaks past internal seals.
- PCV system issues, where a malfunctioning valve can allow oil to be drawn into the intake.
Even high-performance or older engines that run hot may use more oil than usual, but if the rate increases suddenly, that’s a red flag.
Keep Your Engine Protected at Gerry's Service in East Amherst, NY
At Gerry’s Service in East Amherst, we help drivers stay ahead of engine problems with professional diagnostics and honest solutions. If you’re concerned your vehicle is burning oil faster than normal, bring it in for a full inspection. Our team will check for internal leaks, worn components, and other issues before they lead to serious damage.
Book your visit today and keep your engine running clean and strong.
