Why is My Car Burning Oil?

You may not always see oil drips on the ground if a car is burning oil. The oil is being consumed inside the engine, and an internal problem starts developing and may be serious unless addressed. In this guide, CarBrain will walk you through why your car is burning oil, symptoms to look out for, potential repair cost, and whether or not to fix it or sell as-is.

Why Does My Car Burn Oil?

A car usually consumes oil because of wear and tear or broken parts inside the engine. Internal oil consumption, unlike external oil leaks, takes place inside, particularly in the combustion chamber. The following are the common reasons for this condition: 

Broken Sealing of Piston Rings

They help to avoid oil entrance into the combustion chamber at the same time allowing it to grease the cylinder walls. In case these rings get worn, jammed, or broken, oil may leak to the combustion chamber and burn.

Valve Guides Leak

Valve guides make a block to the oil flow towards the combustion chamber and guide the admission of air-fuel and the exhaust gases. If they start wearing out, oil can leak into the cylinder, where it gets burnt along with the fuel.

Head Gasket Leaks

Head gaskets seal the engine block and cylinder head ensuring that oil and coolant do not mix with combustion chambers. Leaks in a head gasket leak will allow oil into the cylinders where it will burn causing various indications to develop.

Stuck PCV Valve

The PCV valve eliminates excessive pressure in the engine by allowing gases to return back to the intake manifold. If the PCV valve is stuck, this builds up the pressure in the engine-which forces oil into the combustion chamber.

Tell-Tale Symptoms That My Car Is Burning Oil

Early diagnosis of oil burning helps avoid as much damage and expensive repairs as possible. Here are the common symptoms:

• Bluish Smoke from the Tailpipe: This is a very obvious sign that oil is being burnt in the combustion chamber.
• Burning Oil Smell Odor: A foul, pungent smell of burning oil might indicate oil is being burnt internally, if no leakage is apparent .
• Consuming More Oil: If you notice you keep topping off considerably more oil than normal and still not leaking anywhere, then it's most likely burning oil.
• Blackened Spark Plugs: When burning oil is neglected, it will continually cake the spark plugs with debris, causing misfires and will illuminate the Check Engine light.
• Oil Levels Dipping Too Quickly: Oil that's burning internally may dip too quickly.

What Happens If I Fail To Address My Car Burning Oil?

If you continue to neglect a burning oil condition, you'll damage your engine seriously. This is what could happen if you delay its repair:

• Rough running: If it is incombustible and flames with fuel will cause engine running rough, plus poor idling.
• Fouled Spark Plugs: Oil may cause fouling of the spark plugs, which will result in bad engine performance, including misfires
• Damage catalytic Converter: The excessive flow in the exhaust system can lead to either overheating or failing catalytic converter
• Engine Failure: The seizing or blown engine due to low oil will result in a huge repair job or may necessitate an entire engine replacement.

How Much To Fix My Car Burning Oil?

The cost of fixing your car with burning oil varies greatly, depending on what's causing the burning:

• PCV Valve Replacement: This is typically the least expensive repair, costing anywhere within the neighborhood of $100.
• Head Gasket Replacement: With a leaky head gasket, the repair can run anywhere from $900 to $1,800 per cylinder head.
• Piston Ring Replacement or Engine Rebuild: These are the most expensive repairs, which will cost between $2,500 and $5,700.

Is It Worth Fixing My Car, or Should I Sell It?

When it is costly to repair the car, then you will have to decide either to spend money on such repairs or sell the car as it is. Consider the following considerations.

• Repair Costs vs. Vehicle Value: If the repair costs are more than your car is worth, it's probably time to sell.
• The Size of the Problem: Small issues, like a bad PCV valve, are worth fixing, but bigger repairs likely won't pencil out.
• Convenience of Sale: Selling a car with a mechanical problem will be a hard sell because most people will avoid a car that needs big repairs.

How to Check if My Car Is Burning Oil

Here are some easy ways to check if your car is burning oil:

• Check for Blue Smoke: If the exhaust smoke is blueish in color, that is usually the older traditional sign which indicates that the oil in the car is burning.
• Maintain Check of Oil Levels: Take note of how much oil you use. If it drops very rapidly without any leaks, then your engine is burning oil.
• Check Spark Plugs: Pull out the spark plugs and check for black, oily deposits; that usually means that there is burning oil inside the cylinders.

Can I Sell My Car If It's Burning Oil?

It is indeed challenging to sell a car that features a problem that causes it to burn internally: there are many buyers who want no part of a car that costs hundreds to fix. Classic dealers won't pay a fair value for any car with mechanical defects. CarBrain is the exception though, and the company always welcomes vehicles with various mechanical problems, even internal burning of oil. Here's how it works:

• Free Quote: Online quote your vehicle today to get an immediate, guaranteed offer.
• Free Towing: Free towing is included if you accept the offer at a time that works for you.
• Same-Day Payment: You are paid for your vehicle when it is picked up.

Considering selling your car with leaking oil? CarBrain can provide a no-obligation free offer and let you see what your car is worth today.