Why did the car start using more oil?
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Why did the car start using more oil?

The increase in oil consumption will excite any car owner. There can be many reasons for this and should never be ignored. But this does not always indicate a fatal ICE malfunction.

In some cases, the problem can be solved relatively easily and cheaply. In others, it requires serious and therefore costly repairs. Let's look at eight main reasons.

Why did the car start using more oil?

1 Wrong oil

Let's start with problems that are easy to solve. One of these is the use of the wrong brand of oil, which can foam and form a lot of deposits. In this case, the compression in all cylinders will be the same, the turbine will work properly, there are no leaks, but the car consumes more oil even when driving in a normal and quiet mode.

Why did the car start using more oil?

Sometimes the engine oil may even meet the manufacturer's specifications, but if it belongs to a different brand, a similar problem arises. To solve this problem, you can switch to a high viscosity oil. It is worth remembering that oils of different brands cannot be mixed.

2 Valve seals

Another reason for "eating" oil, which can also be relatively easily resolved, is valve seal wear. Due to oil and high temperature, they lose their elasticity, harden and begin to let oil into the cylinder.

Why did the car start using more oil?

When the engine is idling, the intake manifold vacuum is increased when the throttle valve is fully closed. This allows oil to be sucked in through the valve seals. Replacing them is not that difficult and inexpensive.

3 Leakage from seals and bearings

Over time, any seals will wear out resulting in oil leaks. A similar problem arises with the crankshaft, where vibrations during its rotation are greater and, accordingly, more bearing wear occurs. This could damage the part, so measures must be taken.

Why did the car start using more oil?

The rear crankshaft bearing or camshaft oil seal can also leak, causing problems with low oil levels. By the way, it is easy to find the place of oil leak in such cases, because dirt and dust begin to accumulate there. In addition, drops of oil can be seen on the asphalt under the vehicle.

4 Crankcase ventilation

One of the common reasons for increased oil consumption is contamination of the crankcase ventilation system. In this case, there is an accumulation of soot from unburned gasoline, soot, water droplets and grease. All of this can get into the oil reservoir, which will greatly affect its lubricating properties.

Why did the car start using more oil?

Adequate crankcase ventilation allows the oil to maintain its properties over the designated resource. In addition, this system reduces the pressure of the crankcase gases, stabilizing the operation of the engine, and also reduces harmful emissions.

When it becomes dirty, the increased pressure will force oil into the cylinder cavity where it will burn. This can clog the gas pressure control valve. As a result - an increased "appetite" for oil.

5 Turbine malfunction

The turbocharger is one of the most important elements of some modern engines (whether it is a gasoline or diesel unit). It allows you to expand the range of torque removal. Thanks to the turbine, the car becomes more responsive and dynamic during the trip. At the same time, this system is rather complex and operates at extreme temperatures.

Why did the car start using more oil?

The problem occurs when the oil level drops and the turbocharger is not getting the right lubrication (and with it some cooling). Usually the problem with a turbocharger is found in worn bearings. Due to improper operation of the impeller and rollers, a significant amount of oil enters the air duct of the system, clogging it. This leads to accelerated wear of the mechanism undergoing huge loads. The only solution in these cases is to replace the bearings or replace the turbocharger. Which, alas, is not cheap at all.

6 Oil in the cooling system

The reasons given above are not yet fatal for the car, especially if the driver is careful. But the following symptoms have far-reaching consequences and indicate serious engine damage.

Why did the car start using more oil?

One of these sad malfunctions makes itself felt when oil appears in the coolant. This is a serious problem, since the coolant and the lubricant of the internal combustion engine are in different cavities that are not connected with each other. Mixing the two fluids will inevitably lead to the failure of the entire power unit.

The most common reason in this case is the appearance of cracks in the walls of the cylinder block, as well as due to damage to the cooling system - for example, due to pump failure.

7 Worn piston segments

Why did the car start using more oil?

Segment wear is clearly visible when smoke escapes from the exhaust pipe. In this case, they do not remove the grease from the cylinder walls, which is why it burns out. In addition to the abundant emission of smoke, such a motor will also consume more fuel and will significantly lose power (compression will decrease). In this case, there is only one solution - overhaul.

8 Damage to cylinders

For dessert - the biggest nightmare for car owners - the appearance of scratches on the walls of the cylinders. This also leads to oil consumption and therefore a service visit.

Why did the car start using more oil?

The repair of such faults is the most time consuming and expensive. If the unit is worth the investment, then you can agree to repair work. But more often than not, it's easier to buy another motor.

This damage occurs due to the lack of oil on the cylinder walls, which leads to increased friction. This may be due to insufficient pressure, aggressive driving style, poor quality oil, and other factors.

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