Toyota Yaris Oil Burning – How to Prevent It?

If your Toyota Yaris is burning oil faster than usual, there are a few steps you can take to manage and potentially reduce the oil consumption. Heres a breakdown of preventive measures and whether switching oil grades might help:
1. Switching to a Higher Viscosity Oil

Why It Might Help: If your Yaris is burning oil due to wear in the engine, switching to a slightly thicker oil higher viscosity can help reduce oil consumption by providing a better seal between the piston rings and cylinder walls. This can sometimes slow down the rate at which oil leaks into the combustion chamber.
Consideration: Consult your owners manual for the recommended oil viscosity. Moving to a higher grade could potentially help with oil burning but may also affect fuel efficiency, so it’s important to use an oil that suits your engines needs.

2. Using a High-Quality Synthetic Oil

Why It Might Help: Synthetic oils typically last longer and offer better protection than conventional oils. If youre using standard oil, switching to synthetic oil might help reduce burning due to its superior stability and ability to flow smoothly in various temperatures.
Consideration: If your engine is older, make sure the synthetic oil is suitable for high-mileage vehicles. Some synthetic oils are specifically formulated to address oil consumption issues in older engines.

3. Regular Oil and Filter Changes

Why It Might Help: Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining proper engine performance and can help reduce excessive oil consumption. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness, so keeping it fresh can prevent oil-burning issues.
Best Practice: Stick to the recommended oil change intervals for your Yaris. If youre driving under extreme conditions heavy traffic, long drives, you might want to shorten the intervals slightly.

4. Check for Leaks and Sludge

Why It Might Help: Oil consumption could be caused by leaks o r internal sludge buildup. If your engine has small leaks, oil can escape unnoticed. Sludge buildup in the engine can also contribute to increased oil consumption by restricting oil flow.
Preventive Measure: Perform a visual inspection for leaks around the valve cover, oil pan, and gaskets. If you suspect sludge buildup, consider using an engine flush product before your next oil change to clean the engine internally.

5. Monitor and Replace the PCV Valve

Why It Might Help: A malfunctioning Positive Crankcase Ventilation PCV valve can cause increased oil consumption by allowing pressure to build up in the engine, pushing oil into the combustion chamber.
Fix: Check and replace the PCV valve if its clogged o r malfunctioning. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive fix.

6. Engine Repairs if Needed

Why It Might Help: If none of the above measures help, there may be an underlying engine problem, such as worn piston rings, valve seals, o r the valve guide. These issues allow oil to enter the combustion chamber, leading to higher consumption.
Consideration: These issues typically require professional diagnosis and could involve major repairs, including replacing piston rings o r valve seals. Before considering this, rule out simpler solutions like oil type and PCV valve replacement.