If you’ve noticed your vehicle is burning oil, it can be concerning and might indicate some underlying engine issues. Oil consumption is normal for most cars, but when your car is burning oil faster than it should, it might lead to engine damage if not addressed timely. Here’s what you need to know, what steps to take, and whether it could be time to consider car removal.
Signs Your Car is Burning Oil
Before diving into what you should do, firstly, let’s ensure your car is burning oil. Below are some key signs to watch for such as:
- Blue Exhaust Smoke: If you notice blue smoke emitting from your exhaust, it’s a strong sign that oil is burning in the combustion chamber of your car’s engine.
- Decreased Engine Performance: You may experience reduced engine power, misfiring, or even rough idling as a result of oil burning in the engine.
- Frequent Oil Refills: Needing to top up your oil more rapidly than usual is a clear sign that your car is using excessive oil.
- Oil Smell: If you notice a burnt oil smell, especially after running the engine for a while, oil could be leaking into hot engine components.
What Causes a Car to Burn Oil?
Knowing about the causes can help you decide what action you must take. Some of the common reasons why cars burn oil may include:
- Worn Piston Rings: Piston rings serve as a seal to the combustion chamber. If they’re worn, the oil may slip through and burn with fuel, producing blue smoke.
- Valve Seal Damage: Valve seals prevent oil from leaking into the engine’s cylinders. Damaged seals can allow oil to mix with fuel, resulting in increased oil burning.
- PCV Valve Malfunction: The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve helps release gases from the engine. If it gets faulty, it can cause oil to be sucked into the intake and burned.
- Old Gaskets: As your engine ages, gaskets and seals could break down, further causing oil leaks and burning.
What Should You Do Next?
Now that you are familiar with the potential causes, here are steps to follow, including:
Check Oil Levels Regularly
If your car is burning oil, it’s essential to monitor your oil levels closely.Low oil levels can lead to significant engine damage. Additionally, make sure to top up oil when required and avoid driving long distances with insufficient oil.
Consider Engine Repairs
If your mechanic ensures that your car is burning oil because of internal engine wear, you’ll need to think of the cost of repairs. Replacing piston rings or valve seals can be pretty expensive. Depending on the present age and condition of your vehicle, you’ll have to weigh the repair cost against the total value of your car.
Inspect for Leaks
While burning oil is often internal, some oil may be leaking externally. Look around your engine bay and under your car for signs of oil leaks. If you find any, it’s worth visiting a mechanic to get them repaired.
Schedule an Engine Inspection
Burning oil is generally a sign that something in your engine might need your attention. You should take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a more detailed inspection. They can check for problems such as worn piston rings, damaged valve seals, or a faulty PCV valve.
Use High-Mileage Oil
Switching to high-mileage oil can help reduce oil consumption in older vehicles that burn oil. High-mileage oils have additives that condition seals and minimise leaks, potentially slowing down oil burning.
When Should You Consider Car Removal?
If your car is burning oil and the cost of fixing it is more than your car’s actual worth, it might be time to think about alternatives, such as car removal. Here’s when car removal becomes a good option:
Expensive Repairs
Major engine repairs, such as replacing piston rings or valve seals, can cost you thousands of dollars. If your car is old, worn out, or even has high mileage, you may not see a good return on investment for fixing it. Instead, selling the car for scrap or choosing a car removal service can save you the hassle and cost of fixing a vehicle with serious problems.
Declining Vehicle Value
As your car gets older with time, it depreciates. If burning oil is just one of many problems affecting your vehicle’s reliability, it can be more practical to sell it. Car removal services provide a quick and easy way to dispose of old or damaged cars, often giving instant cash without the need to fix the car.
Unfixable Engine Damage
In severe cases, oil burning may lead to more extensive engine damage, like scored cylinders or a damaged crankshaft. If your engine somehow gets severely damaged, you could be better off selling the car to a car removal service and getting cash for its remaining components instead of spending on a costly engine rebuild.
Conclusion
If your car is burning oil, the first thing to do is determine the seriousness of the issue. Regularly check your oil levels, get an inspection, and think of your options for repair. However, if the cost of fixing the problem outweighs the overall value of your car, car removal may be the best option. It’s a quick and hassle-free way to dispose of your vehicle from your driveway and get cash in return.
By taking the correct steps, you can make an informed decision about whether to fix your car or let it go and in several cases, car removal is considered as the most practical and profitable solution.