You check your oil regularly, only to notice it keeps going down, but there’s no sign of a leak under your vehicle. If your engine is burning oil, that means it’s being consumed internally rather than dripping out. This can be hard to notice until symptoms start to show, and by then, the damage may already be in progress.
For drivers in Oakville dealing with declining oil levels, it’s important to understand what causes oil consumption and what steps you can take to fix it.
What Does It Mean When an Engine Burns Oil
When oil is burned, it means the engine is drawing oil into the combustion chamber, where it gets ignited along with fuel. This is not normal behavior and usually points to worn or failing components inside the engine.
It may happen slowly over time, or it may worsen quickly, depending on the condition of your vehicle. Some signs that your engine is burning oil include:
- Low oil levels between oil changes
- Blue or bluish-gray smoke from the exhaust
- A burning smell, especially after driving
- Fouled spark plugs or poor engine performance
Common Causes of Oil Burning
There are several reasons why your car might be using up oil internally. Here are the most common ones:
1. Worn Valve Seals
Valve seals prevent oil from leaking into the engine cylinders. If they become brittle or damaged, oil can seep past and get burned with the air-fuel mixture.
2. Worn Piston Rings
Piston rings help form a seal between the piston and cylinder wall. When they wear out, oil can slip into the combustion chamber and get burned. This is often the cause in older or high-mileage engines.
3. PCV System Problems
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system helps regulate pressure and redirect blow-by gases. A clogged or faulty PCV valve can increase oil consumption by drawing oil into the intake manifold.
4. Turbocharged Engines
Some turbocharged engines burn oil more quickly by design, but excessive consumption could point to worn turbo seals or other issues needing attention.
How Burning Oil Destroys Your Engine
Burning oil causes real problems if left unchecked. Here’s what can happen:
- Low oil levels reduce lubrication and increase engine wear
- Spark plugs can become fouled, leading to misfires or rough starts
- The catalytic converter can be damaged by unburned oil vapor
- You may experience poor fuel economy and decreased engine power
Even if there’s no warning light on your dashboard, your engine may already be under strain.
How to Tell if It’s Burning vs. Leaking
Some drivers confuse oil burning with a simple leak. The difference is that burning oil leaves no puddles. If your oil level keeps dropping and there’s no visible leak, chances are it’s being consumed by the engine.
You might also notice blue smoke from the tailpipe, especially on startup or after idling. A trusted technician can confirm the cause through a basic inspection and testing.
Can It Be Fixed
Yes, in many cases, oil burning can be resolved. Some fixes are simple, while others may require more involved repairs depending on what’s causing the problem. Options include:
- Replacing worn valve seals
- Cleaning or replacing the PCV valve
- Using high-mileage engine oil designed to reduce consumption
- Replacing piston rings or performing a partial rebuild for severe cases
Don’t wait until performance drops or more parts fail. Early repairs are often more affordable and less invasive.
What You Can Do Between Repairs
If you’re not ready to repair the issue right away, you can still take steps to protect your engine:
- Check oil levels weekly and top off as needed
- Switch to high-mileage or thicker oil (if recommended)
- Watch for smoke or other new symptoms
- Schedule regular service to monitor the condition
Your goal is to prevent the engine from running dry while you plan for repairs.
Trust Eastside Auto Service in Oakville, ON for Expert Diagnostics
If your vehicle is losing oil and you’re not sure where it’s going, Eastside Auto Service in Oakville, ON can help. Our experienced technicians will inspect your engine, test for internal oil loss, and walk you through your options.
Whether it’s a valve seal issue, piston wear, or just a clogged PCV valve, we’ll find the cause and recommend a repair that fits your needs. Book a service today and keep your engine running strong without worrying about disappearing oil.