Why is my 2015 Chevy Equinox burning oil?
Oil burning in a 2015 Equinox is usually caused by internal engine wear or issues with the engine’s ventilation and seals, rather than a simple oil type problem. A dealer can diagnose the exact cause, and some fixes may be covered under GM service programs.
Common causes of oil burning in the 2015 Equinox
Below are the most frequent culprits technicians encounter in this model year. Each cause has a different diagnostic path and potential repair, ranging from inexpensive maintenance to major engine work.
- Worn piston rings or oil-control rings in the 2.4L Ecotec engine, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn as part of normal operation.
- Valve stem seals or valve guides wearing out, letting oil seep into the combustion chamber during operation.
- Faulty PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system, including a stuck or clogged PCV valve or cracked hoses, which can pull oil into the intake.
- Oil leaks from gaskets or seals (such as valve cover gasket, front crankshaft seal, or oil pan gasket) or overfilling the crankcase, which can contribute to burning or visible blue smoke.
- Fuel dilution or extreme engine loads that degrade oil and accelerate consumption, though this is less common when maintenance is up to date.
In practice, more than one factor can contribute, and an inspection is needed to verify the exact cause for your VIN and mileage.
Worn piston rings and oil-control rings
Rings that have lost sealing ability allow oil to pass into the combustion chamber and burn, which can produce blue smoke and a steady rise in oil usage. In the 2.4L Ecotec used by many 2015 Equinox models, wear over time can affect ring lands. A mechanic may perform compression and leak-down tests to gauge ring condition. If rings are the issue, repairs can be costly and may involve an engine rebuild or replacement, depending on mileage and warranty coverage.
Valve stem seals and guides
Valve seals and guides are designed to keep oil out of the combustion chamber. When they wear, oil can seep past into the chamber, increasing consumption and sometimes causing smoke. Replacing seals and guides is a more involved repair than PCV fixes and varies by engine configuration and wear level.
PCV system problems
A failing PCV valve or damaged hoses can create abnormal crankcase pressure and pull oil into the intake. This is often one of the easiest and most affordable fixes, with parts typically inexpensive and labor modest when addressed early.
Leaks and other sources
Leaks from gaskets or seals (valve covers, front main seal, oil pan) can mimic or compound oil consumption. Overfilling the oil can also cause foaming and burning symptoms. Correcting leaks usually involves replacing gaskets or seals and ensuring the oil level is within spec.
How to diagnose oil consumption at home
These steps help you determine whether your Equinox is burning oil and roughly how much you’re losing between changes.
- Track oil consumption by logging how much oil you add between changes and mileage. A common red flag is more than about 1 quart per 1,000 miles.
- Look for blue or gray exhaust smoke, especially on startup or when accelerating, which indicates burning oil.
- Inspect for external oil leaks around the engine and underneath the vehicle. Persistent drips point to gasket or seal leaks rather than internal burning.
- Check the PCV valve and hoses for cracks, clogs, or sticking. A faulty PCV is a frequent trigger for oil consumption symptoms.
- Check oil condition for fuel dilution (thin, milky, or gasoline-smelling oil) which can indicate fuel entering the oil system.
- If consumption persists after ruling out leaks and PCV issues, request a compression and/or leak-down test to assess piston rings and valve seals.
These home checks help you determine whether the issue is likely external (oil leaks) or internal (wear), guiding what to tell your mechanic.
What to do next
When oil consumption is suspected, take proactive steps to protect the engine and identify the root cause quickly.
- Check for GM service campaigns or recalls related to oil consumption for your VIN by contacting a Chevrolet dealer or using GM’s official lookup. Some engines in this family have had extended coverage for oil use.
- Schedule a diagnostic with a Chevrolet dealer or a qualified shop. Ask for an official oil-consumption test and a full evaluation of compression, leak-down, PCV flow, and seals.
- Ask about coverage and costs. PCV valve or gasket fixes are typically inexpensive, while ring/piston work is more costly and may require engine removal. Warranty or goodwill coverage may apply if a program exists for your vehicle.
- Plan for possible repairs. If the root cause is worn piston rings, you may face a major repair, depending on mileage and damage, though early detection improves options and costs.
Addressing the issue promptly helps prevent catalytic converter damage, performance loss, and further oil consumption problems.
Preventive maintenance and tips to minimize future oil burn
Proactive maintenance and mindful operation can reduce oil consumption risk and help catch problems early.
- Use the oil grade and specification recommended in your owner's manual (often Dexos1 Gen 2 0W-20 synthetic for many 2.4L engines). Verify viscosity and specification for your exact engine.
- Follow the manufacturer’s oil-change schedule with high-quality filters and avoid overfilling the crankcase.
- Keep the PCV system in good shape: replace the PCV valve and any cracked hoses as part of routine maintenance.
- Fix leaks promptly and address any signs of oil loss between changes to prevent further engine wear.
- Use quality parts when replacing gaskets or seals to improve longevity and reduce the chance of recurrence.
With diligent maintenance, you can reduce oil consumption problems and catch issues early before they lead to costly repairs.
Signs you should seek immediate help
If you notice rapid oil loss, persistent blue smoke, overheating, or engine misfires, stop driving and seek service promptly to avoid severe engine damage.
Summary
For a 2015 Chevy Equinox, burning oil is commonly tied to internal engine wear (piston rings or valve seals) or PCV system problems, with leaks or fuel dilution as contributing factors. A thorough diagnostic at a Chevrolet dealer or qualified shop should identify the exact cause. Begin by tracking oil consumption, inspecting the PCV system, checking for external leaks, and testing compression or leak-down if needed. Timely maintenance and awareness of any GM service campaigns can help minimize the risk and cost of repairs.
