No leak. 291k miles. Doesnt seem to burn oil on short local trips (couple miles), but once going on longer trips, im going through 2qrts between oil changes. I do my changes every 3k miles (not when the maintenance minder tells me). 5w-20.

car runs great. No hesitation, and runs just like day i got it (at 130k miles).

Obviously a car with 291k miles isnt worth digging into as far as engine overhaul or anything too drastic, but my dad seems to think that if i switched motor oil weights (ie from 5w-20, to 10w-30 or something), this might help me and my engine. I realize i might compromise some fuel economy, but im wondering what others opinions are. His (limited) experience is on older cars, or word of mouth, and some of that doesn’t transfer over to newer cars the same, or my exact problem.

The last time i trusted someone (a master mechanic), he told me that switching from conventional (what my manual says), to synthetic would be better for my engine in long run. I immediately got leaks and started burning. I had never once had to put oil in in between oil changes (and was doing 5k changes). I immediately changed back, hadnt even reached 500miles of its change, but the damage was done. I fixed one leak at the back of engine (small), and valve cover gaskets, etc., but it still burns. So, needless to say, im leary of trying anything different with my oil.

what would you do?
Deal with the burn and let the car live out its life until the end?
Put in some type of additive or something?
Change oil thickness, and if so, what one?
Any other thoughts?

yes ive kept up on all other maintenance including the pcv valve. I live in mild winter climate (western oregon) and dont get down too cold at night (which i know affects your oil).

 

I heard the PCV valve controls how the oil is used. Not sure how or if this is the problem for you but you might want to see about it. On youtube bad PCV valves cause cars to burn oil.