Is it normal for an engine to burn oil?
If by “normal” you mean “common,” then yes, burning engine oil is a pretty common problem, especially in older cars. But it’s still a problem, even if it’s common. It’s not “normal” as in “your car is designed to do that.”
How can you tell if your car is burning oil?
Sometimes, you can tell that an engine is burning oil because you will see blue or gray smoke coming out of the tailpipe. That’s the most obvious, tell-tale sign. However, even if you don’t see any smoke, your engine could still be burning oil.
What can I do to stop my car from burning oil?
Motor Honey is an oil treatment that you add to your car’s regular motor oil. It’s designed to reduce oil burning (and the smoke that it sometimes causes) without having to make any changes to the engine itself.
Why does my car keep burning oil in the exhaust?
However, even if you don’t see any smoke, your engine could still be burning oil. That’s because the car has a catalytic converter that is designed to clean the exhaust and prevent pollutants like smoke from reaching the outside air.
When do you Know Your Car Is Burning oil?
If an engine is burning oil, it is most often noticeable when starting the car while the engine is cold or when quickly accelerating from a stop. If the car is burning oil you’ll notice some blue smoke from the exhaust pipe either when starting the motor, or accelerating from a stop. A car may be burning oil for a few different reasons.
How much oil does a normal car burn?
For example, BMW tells owners it’s normal for some of its engines to burn a quart of oil in fewer than a thousand miles. In a tip sheet to fleet-vehicle operators, GM says normal consumption “can be in the range of one quart within 2,000 miles on a properly driven and maintained vehicle.”
Is it normal to burn a quart of oil?
While oil burning is a relatively common problem, manufacturers don’t provide uniform guidance on this issue, so what might be normal for one engine could be excessive for another. For example, BMW tells owners it’s normal for some of its engines to burn a quart of oil in fewer than a thousand miles.
What causes an oil burner in a car?
Common culprits that result in burning oil include worn valve stems, guides and seals, and piston rings, all of which can allow oil to seep into combustion chambers.