Hi all, first post here.
I have a 03 p5 195k miles.

Bought it with 170k

Now that its getting cold in the mornings, I have smoke at start up. It did this last winter as well.

Oil usage is about a qt every 4k miles in the summer, and no smoke.

Now its about a qt every 2k. And will get worse as it gets colder out.
I have read about the rings sticking, and the valve stem seals.

The car was overheated pretty bad when I first got it. Enough that it pegged the gauge and lifted the rad cap. This has me thinking the seals are cooked vs sticking rings. Luky for me, the head gasket survived.

I have done a piston soak with kreen, and used several other cleaners (all last year)
I have been using penzoil platinum high mileage 10w30 summer, and 5w30 winter.
I'm about ready to do the valve stem seals, unless you think its a waste of time.

Your Thoughts and opinions are appreciated.

 

Carry out a compression test and a leak down test first to confirm the engines health.