Toyota: engine oil smoking, white smoke, engine oil

Question
I have a 1997 Corolla. At my last oil change, they told me the
engine oil was smoking and looked like it hadn't been changed in
years.

I usually change it every 3,000 miles and never more than 5,000
miles. What might be causing the oil to smoke?

Is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Answer
Hello,

Maybe the oil was very old, otherwise the engine burns some oil. If your car produces white smoke, your engine burns oil, and something is going to break up (cylinder head, pistons, valves, etc...). If this happens, you can't prevent your engine to break up.. sorry. You have to replace the worn part, open the engine, check everything and see what should be replaced.

Regards,
Jack