Car Burning Oil

If you're adding oil between changes and there's no puddle underneath, your engine is burning it internally. Here's what that means.

An engine that burns oil is consuming it internally through combustion. The oil gets past worn piston rings or hardened valve stem seals, enters the combustion chamber, and burns along with the fuel. You might see blue-tinted smoke from the exhaust, especially on startup or when accelerating after idling. A quart every 1,000-2,000 miles is considered excessive by most manufacturers, though some engines (certain BMW, Audi, and Subaru models) consume oil by design within acceptable limits.

The causes range from simple to serious. A stuck or failed PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve can increase crankcase pressure and push oil past the rings — that's a $20-$50 part. Worn valve stem seals let oil drip down the valve guides into the cylinders, usually causing smoke on startup. Worn piston rings are the expensive one — they lose their seal against the cylinder walls, allowing oil to slip past during every combustion cycle. High-mileage engines are more susceptible to all of these.

Our mobile mechanic service in Jacksonville, FL can evaluate your oil consumption situation at your location. We'll check the PCV system, look for external leaks you might have missed, and inspect the exhaust for oil residue. If it's a PCV valve or valve cover ventilation issue, we fix it on the spot. For internal engine wear, we'll give you an honest assessment of whether repair makes economic sense for your vehicle. Call (904) 788-7272.