If you’ve recently noticed that your car is burning more oil than usual, there’s a good chance that you have an oil leak. In this article, we will explore the different types of oil leaks and what to do if you detect one. Finally, we will provide some tips on how to avoid adding more oil to the leak and wastefully spending your money.
What Causes a Car to Burn Oil
One of the most common reasons for a car to burn oil is a dirty engine. When the oil doesn’t have enough time to break down the dirt and dust, it forms a black sludge that blocks the flow of oil to the engine. Over time, this can lead to metal shavings being deposited in the oil, which in turn causes it to burn more easily. Another common cause of a car burning oil is low air pressure in the engine. When the air pressure is too low, it causes oil to be drawn up from the engine by capillary action.
How to Check Your Engine Oil Level
If your car is burning a lot of oil, it might be time to check your engine oil level. Here’s how:
1. Park your car in a safe place.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open the hood and remove the cover over the engine.
4. Place a container under the dipstick to catch any spilled oil.
5. Use a funnel to fill the container up to the line marked “maximum” on the dipstick (or just below if it’s an automatic car). Don’t overfill! If you do, you may force oil into places it doesn’t belong, like the spark plugs.
6. Replace the cover and close the hood. Turn on the engine and check the level of oil in the container under the dipstick.
7. If it’s low, add more oil to the car’s engine until it reads “full” on the dipstick or just below, then replace any extra with a new bottle of motor oil.
8. Drive your car as usual and check for leaks later when you have time to change
How to Fix a Burning Car
If your car is burning oil, there may be a problem with the engine. Here are some tips on how to fix it.
Conclusion
When your car starts burning oil, there are a few things you can do to figure out why. One of the most common culprits is a clogged oil filter, which will require you to take your car in for service. However, if the problem is more complicated and involves other parts of the engine, such as the piston rings or valves, it might be best to have a mechanic take a look at it. In any case, if your car is burning oil and you don’t know what’s causing it, give our automotive team a call at (844) 464-1253 and we’ll get you squared away as quickly as possible.