Engine Oil Consumption Problem: Causes and Solutions

Do you notice that your engine consuming more oil than usual? This is likely due to the wrong oil for your car, or in the worst case, a leak that can seriously damage your engine. In this article, we'll give you some tips to figure out where the problem came from and how to fix it!

🔧 How to determine if the engine oil consumption is exceeded?

All automotive professionals agree that if your car consumes more than 0,5 liters of oil per kilometer, there is a problem. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact a mechanic to verify that this is indeed an abnormal oil consumption.

To anticipate, check the oil level very regularly, at least every month. Here are the steps to check the level:

• Let the machine cool down for the oil to stabilize;
• Raise the hood, find the dipstick and clean it;
• Immerse the dipstick and make sure the level is between the two marks (min./max.);
• Top up and close the tank if necessary.

An engine oil lamp (the one that looks like a magic lamp) can help, but be careful because it could also be faulty. Therefore, it is important to check the oil level yourself directly under the hood.

Good to know : Systematically top up with the same type of oil you already have, otherwise you will end up with a much less effective mixture. If you need to change the grade of oil, an oil change is necessary.

🚗 What are the causes of excessive engine oil consumption?

If you are wondering how to reduce your engine oil consumption? Start by identifying the reasons for overconsumption. There can be many of them, each with its own degree of seriousness. Here are the 10 most common:

The problem with your oil

Over time, the oil degrades, it may be time to change it (annually). If the level is not too high or the oil is not suitable for your engine.

The cylinder head gasket is no longer waterproof.

The cylinder head gasket provides a seal between the cylinder head and the engine block. This is where liquids such as oil can leak out if damaged. The part should be replaced as soon as possible if you find a leak.

The case or its seal is faulty

The crankcase is responsible for supplying oil to the engine circuit. If it is punctured or if its seal no longer fulfills its sealing function, oil will leak out.

The oil filter has not changed

The oil filter removes debris, dust and dirt from the oil entering the engine. If the filter is too clogged, the oil flow will not be enough for your engine to function properly and the oil filter may need to be replaced.

Oil flows from the rocker cover

On older models, the rocker arm cover covers the parts that distribute the engine. Equipped with rocker cover gaskets, they can fail over time and cause leakage.

SPI seals are defective

Also called lip seals, SPI seals are found in rotating parts such as crankcases, crankshaft, or oil pumps. As with any seal, they can wear out and therefore cause leaks.

Oil cooler malfunction

Cools the oil that has passed through the engine. But if it is damaged, the oil no longer cools enough to provide optimal lubrication.

Crankcase bleed bolts loose or worn

The sump is an oil sump that has a screw to drain its contents. The latter could be improperly assembled after changing the oil, or it could fail, leading to oil leakage.

Rings are worn

These are metal parts or gaskets placed on the piston of your cylinders to seal the combustion chamber. If they are worn out, the piston will loosen the compression, and as a result, your engine will not.

The soap is damaged

Working with an air intake, it allows vapors to escape from the crankcase by re-pumping them into the engine. If the breather is faulty, these vapors will not be injected back into the engine in sufficient quantities or will not be injected at all.

Pistons and cylinders can be scratched

These key parts of your engine can be scratched by friction for a variety of reasons, including poor oil, resulting in loss of compression and, as a result, loss of power.

One final tip on the road: if you notice a loss of engine power, know that it is also a symptom of oil overrun. We can never tell you enough, the first instinct to maintain your car's engine well includes perfectly matched oil, regular checks, and at least an annual oil change.