Most drivers assume oil changes reset the clock. A mechanic on TikTok warns that assumption is exactly how some engines quietly destroy themselves, right after leaving the quick-lube bay. The viral clip from mechanic Patrick Walsh (@walshauto) in Evansville, Indiana, drops plenty of knowledge to help owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, as well as other brands that are prone to oil-burning problems later in their mileage. “These quick lube guys, they don't catch it. You know, a lot of times they don't check your oil level before they drain it. You pull in for an oil change and they ... drop your oil filter, put a new oil filter on it, fill it up,” he said in the clip that’s been viewed more than 6,200 times. “These engines don't leak oil, most of them. Most of the ones that I see aren't leaking any oil. They're burning it.” What Walsh describes isn’t an oil leak in the traditional sense. There’s no drip on the driveway and no blue smoke trailing from the exhaust. Instead, oil consumption accelerates quietly as engines rack up miles, often without triggering a warning light until levels drop dangerously low. That’s especially concerning for owners of vehicles powered by gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, a design now common across much of the industry, including many Hyundai and Kia models from the past decade. With GDI, fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber rather than over the intake valves, improving efficiency and emissions performance, but also changing how carbon builds up inside the engine. Over time, that carbon buildup can affect piston rings and oil control, allowing oil to slip past and burn off during normal operation. Walsh says the problem often appears suddenly. “At first everything’s good,” he explains in the video. “Then it just starts getting worse and worse, and before you even know it, you’ve got critical engine failure.” Oil Changes Mask the Warning Signs One of Walsh’s sharpest critiques is aimed not at owners, but at the routine oil-change process itself. Many quick-lube shops focus on draining and refilling oil as efficiently as possible, without documenting the engine's oil level when it arrives. That matters because an engine that burns a quart every 1,000 miles may still leave the shop with a full crankcase. The owner drives away, assuming everything is fine, unaware that the oil level had already dropped dangerously low before the service began. Automotive service guidelines from groups like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence note that oil level checks are a basic diagnostic step, but they aren’t always part of high-volume service workflows. Without that baseline, gradual oil consumption can go unnoticed for months or even years. Walsh said the first clue often isn’t a warning light but a sound. A ticking noise on startup, chain rattle, or rough idle can signal oil starvation inside the engine, even if it smooths out once the vehicle warms up. That tracks with manufacturer service literature across multiple brands, which warns that low oil levels can cause timing chain tensioners and valvetrain components to lose pressure briefly during cold starts. Over time, repeated oil starvation accelerates wear, sometimes catastrophically. In the video, Walsh describes a customer vehicle with just over 130,000 miles that arrived nearly dry after only 1,000 miles of driving. He refused to restart the engine without adding several quarts of oil, saying he wouldn’t risk damaging it further. What Hyundai and Kia Owners Should Know Oil consumption concerns tied to certain Hyundai and Kia engines have been the subject of technical service bulletins, warranty extensions, and legal settlements over the past decade. Coverage varies widely by model year, engine family, mileage, and maintenance history, and not every vehicle qualifies for repairs or replacement. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains public records of recalls and investigations, and both automakers encourage owners to check their VINs through official recall lookup tools. Consumer advocates also recommend keeping detailed oil-change and maintenance records, particularly if oil consumption becomes noticeable. Some owners in the TikTok comments report receiving replacement engines under warranty, while others say they were denied coverage after falling outside eligibility windows. That inconsistency has fueled frustration online, but it also underscores the importance of early documentation. The most practical advice Walsh offers is also the simplest: Check your oil regularly, especially as mileage climbs. Automakers themselves acknowledge that oil consumption can increase with age, and owners’ manuals often state that using up to a quart every 1,000 miles may fall within “normal” limits under certain conditions. That doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Letting oil drop below safe levels, even briefly, can cause permanent damage. Checking the dipstick between oil changes gives drivers a chance to catch problems early, top off as needed, and start a paper trail if consumption worsens. Some commenters recommend thicker oil, catch cans, or additives, but experts generally caution that these measures may mask symptoms without addressing underlying wear. Sticking to manufacturer-approved oil specifications and consulting a qualified mechanic remains the safest route. Walsh’s blunt conclusion that some owners may be better off selling a vehicle once oil consumption becomes severe won’t sit well with everyone. But the financial reality is hard to ignore. Engine replacements can cost thousands of dollars, often exceeding the resale value of older vehicles. The broader lesson isn’t limited to any one brand. As engines grow more complex and efficient, their failure modes can become harder for everyday drivers to detect. In this case, the warning isn’t a flashing light or a puddle on the pavement, but an empty dipstick and a ticking sound that’s easy to dismiss until it’s too late. Motor1 reached out to Walsh via email and phone. We’ll update this if they respond. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team
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