Lexus vehicles are popular for their driving comfort and performance, but this is only possible when all its parts are in great shape. One common problem that affects the performance of most Lexus models is a faulty air-oil separator.
The air-oil separator is part of the crankcase ventilation system in your vehicle and it helps to filter the air that goes into the intake system. When this component fails, your car may begin to experience performance and emission issues. In this guide, we will discuss the common causes, signs, and how to find a quick solution.
How to Tell if Your Car’s Air-Oil Separator is Faulty
Understanding the importance of the air-oil separator in your engine’s performance means getting your car the help it needs when this component fails. But how do you know when the air-oil separator is bad? Here are some signs to look out for:
Check Engine Light
The check engine light (CEL) is an essential warning light that serves as the first indication of any fault with your car’s engine. If there is a problem with the air-oil separator, oil can get into the intake system and this affects the engine’s function. One way to tell that there is such a problem is when the CEL comes on.
Exhaust Smoke
The main function of the air-oil separator is to prevent emission problems in your car. When this component fails, the first symptom you may notice is bad emissions identified by blue/black smoke from the exhaust. This happens because the air-oil separator will fail to prevent oil from getting into the intake system for combustion. Once oil burns along with air in the combustion chamber, exhaust smoke is the result.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Another sign that indicates that your Lexus’s air-oil separator could be faulty is an increase in your engine’s oil consumption. Usually, the oil collected from the crankcase is returned to an oil pan for reuse, but if this oil escapes with air due to a bad air-oil separator, then your car’s engine loses more oil and you may begin to notice frequently low oil levels.
How to Fix Air-Oil Separator Problems in Your Lexus
The main causes of air-oil separator issues are damaged or clogged valves and hoses, use of poor-quality oil, lack of proper maintenance, and overheating. If you are looking to fix the issue, you have to consider these major causes, so here are some steps to take:
Start with inspections
Once you know the possible causes of failure in the air-oil separator, the first thing to do when you notice signs of failure is to inspect these hotspots. Look for signs of cracks, clogs, or damage in the air-oil separator and its surrounding components such as its hoses and valves.
Decide on Repair
Proper inspections help you identify the exact cause of problems with the air-oil separator. If you notice a clog in the hose or valve, you may decide to clean them out to improve their function. In serious cases, however, a simple cleaning may not have any positive effect and this means you have to replace the affected parts.
Get Professional Help
As soon as you notice signs of a fault in any of your Lexus’s components, it is important to reach out to a professional mechanic for help. Your mechanic will guide you on the best steps to take to prevent further damage to the affected component and the rest of your car’s engine. Your mechanic can help you decide whether your car’s faulty air-oil separator needs replacement or just some cleaning.
The Best Auto Repair Facility in Spring for Your Lexus’s Air-Oil Separator
One of the dangers of fixing car problems 
VIC Auto Services is your best bet if you are looking for automobile experts in Spring, TX. We offer top-notch maintenance and repair services with the most qualified technicians in Texas. Over the years, we have serviced thousands of cars of different makes and models across Tomball, Cypress, The Woodlands, Conroe, and Spring. If you want the best care for your car, then you should bring it down to us.