Engine oil is essential for lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, and controlling the temperature inside your car’s engine. But what if you find yourself needing to add oil more often than expected? If your car is burning through oil quickly without visible leaks, it can be a sign of an underlying issue.
Oil consumption varies widely between different vehicles. Some manufacturers even note a certain level of oil use as normal. However, there are also mechanical or maintenance-related reasons that cause oil to disappear faster than it should. Understanding the difference between normal and excessive oil burn is key to maintaining your engine’s long-term health.
Normal vs. Excessive Oil Consumption
All engines consume some oil during operation, especially when the vehicle is under heavy load or driving at high RPMs. Newer engines with tighter tolerances may use very little oil between changes, while others, especially performance or turbocharged models will naturally burn a bit more.
However, needing to top off your oil every few hundred miles or more than once between regular oil change intervals is usually a sign of excessive consumption. That’s when it’s time to have the engine inspected for wear, leaks, or other contributing factors.
Common Causes of Oil Burning
Several factors can lead to higher-than-normal oil usage, and they’re not all equally serious. Some causes can be addressed with routine maintenance, while others may require engine repair.
One of the most common reasons is worn piston rings or cylinder walls. These parts are designed to create a seal that keeps combustion gases in and oil out of the combustion chamber. If they wear down, oil can seep into the cylinders and burn off during combustion.
Another possible cause is valve seal wear, especially in high-mileage engines. Valve seals prevent oil from dripping into the combustion chamber when the engine is running. As they degrade, they may allow small amounts of oil to slip through.
Other contributing factors include clogged PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) systems, which regulate engine pressure and help prevent oil from entering the intake. If this system fails, pressure can build up and force oil into areas where it burns off.
Overheating can cause oil to thin out and burn more easily. If your engine is running hot or the cooling system isn’t working properly, it may increase your oil consumption without any visible signs.
Driving Habits and Engine Design
In some cases, oil consumption is influenced by how you drive. Short trips where the engine never reaches full operating temperature can cause condensation and fuel dilution in the oil, which breaks it down faster. Aggressive driving, towing, or carrying heavy loads can also cause the engine to run hotter and use more oil.
Certain car manufacturers are also known for engines that consume more oil by design. Some models from Audi, BMW, and Subaru have earned reputations for higher-than-average oil use, even when everything is functioning normally. If your vehicle falls into this category, your technician may recommend checking and topping off the oil more frequently as part of regular maintenance.
Why Ignoring Oil Loss Is Risky
Running low on oil can have serious consequences. Without enough lubrication, engine parts rub together, overheat, and wear down much faster. In extreme cases, this can lead to engine seizure and catastrophic failure.
If your vehicle is burning oil quickly, you may not see visible leaks or exhaust smoke, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Monitoring your oil level, scheduling regular inspections, and addressing any underlying issues early can prevent engine damage and save you money in the long run.
Schedule an Oil Consumption Inspection at Neighborhood Tire Pros in Suwanee, Decatur, or Marietta, GA
If you’re adding oil more often than expected, let our team take a look. We’ll perform a thorough inspection to determine whether your engine is experiencing normal oil consumption or showing signs of internal wear. Whether it’s a small maintenance fix or a larger repair, we’ll help you get the answers you need.
Call Neighborhood Tire Pros in Suwanee, Decatur, or Marietta, GA, to schedule an oil consumption inspection and protect your engine from long-term damage.
You are welcome to visit one of our locations:
- 2115 Lawrenceville Suwanee Rd Suwanee, GA
- 3589 Memorial Drive Decatur, GA
- 307 Clairemont Avenue Decatur, GA
- 557 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta, GA