What can excessive oil consumption lead to in an engine?

Excessive oil consumption in an engine can indeed lead to overheating. When an engine consumes too much oil, it creates a situation where there's not enough oil to adequately lubricate the engine components. This lack of sufficient lubrication increases friction among moving parts, which generates more heat. Additionally, if the oil level drops significantly due to excessive consumption, it can lead to oil starvation. This occurrence can cause the engine to overheat, potentially damaging engine components such as pistons, bearings, and cylinder walls.

In contrast, the other choices like improved performance, increased fuel efficiency, and timely maintenance are typically not associated with excessive oil consumption. Instead, these outcomes usually relate to the proper functioning and maintenance of the engine. Excessive oil consumption is a sign of underlying issues, such as worn piston rings or valve seals, which would adversely affect performance and efficiency rather than enhance them.