Why Is My Car Burning Oil? Clackamas Drivers Trust Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales for the Answer
Is your vehicle going through oil faster than it should? Are you topping off between changes, smelling something burning, or seeing blue smoke from the exhaust?
If so, your vehicle may be burning oil—a problem that can signal internal engine wear and lead to major damage if left unchecked. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR, we specialize in identifying the real reason behind oil consumption and fixing it right the first time.
What Does “Burning Oil” Really Mean?
Burning oil doesn’t refer to an oil leak. It means your engine oil is being pulled into the combustion chamber, mixed with fuel, and burned during operation. You may not see any drips or puddles, but you’ll notice your oil level dropping—and the signs will only worsen over time.
Engine oil is designed to lubricate, cool, and protect internal components—not combust with your gasoline. When it does, it's a red flag that something is going wrong internally.
Common Symptoms of Oil Burning
Drivers in Clackamas often report these issues before discovering oil is being burned internally:
Blue or bluish smoke from the tailpipe
Burning oil smell, especially after driving or idling
Low oil levels between oil changes
Oil-fouled spark plugs or misfires
Reduced fuel efficiency or sluggish engine performance
Check engine or low oil pressure warning lights
At Tim’s Automotive, we encourage drivers to act fast. Waiting too long can lead to serious and expensive engine damage.
Why Is My Car Burning Oil?
We’ve seen it all—from daily drivers to work trucks. The most common causes include:
1. Worn Piston Rings
Piston rings seal the combustion chamber and prevent oil from entering. When they wear down, oil slips past and burns with the fuel mixture.
2. Faulty Valve Seals
These rubber seals prevent oil from dripping into the cylinder through the valve guides. As they age, they harden, crack, and allow oil to seep past.
3. PCV System Malfunction
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve helps control engine pressure. If it gets stuck or clogged, it can push oil into the intake manifold and cause internal burn-off.
4. Cylinder Wall Scoring or Excessive Wear
Engines with high mileage or inadequate maintenance can develop worn or scored cylinder walls, letting oil escape past the rings.
5. Turbo Seal Leaks (for Turbocharged Engines)
If your engine has a turbocharger, worn seals can leak oil into the intake or exhaust system—leading to oil loss and visible smoke.
Burning vs. Leaking Oil: What’s the Difference?
Here’s how to tell:
Leaking oil: You’ll see drops on the ground or on engine components.
Burning oil: No external mess, but your oil level drops consistently—and exits through the exhaust.
At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we conduct full inspections to confirm whether your vehicle is burning, leaking, or both.
Our Process: How We Diagnose Oil Burning
We don’t guess. We test—with a step-by-step diagnostic process designed for accuracy:
Visual inspection for leaks, seepage, or staining
Compression and leak-down testing to evaluate piston rings and valves
PCV system check to verify pressure regulation
Spark plug inspection for oil fouling
Borescope camera inspection of cylinders and valve seals
TSB and recall research to identify known oil consumption issues
Mileage-based oil use tracking to establish usage patterns
Our experienced technicians use modern equipment and years of hands-on knowledge to identify exactly what’s going on—and how to fix it.
Is It Safe to Drive When a Car Is Burning Oil?
In short: Not for long.
You might be able to drive a while, but over time burning oil will cause:
Catalytic converter failure
Increased emissions
Fouled spark plugs and misfires
Excess carbon buildup
Engine overheating or seizure due to low oil levels
Letting oil consumption continue without intervention can turn a small repair into a full engine replacement.
How We Fix Oil Burning at Tim’s Automotive
Depending on the cause, we offer a range of solutions:
PCV valve replacement – affordable and common in early-stage issues
Valve seal or guide replacement – moderate labor, critical for top-end oil control
Piston ring service or engine rebuild – higher cost but necessary for long-term reliability
Cylinder reconditioning or block replacement
Turbocharger seal repair
Switching to high-mileage or thicker oil – sometimes a temporary option for mild cases
We’ll guide you through your options, costs, and what makes the most sense for your vehicle’s value and your long-term plans.
Preventing Oil Consumption in the Future
Avoiding oil burn begins with proper maintenance. Here’s what we recommend to all our customers:
Stick to your oil change schedule without delay
Use the correct oil weight and formulation
Check your oil level every 1,000 miles
Pay attention to smoke, smells, or dashboard warnings
Schedule regular inspections to catch early-stage wear before it becomes damage
Why Clackamas Drivers Choose Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales
We’ve built our reputation in Clackamas by delivering:
Honest, expert advice
Factory-level diagnostics
No-pressure consultations
Reliable repairs done right the first time
Whether your car is burning oil, leaking oil, or just not running the way it used to, our team is here to provide real answers and high-quality service you can count on.
Schedule Your Oil Consumption Diagnostic Today
If your vehicle is burning oil, now’s the time to act. Don’t let small symptoms lead to big repairs. Let Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales help you protect your engine and extend the life of your vehicle.
📍 Visit us at: 15688 SE 135th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015
📞 Call: (503) 656-0600
🌐 Book your appointment online:http://tims-automotive.com/
Tim’s Automotive – Clackamas’s Trusted Engine Experts Since [Insert Year If Known]
For more information please watch the video
https://youtu.be/qEnYS1gNjH0