Troubleshooting Excessive Oil Consumption in Your Car

Cap to oil reservoir in a car engine
  • Intermediate
What You'll Need
Owner's manual
A screwdriver
Wrench kit
A replacement gasket
Sealant
Replacement oil-to-water cooler
Replacement PCV valve
What You'll Need
Owner's manual
A screwdriver
Wrench kit
A replacement gasket
Sealant
Replacement oil-to-water cooler
Replacement PCV valve

Excessive oil consumption is an indication that the engine of your car is not operating properly. An engine that is becoming worn may burn small amounts of oil, but an engine that requires the addition of an extra quart of oil will most likely need to be repaired. Worn piston rings, damaged gaskets, problems with the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system, and damaged seals can all be possible causes for oil loss from the engine of your car. If your car requires larger amounts of extra oil, in between your regular oil changes, have the problem checked and repaired.

Step 1 - Checking for Excess Oil Consumption with No Exhaust Smoke

wiping off the oil dipstick

If your car is using extra oil but shows no signs of smoke coming from the exhaust system, you could have a problem with your PCV system. The solution to this problem requires replacing the valve. This situation can also occur if the engine is experiencing mechanical problems. You will need to check the compression to determine the state of your engine. Excess oil consumption without smoke can also be caused by worn or damaged gaskets or valve seals. The gaskets and seals will need to be replaced in order to solve the problem.

Step 2 - Checking for Excess Oil Consumption with Brown and Foamy Discolored Coolant

If your car is using extra oil and the coolant has become foamy and brown, and there are no signs of leakage, the head gasket in your car may have blown. It will need to be replaced. Discolored and foamy coolant can also indicate a cracked cylinder head. It will also need to be repaired or replaced. You could also have a leak in your oil-to-water cooler and it will need to be replaced.

Step 3 - Checking for Excess Oil That Produces Oil Puddles Under the Vehicle

If your car is using extra oil and you see droplets under your parked vehicle, you most likely have an oil leak. There may or may not be the appearance of smoke and the smell of burning oil. Be sure the engine oil level is correct. This problem could be caused by improperly operating PCV system. The PCV valve will require a replacement. The gaskets and seals could have become damaged due to wear. They will need to be replaced. Your oil filter could also be loose. You will need to tighten the fittings, replace the filter, or replace the drain plug.

Step 4 - Checking for Excess Oil with the Appearance of Smoke from the Exhaust

white exhaust coming out of a car

A car that is using excess oil and that has smoke coming from the exhaust may also show less engine power. These problems could be caused by a problem with the PCV system. If so, the PCV valve will need replacement. The engine may also be experiencing mechanical problems. You will need to check the compression to determine the state of your engine. These symptoms could be an indication that your piston rings are worn. You may need to replace them. The valve seals could also be worn and require replacement.