How to Stop Engine from Burning Oil (2023)? [Explained]

Preventing engine oil burning is essential for maintaining the health and efficiency of your vehicle. Engine oil burning can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and even damage to the engine if left unaddressed.

In this blog post, we will delve into the various ways how to stop engine from burning oil, the risks of not preventing oil burning, and the best oils for preventing oil burning.

Whether you’re an experienced mechanic or a vehicle owner looking to keep your engine running smoothly, this article provides helpful tips and tricks to stop oil burning in your engine and extend its lifespan.

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Why do Engines Burn Oil?

There are several reasons why do engines burn oil, including:

Worn or damaged piston rings: Over time, the rings that control the oil flow in the engine can become worn or damaged, leading to oil burning.
Valve seals: The seals around the valves can also wear out, leading to oil leaking into the combustion chamber and burning.

Cylinder walls: Cylinder walls can become worn or damaged, leading to oil leaks and burning.
High mileage engines: Engines with high mileage are more susceptible to oil burning due to increased wear and tear.
High-performance engines: Engines designed for high performance are also more susceptible to oil burning due to the added stress and wear.

Poor maintenance practices: Failing to change the oil regularly or using the wrong oil viscosity can also contribute to engine oil burning.

How to Stop Engine from Burning Oil?

To prevent engine oil burning, it’s important to address the underlying causes. Here are several steps on how to stop engine from burning oil:

Regular maintenance: Regular oil changes and proper maintenance can help prevent engine oil from burning.

Check for leaks: Check for oil leaks in the engine and have them repaired promptly to prevent oil burning.
Use the right oil viscosity: Using the right oil viscosity can help prevent engine oil burning. Consult your vehicle’s owner manual for the recommended oil viscosity.
Monitor oil consumption levels: Keeping an eye on oil consumption levels can help you detect and address engine oil burning early on.

Have worn or damaged parts replaced: If you suspect that worn or damaged parts are causing engine oil burning, have them replaced by a qualified mechanic.

The Risks of not Preventing Oil Burning?

Failing to prevent engine oil burning can lead to several risks, including:

Decreased fuel efficiency: Burning oil can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, as more oil is consumed and less fuel is burned.

Increased emissions: Burning oil releases harmful pollutants into the air, increasing emissions and contributing to air pollution.
Engine damage: Continuous oil burning can cause engine damage, such as increased wear and tear on moving parts, clogged catalytic converters, and damaged pistons and cylinder walls.
Decreased engine lifespan: Over time, the continuous burning of oil can significantly decrease the lifespan of an engine.

Increased maintenance costs: Addressing engine oil burning and repairing the damage it causes can be expensive and result in increased maintenance costs.

How often to change your Oil to Prevent Oil Burning?

The frequency of oil changes to prevent engine oil burning depends on several factors, including:

Vehicle type and make: Different vehicle types and makes have different recommended oil change intervals.
Engine type: High-performance and high-mileage engines may require more frequent oil changes.
Driving conditions: Driving in extreme temperatures, frequent stop-and-go traffic, and heavy loads can all impact the frequency of oil changes.

Oil type: Synthetic oil may have a longer lifespan than conventional oil and may require less frequent changes.

Consult your vehicle’s owner manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval. As a general guideline, most vehicles require oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every 3 to 6 months, whichever comes first.

Additionally, monitoring oil consumption levels and observing any changes in engine performance can help determine if an oil change is necessary.

The Best Oils for Preventing Oil Burning?

The best oils for preventing engine oil burning are high-quality oils that meet industry standards, such as API (American Petroleum Institute) and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), and are suitable for your vehicle’s make and model. Some of the best oils for preventing oil burning include:

Synthetic oils: Synthetic oils are known for their ability to withstand high temperatures and maintain their viscosity, making them a good choice for preventing engine oil burning.
High mileage oils: High mileage oils are formulated to help reduce oil consumption in engines with high mileage, making them a good choice for older vehicles.

Conventional oils: Conventional oils, also known as mineral oils, are a suitable choice for vehicles that do not require synthetic or high-mileage oils.

How to Troubleshoot Oil-Burning Issues?

To troubleshoot engine oil burning issues, follow these steps:

Check oil levels: Make sure the oil level is within the recommended range and top off if necessary.

Check for leaks: Check for oil leaks in the engine and have them repaired promptly to prevent oil burning.
Monitor oil consumption levels: Keeping an eye on oil consumption levels can help you detect and address engine oil burning early on.
Inspect the PCV valve: A clogged or damaged PCV valve can cause oil burning, so inspect and replace it if necessary.

Check the oil rings: Worn or damaged oil rings can allow oil to enter the combustion chamber, causing oil burn.
Inspect the valve seals: Worn or damaged valve seals can cause oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn.
Have a mechanic perform a compression test: A compression test can help determine if there are any internal engine issues causing oil burning.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we delve into the various ways how to stop engine from burning oil. Preventing engine oil burning is crucial to maintaining the health and efficiency of your engine. Regular maintenance, using the right oil viscosity, monitoring oil consumption levels, checking for leaks, and having worn or damaged parts replaced can all help stop engine oil burning.

By taking these steps, you can avoid the risks associated with continuous oil burning, such as decreased fuel efficiency, increased emissions, engine damage, decreased engine lifespan, and increased maintenance costs.

Consult your vehicle’s owner manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil type, viscosity, and change interval, and use high-quality oils that meet industry standards to help prevent engine oil burning.