Does your vehicle have an issue where it burns oil fairly quickly? This can cause the vehicle to be low on oil and cause significant damage to the engine. While a vehicle normally burns a small amount of oil as you drive, it's not normal for the oil levels to dip significantly without there being a leak. Here are some tips for dealing with this problem.
Top Off Your Oil
It's not good to drive around with low levels of engine oil, which is why you want to top off the oil when the levels dip below where they should be. This should not be a permanent solution to your problem, but it will help buy you some time until you can take your vehicle into a car service shop to be repaired. Simply use the dipstick occasionally to measure the oil levels, and have some extra oil on hand so you can be ready to put more in.
Replace The PCV Valve
One part of your vehicle that plays a role in how much oil is used is the PCV valve. It's a relatively cheap part, and a good place to start when you have a car that is burning engine oil faster than normal. Expect to pay about $15 for the part itself, and it can be easy to replace on your own if you follow directions on how to do it. Otherwise, expect to pay around $60 if you have a professional replace it for you.
Replace The Valve Seals
Any time a valve seal or gasket is damaged on your vehicle, it is typically not something that you want to repair on your own. While the parts are relatively cheap, it is the labor involved in replacing them that can be expensive. A mechanic can perform a cold engine test to determine if the valve seals are bad, since they are not going to replace this part to fix an issue with quick-burning oil if they do not have to. Based on the cost, you may decide that it's cheaper and easier to top off your oil frequently instead.
Rebuild Your Engine
The last resort for dealing with burning oil is to rebuild your entire engine. While it is not preferred, it can be a good way to save an engine that is still relatively new and that you see yourself driving for many years to come. If the car is already on its last legs, then you likely will want to avoid this expensive repair.
I have never been an especially handy person, but a few years ago I decided that I needed to learn more about my vehicle. I was tired of always relying on someone else to fix things, so I began reading more and more about the process. I realized that there were a lot of things that I needed to do, so I began taking a little course on at-home auto service. I still have a lot to learn, but now I can at least go through and change my air filter and check my oil. Read this blog to learn more about auto service.