Oil burning can cause a variety of issues that can affect the performance and efficiency of an engine. Symptoms of oil burning can include smoke from the exhaust, increased oil consumption, low oil pressure, and a decrease in power and acceleration. Here are some methods for determining if your vehicle is burning oil.
Visual Inspection
The most obvious way to tell if you are burning oil is to inspect your exhaust. White smoke from your tailpipe is usually an indication that oil is being burned off in the combustion chamber. This can be caused by a faulty valve seal, piston ring, or a cracked cylinder head.
Oil Pressure Testing
If you are burning oil, your vehicle's oil pressure will likely be lower than normal. To check your vehicle's oil pressure, you will need to use an oil pressure gauge. This will help you determine if your vehicle is burning oil or if it is a result of a worn out oil pump.
Oil Consumption Testing
If you're burning oil, you may also notice that your vehicle is consuming more oil than usual. To check for oil consumption, you can measure the amount of oil in the engine after a certain period of time. If the amount of oil is lower than when you first checked it, then it is likely that your vehicle is burning oil.
Computer Diagnostics
If you suspect that your vehicle is burning oil, you may want to consider doing a computer diagnostics test. This will help you determine if there is an issue with the vehicle's engine or if the issue is caused by an oil leak.
By following these steps, you should be able to determine if your vehicle is burning oil. If you find that your vehicle is burning oil, it is important to have it checked and repaired as soon as possible. Doing so will help prevent further damage to your vehicle and help you maintain its performance and efficiency.