Why Is My Car Burning Oil?

 
  
  


If you’re driving down the roads of Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter, New Hampshire, and smell something burning, it can be concerning. However, chances are it’s just your oil burning in places it doesn’t belong. So, what causes this problem and how do you fix it?

The team at BMW of Stratham is here to answer your question “Why is my car burning oil” with our guide below! Continue reading to learn more and contact us with questions!


Oil Leak

 

Dark Exhaust

Common Reasons Your Car Is Burning Oil

  1. Leaks

The reason why most cars experience burning oil is that there’s a leak somewhere in the engine. If it’s a small puncture, you may not notice any other symptoms of this issue, but there is one surefire way to tell: Check your oil.

If your vehicle is running fine but you smell oil burning, check your oil. If there’s less than there should be, chances are there’s a small leak. Larger leaks are far more noticeable. Signs include:

  • Sluggish performance
  • Dashboard warning lights
  • Oil puddles under your vehicle

If any of these sound like your car, have it inspected by a professional technician, who can spot both small and big leaks in your engine.

  1. Damaged Valve Seals

In your vehicle’s engine, there are two major valves: the intake and the exhaust. The intake valves pump a mixture of air and fuel into your vehicle’s cylinders, allowing your engine to work. Then, the exhaust valves take what’s left after this is done and get rid of it.

These valves work smoothly thanks to motor oil. However, if they’re damaged, oil can seep into places it shouldn’t and cause that horrible burning smell. This is also what causes blue smoke to come from your vehicle’s exhaust.

If you’re experiencing a similar situation, schedule an appointment with your authorized service center today. Not taking care of this issue can lead to larger, more expensive problems under your vehicle’s hood and in your engine.


Smoking Transmission

Signs Your Car Is Burning Oil

Cars make a lot of smells, but nothing is more noticeable than the odor of burning oil. As you know, oil allows your car engine to function as it should, giving it the lubrication, coolant, and cleaning properties it needs. All this happens inside the engine.

However, when oil gets outside the engine for any reason, it can drip or fall onto extremely hot components under your car’s hood. This can cause a burning smell. Other signs your car is burning oil include:

  • Smoke coming from under the hood
  • Blue exhaust smoke
  • Diminished performance
  • Reduced fuel economy

When this happens, what should you do? Let’s find out, so you can fix the issue and get back on the roads.


Stop Your Vehicle From Burning Oil 

Whether you’ve noticed a puddle under your car, a less-than-ideal performance, or that burning oil smell, head into the BMW of Stratham Service Center today. When you make an appointment, our team of trained technicians can find the root of the issue and repair it for you quickly.

Schedule your visit today! We proudly serve drivers in the Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter, MA, areas.


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71 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH, 03885
BMW of Stratham 43.0109042, -70.9188738.