Why Is My Vehicle Burning Oil?

May 26, 2025

Why Is My Vehicle Burning Oil? Expert Diagnosis and Repair in Junction City, OR – South Valley Automotive & Customs

If you’re constantly adding oil between oil changes, noticing blue smoke from the tailpipe, or smelling burnt oil after shutting off the engine, your vehicle could be burning oil—and that’s a sign of a deeper issue under the hood.

At South Valley Automotive & Customs in Junction City, OR, we specialize in accurately diagnosing and repairing oil consumption problems before they lead to major engine damage. Whether you drive a daily commuter, a custom truck, or a high-performance vehicle, burning oil is not normal—and we’re here to help you fix it right the first time.

What Does “Burning Oil” Really Mean?

Burning oil occurs when engine oil gets into the combustion chamber—the part of your engine where air and fuel are ignited—and burns along with the fuel mixture. This is not how oil is supposed to behave. Oil should stay in the crankcase and lubricate moving engine components, not combust.

This kind of oil loss isn’t visible on the ground like a leak—it often exits through your exhaust as blue smoke and can cause damage to your engine over time.

Symptoms of Oil Burning

Here are the most common signs we see at South Valley Automotive:

Frequent low oil levels between changes
Blue or bluish-gray exhaust smoke, especially at startup or under acceleration
Burning oil smell, especially after parking
Oily spark plugs or misfires
Drop in fuel efficiency or power
Check engine or oil warning lights

These symptoms point to internal oil consumption—and it’s important to act early to avoid long-term engine wear or failure.

Why Do Vehicles Burn Oil?

Oil burning usually happens due to worn engine components or pressure system failures. The most common causes include:

1. Worn Piston Rings

The piston rings are designed to seal combustion gases and control oil usage. When they wear out due to age or heat, oil seeps past them and burns inside the engine.

2. Faulty Valve Seals

Valve seals keep oil from leaking down into the combustion chamber through the valve guides. When these seals harden or crack, oil leaks past and burns during operation.

3. PCV System Failure

The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system controls pressure inside your engine. If the PCV valve gets stuck or clogged, it can cause excessive crankcase pressure, forcing oil into the intake system where it burns.

4. Cylinder Wall Damage

Engines with high mileage or poor maintenance can develop scored or worn cylinder walls, making it easier for oil to bypass the piston rings.

5. Turbocharger Seal Leaks

If your engine is turbocharged, the turbo seals can fail and allow oil to enter the intake or exhaust tract, where it gets burned.

Burning Oil vs. Leaking Oil – Know the Difference

Both lead to a low oil level, but the distinction is important:

Oil leaks leave visible drips under the vehicle or oil stains on engine parts.
Burning oil disappears from the dipstick without leaving external signs—it’s burned inside the engine and exits through the exhaust.

At South Valley Automotive & Customs, we specialize in identifying the difference using professional diagnostics—not guesswork.

Our Diagnostic Process: How We Find the Cause

To properly identify and solve your oil burning problem, our team uses a comprehensive diagnostic process:

Check oil levels and monitor usage over time
Visual inspection for leaks around gaskets and seals
Engine compression and leak-down testing to assess ring and valve integrity
Borescope inspection to view internal cylinder walls and valve areas
Spark plug inspection for signs of oil fouling
PCV system evaluation and airflow testing
Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) research to check for known manufacturer issues

We don’t believe in band-aids. We’ll find the real cause of your oil consumption and give you the clearest path to a long-term fix.

Is It Safe to Keep Driving a Car That Burns Oil?

Driving a vehicle that burns oil can quickly escalate from minor inconvenience to major mechanical failure. Consequences of unaddressed oil burning include:

Catalytic converter damage
Spark plug fouling
Excessive engine carbon buildup
Engine overheating and seizure
Premature engine wear or failure

If you’re adding oil every few hundred miles, it’s not just maintenance—it’s a warning light you can’t afford to ignore.

How We Fix Oil Burning Issues

At South Valley Automotive & Customs, we tailor our solutions based on your vehicle’s condition and your long-term goals. Depending on the cause, repairs may include:

PCV valve replacement
Valve seal repair or cylinder head service
Piston ring replacement or full engine rebuild
Cylinder honing and wall repair
High-mileage oil switch (as a temporary mitigation strategy)
Turbo seal or system repair

We’ll walk you through your options and help you make the smartest decision—whether that’s repair, rebuild, or replace.

How to Prevent Oil Burning in the First Place

Once your engine starts burning oil, the damage may already be underway. But here’s how to reduce your risk going forward:

Stick to your oil change intervals (don’t wait until 6,000+ miles)
Use the correct oil viscosity and formulation
Monitor your oil level every 1,000 miles
Address check engine lights promptly
Bring your vehicle in for regular inspections

Why Junction City Drivers Trust South Valley Automotive & Customs

We don’t just turn wrenches—we build relationships. At South Valley Automotive & Customs, our team delivers:

Honest, expert diagnostics
Clear, pressure-free explanations
High-level custom and general repair capabilities
True craftsmanship backed by integrity

Whether you’re daily driving a family car or building something unique, we treat your vehicle like our own—and we’ll get to the bottom of the issue the right way.

Schedule Your Oil Consumption Diagnostic Today

If you think your car is burning oil, don’t wait. Let our experts protect your engine and your investment with accurate diagnostics and lasting repairs.

📍 Visit us at: 1310 Ivy St, Junction City, OR 97448
📞 Call now: (541) 234-2556
🌐 Book your appointment online: https://svautorepaireugene.com

South Valley Automotive & Customs – Local, Honest, and Built to Last.

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