If you’ve ever popped the hood and noticed your oil level dropping faster than expected—or caught a whiff of burning oil while driving—you might be dealing with an engine that’s burning oil. It’s a common issue in older vehicles, but even newer cars can experience it under certain conditions. Regularly coming to Ray’s Auto Service in MA for an oil change will help maintain your engine, but sometimes, more serious repairs are necessary.
Does your car need more than a simple oil change in MA? Here’s how to spot the signs and what to do if your engine is guzzling oil.
Signs Your Engine Is Burning Oil
- Blue Smoke from the Exhaust: One of the most obvious indicators is blue or bluish-gray smoke coming from your tailpipe, especially when accelerating or idling. This happens when oil leaks into the combustion chamber and burns with the fuel.
- Frequent Low Oil Levels: If you find yourself topping off the oil between changes without signs of an external leak, your engine may be consuming oil internally.
- Oil Smell While Driving: Burning oil has a distinct, acrid odor. If you catch that smell—especially after stopping or while the engine is warm—it could be a sign that oil is leaking onto hot engine components.
- Decreased Engine Performance or Misfiring: If enough oil makes it into the combustion chamber, it can foul the spark plugs and reduce engine efficiency or cause misfires.
What to Do About It
- Check for Leaks First: Make sure the oil isn’t escaping from the valve cover gasket, oil pan, or other components. External leaks are usually cheaper and easier to fix.
- Compression Test: If you don’t find any external leaks, have a mechanic perform a compression test to check for worn piston rings, valve seals, or cylinder walls. They are all common causes of oil burning.
- Use High-Mileage Oil: These formulas include seal conditioners that may help reduce internal oil consumption in older engines.
- Monitor and Top Off Regularly: If you can’t repair it right away, regularly checking and topping off your oil can help prevent engine damage.
Need more than an oil change in MA? Come to Ray’s Auto Service!
Burning oil doesn’t always mean your engine is doomed, but ignoring it can lead to serious (and expensive) damage. Catch it early, and you may be able to manage or even fix the issue before it gets worse. If you notice any of the signs of your engine burning oil, come to Ray’s Auto Service, and our expert mechanics will take a look.