Engine oil consumption in a car is not unusual, as long as it does not exceed the manufacturer’s specifications.
Engine oil is a vital component, as without it, the engine would not withstand the friction of metal parts and high temperatures, causing it to be destroyed in a matter of minutes.
Car engines require a different amount of oil, determined by their characteristics. Increased oil consumption can mean a problem with the engine, so drivers should know what exactly affects its consumption and, of course, what amount is considered normal.
The amount of oil used is influenced by different factors, primarily determined by the type of engine. According to the guideline, a passenger car’s atmospheric gasoline engine typically uses between 5 and 25 ml of oil for every 100 liters of fuel. Larger engines with V6 and V8 architectures demand more oil, ranging from 30 to 40 ml. New engines generally have lower oil consumption, whereas older engines may use more, potentially reaching up to 100 ml per 100 km.
A turbocharged engine operates efficiently with less than 80 ml of oil per 100 liters or per 1,000 km. Nevertheless, oil usage rises in tandem with the engine load, resulting in higher consumption than observed in naturally aspirated engines.
In contrast, a diesel engine typically uses between 30 and 50 ml of oil per 100 liters. It becomes imperative to seek professional assistance if the consumption exceeds 200 ml, requiring a visit to an authorized workshop for diagnostic evaluation.
Oil consumption is also affected by several other factors , such as engine condition, operating and usage conditions, and oil quality. For this reason, you should avoid cheap lubricants , since they lose their properties more quickly. Also, the power of the car affects oil consumption and the higher it is, the more oil it consumes.
Oil consumption also depends on the amount that has been installed in the engine. If a larger quantity than intended has been entered , it is a given that it will be consumed. Still, oil consumption does not depend on the distance traveled, but it does matter if the car is driven in urban or peri-urban conditions. In the first case, stopping at the traffic lights wears out the mechanical parts and consequently affects the oil consumption.
Another instance of heightened oil usage arises from using inappropriate oil for your vehicle’s engine. It is crucial to choose the suitable lubricant in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In contemporary automobiles, oil consumption typically ranges from 0.1% to 0.3% of the overall fuel consumption. Regardless, it is advisable for the driver to regularly inspect the oil level. If an increase in consumption is observed, the first step should be to ensure there is no leakage.