4 reasons your car is burning oil fast and simple solutions

Thursday 7th August 2025

Have you noticed your oil level is draining quickly? Does your engine oil light flash up on your dashboard more often than you think it should? There could be an underlying problem with your oil, and it’s vital for this to be investigated.

Find out the reasons why your car oil is burning fast – with and without a leak – as well as the symptoms of, and the solutions for fixing, oil issues in your car.

Key signs of burning oil

A pungent burning smell
Blue-tinted smoke coming from the exhaust
A steady drop in oil without any visible leaks

While some car problems can be solved at home, you can save time and money by visiting your nearest Formula One Autocentres garage for our technicians to investigate the problem.

Reasons why oil burns fast in your car

The average car burns through approximately one litre of oil for every 1,500 to 3,000 miles driven. If your car’s oil is burning through at a faster rate, there might be a problem. The most common issues are either through worn-out or faulty engine parts or hidden leaks.

When your engine is running, the combustion chamber mixes fuel and air, then ignites it to create high-pressure gases to power your car. If key components become worn, oil can leak into this chamber and burn along with the fuel – this is a hidden and internal factor of oil loss. Oil can also escape and drip onto hot engine surfaces outside the combustion chamber, which creates that unmistakable burning smell. This is usually the first sign you might notice.

1. Incorrect oil grade

Your car requires a specific type of oil for it to function properly. The wrong type of oil impacts how your car consumes it, due to differences in thickness, flow and how it changes at different temperatures. Using the wrong oil type for your car affects how it lubricates and protects your engine. Thinner or thicker oil than recommended leads to faster oil consumption and can damage engine components due to excessive heat and friction. To avoid using too much oil too quickly, read our guide on what engine oil you should pick for your car and how to tell if your car needs an oil change.

2. Worn piston rings, seals or cylinder walls

Piston rings create a seal between the cylinder walls and combustion chamber which prevents gases from escaping and oil from leaking. When these rings wear down or cracks appear in the cylinder walls, the seal breaks, allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber and reducing the overall oil level left in the sump. This kind of internal oil burn is often a result of natural wear and tear, especially in older or high-mileage vehicles. The most telling sign of this issue is seeing blue-tinted smoke from the exhaust. It’s a clear visual clue that oil is burning inside your engine!

External oil leaks are another issue to watch out for. Damaged or loose engine components can allow oil to escape from the engine. If there is an external oil leak, you may notice oil leaks pooled under your car. Both internal and external leaks reduce your oil levels and risk long-term damage if left unchecked. Regular servicing identifies weakened engine components before they become a problem – book yours today at your closest Formula One Autocentres garage.

3. Worn filter PCV valves

Your engine’s positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system helps regulate pressure and reroutes harmful gases for reburning. When the PCV valve becomes clogged, pressure starts to build and oil gets drawn into the combustion chamber. A simple replacement for the PCV valve usually resolves this issue.

4. Worn filter cap

A loose or worn filter cap can cause oil to leak gradually. While it may seem minor, low oil levels mean engine components can overheat due to excessive friction. An overheated engine will cause metal components to expand and crack and can cause major damage such as a blown head gasket.

How to stop your car from burning oil too fast

Follow these simple steps to keep your oil levels steady, protect your engine and avoid costly repairs.

Check your oil level every fortnight or after every long journey: Make sure your car is parked on a flat surface, allow the engine to cool down and use the dipstick to monitor levels and top up the oil before it reaches the minimum level marked on the dipstick.

Use the correct oil grade for your car: Follow your vehicle manual for viscosity and specs to prevent damage and overconsumption.

Change oil and filters at recommended intervals: Fresh oil and new filter caps keep your engine cool and prevent damage to seals.

Carry out regular checks for leaks: Look under the car and around the engine bay for any oil spots or drips, then call your closest Formula One Autocentres if you think your car has an oil leak.