How to tell if a car engine is burning or leaking oil ?

I‘m going to be buying a used car soon and i wnna be able to know if the engine is leaking or burning oil thanks

Check the fluid level. Look for puddles under the car. When the engine is running, if there is blue smoke, then there is oil going past the rings or valve guides. Also check the coolant for milkiness from oil getting past the head gasket. And just look at the engine, if it appears wet, a gasket may be leaking.

Check the fluid level. Look for puddles under the car. When the engine is running, if there is blue smoke, then there is oil going past the rings or valve guides. Also check the coolant for milkiness from oil getting past the head gasket. And just look at the engine, if it appears wet, a gasket may be leaking.

Inspect the car on a lift underneath for any kind of leak. If it's completely dry go to the next step. If you want to check for piston ring blow-by, remove the oil fill cap with the engine running. There should be no smoke or discharge of any type from the uncovered oil fill location. Shut the car off. Look inside the oil fill hole. If it's dark brown or black inside the valve cover the car has not had regular oil changes. That's not a good sign what ever the mileage might be. Drive the car with a knowlegable automotive person or mechanic following you. If the exhaust pipe smokes at start-up or when you lift your foot completely off the gas while going at highwat speeds, the valve guides are loose. If the car smokes when you accelerate, the cylinder walls and or piston rings are worn. Mileage presently on the car can be a tip-off also. If it has over 150,000 miles leave it alone! A car with a poor maintenance schedule is bad news.

take the oil filler cap off and see if it's milky if so don't buy the car. when you start the car check for black smoke. and if it's leaking park the car on a clean spot and wait a few minutes to see if there is anything on the ground.

take the oil filler cap off and see if it's milky if so don't buy the car. when you start the car check for black smoke. and if it's leaking park the car on a clean spot and wait a few minutes to see if there is anything on the ground.

Inspect the car on a lift underneath for any kind of leak. If it's completely dry go to the next step. If you want to check for piston ring blow-by, remove the oil fill cap with the engine running. There should be no smoke or discharge of any type from the uncovered oil fill location. Shut the car off. Look inside the oil fill hole. If it's dark brown or black inside the valve cover the car has not had regular oil changes. That's not a good sign what ever the mileage might be. Drive the car with a knowlegable automotive person or mechanic following you. If the exhaust pipe smokes at start-up or when you lift your foot completely off the gas while going at highwat speeds, the valve guides are loose. If the car smokes when you accelerate, the cylinder walls and or piston rings are worn. Mileage presently on the car can be a tip-off also. If it has over 150,000 miles leave it alone! A car with a poor maintenance schedule is bad news.

take the oil filler cap off and see if it's milky if so don't buy the car. when you start the car check for black smoke. and if it's leaking park the car on a clean spot and wait a few minutes to see if there is anything on the ground.

Check the fluid level. Look for puddles under the car. When the engine is running, if there is blue smoke, then there is oil going past the rings or valve guides. Also check the coolant for milkiness from oil getting past the head gasket. And just look at the engine, if it appears wet, a gasket may be leaking.

Inspect the car on a lift underneath for any kind of leak. If it's completely dry go to the next step. If you want to check for piston ring blow-by, remove the oil fill cap with the engine running. There should be no smoke or discharge of any type from the uncovered oil fill location. Shut the car off. Look inside the oil fill hole. If it's dark brown or black inside the valve cover the car has not had regular oil changes. That's not a good sign what ever the mileage might be. Drive the car with a knowlegable automotive person or mechanic following you. If the exhaust pipe smokes at start-up or when you lift your foot completely off the gas while going at highwat speeds, the valve guides are loose. If the car smokes when you accelerate, the cylinder walls and or piston rings are worn. Mileage presently on the car can be a tip-off also. If it has over 150,000 miles leave it alone! A car with a poor maintenance schedule is bad news.