Why is My Car Burning Oil?

Whether commuting to Saco, navigating the streets near Portland, or bonding with the family on a road trip near Scarborough, Maine, you must always be attentive to your car’s health. If you've noticed a distinct smell of burning oil while driving, you might wonder about the causes. At Ira Ford Saco, we’ll help you understand why this happens and the necessary steps to address the situation and maintain your car correctly.

 
Signs Your Car is Burning Oil

The smell of burning oil clearly indicates that your car is burning oil. However, there are other signs you should be aware of. Some vehicles alert the owner with an engine oil light on the dashboard. If one or more of these signs are present during your drives, it is appropriate to schedule an appointment so the technician can resolve the matter.

  • Low oil level: Regularly check your oil level. If it drops significantly between oil changes and there are no apparent leaks, it's a sign your car might be burning oil.
  • Blue smoke from exhaust: Blue smoke coming from the exhaust is a tell-tale sign of oil burning.
  • Poor engine performance: If your vehicle feels slow to respond or the engine doesn't run as smoothly, it could be due to burning oil.

It's essential to address this issue promptly to prevent future repairs. Regular maintenance, like oil and filter changes, can help minimize the risk of oil burning.

Why is My Car Burning Oil?
Car is Burning Oil
Why is My Car Burning Oil?

Many factors can contribute to your car burning oil. Being familiar with these factors will help you take the right actions to avoid burning oil.

  • Worn engine components: Engine parts, like piston rings and valve seals, can wear out over time. This wear and tear can lead to oil leaking into the combustion chamber, which gets burned along with the fuel, causing your car to burn oil.
  • High mileage: Cars with high mileage are more prone to oil burning. As engines age, their components naturally wear down, increasing oil consumption.
  • Oil quality: Using the wrong type or low-quality oil can contribute to burning oil. Always use the correct oil type as your vehicle's owner's manual recommends. You can ask in the service center if the oil they’re using is the best choice for your car.
  • Frequent short trips: This is a factor you might not be able to control, but knowing it affects your oil consumption also lets you know if it is time to change the oil because it is burning. Short trips that don’t allow the engine to warm up thoroughly can build up oil residue. Over time, this residue can harden, leading to oil clogs and increased consumption.
  • High-speed driving: High-speed or frequent engine revving can cause faster oil consumption. The added pressure on the engine accelerates its wear and tear.

Do these factors align with your lifestyle? If so, they might be the reasons for your car burning oil. From now on, it is time to visit a service center near you.

Visit Our Service Center

The next step after finding out your car is burning oil is to visit a service center. Browse our website and schedule an appointment with us at Ira Ford Saco near Saco, Portland, and Scarborough, ME. We have trained technicians who are ready to diagnose the issue and suggest the best course of action

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857 Portland Road, Saco, ME, 04072
Group 1 Ford of Saco 43.538283, -070.420212.