Published on: February 13, 2023
Written by Gian Camilo / Fact-checked by Harun Khan

As a car owner, you know that oil is essential to the smooth functioning of your vehicle. Without enough oil, your engine can seize up and cause costly damage. But, sometimes, even when you regularly check and top off the oil, you may notice that your car is still consuming more oil than it should. If this is the case, you might wonder why your car is wasting so much oil and what you can do about it. 

Understanding the cause behind your car wasting oil is crucial for maintaining its engine health, avoiding costly repairs, improving fuel efficiency, and extending the lifespan of your vehicle. It can also indicate a more serious issue and should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.

Regular oil checks and maintenance can help identify and prevent oil consumption issues. This article will discuss the various reasons why cars waste oil and provide solutions to help you fix the problem.

Common Causes of Oil Consumption in Cars

There are several common causes of oil consumption in cars. Some of the most common causes include:

Worn Engine Parts

One of the most common causes of oil consumption is worn engine parts. Over time, parts such as pistons, rings, and valves can wear down, causing oil to leak into the combustion chamber. This results in a decrease in oil pressure, which can cause your engine to consume more oil.

Poor Engine Design

Another common cause of oil consumption is poor engine design. Some cars are designed in a way that allows for more oil consumption. For example, older cars with high mileage often have oil consumption issues due to design flaws.

Lack of Maintenance

Lack of proper maintenance can also lead to oil consumption. If you don’t regularly change your oil, replace worn parts, and perform other maintenance tasks, your engine may start to consume more oil.

Driving Habits

Your driving habits can also affect oil consumption. If you drive aggressively, with a lot of sudden acceleration and hard braking, your engine will consume more oil. Additionally, your engine will consume more oil if you frequently drive at high speeds.

Overfilling the Oil

When the oil level in the engine is too high, it can create excess pressure and cause oil to leak into the combustion chamber, where it is burned along with gasoline. This can result in higher oil consumption, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. 

Overfilling the oil can also cause foaming, reducing the oil’s ability to lubricate the engine and leading to engine damage. It is important to check the oil level regularly and maintain the correct oil level as specified in the owner’s manual to avoid overfilling and its associated problems.

Using the Wrong Type of Oil

Every engine is designed to operate with a specific type and viscosity of oil, as specified by the manufacturer. Using an oil not recommended for your engine can result in decreased performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased oil consumption.

Some types of oil can cause seals to deteriorate, leading to oil leaks and even more oil consumption. It is important to use the correct type and viscosity of oil recommended for your engine and to change the oil at the recommended intervals, to maintain proper engine performance and prevent oil consumption issues.

Signs That Your Car is Wasting Oil

There are several signs that your car may be wasting oil:

Low Oil Level:	Regularly checking the oil level and finding it low between oil changes indicates that your car is consuming oil. Low oil levels can be the culprit behind this shaking.
Oil Leaks:	If you notice oil spots on your driveway or an oil leak under your car, this could signify excessive oil consumption.
Blue Exhaust Smoke:	Blue smoke from the exhaust indicates that oil is being burned along with gasoline.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency:	If your fuel efficiency is decreasing and you have to fill up your gas tank more frequently, it could be a sign that your car is consuming oil.
Engine Knocking or Ticking:	Engine knocking or ticking noises can be caused by a lack of proper lubrication resulting from excessive oil consumption.

If you experience any of these signs, a mechanic must inspect your car as soon as possible to determine the cause and address any potential issues.

How to Diagnose the Cause of Oil Waste?

Diagnosing the cause of oil waste requires thoroughly inspecting the engine and related components. Some common steps to diagnose the cause of oil waste include:

1. Checking the oil level: Make sure the oil level is within the recommended range and not overfilled.
2. Checking for oil leaks: Look for signs of oil leaks, such as oil spots on the ground or an oily residue on the engine.
3. Inspecting the engine components: Look for signs of damage or wear, such as worn-out piston rings, damaged valve guides, or clogged oil passages.
4. Reviewing the vehicle’s maintenance history: Check for recent repairs or modifications that could have affected oil consumption, such as a recent engine rebuild or a change in the oil used.
5. Conducting a compression test: A compression test measures the pressure in each cylinder and can help determine if the engine has a problem, such as worn-out cylinders or damaged piston rings.
6. Performing an oil consumption test: An oil consumption test involves measuring the oil level at regular intervals to determine the rate at which the oil is being consumed.

Based on these inspections and tests, a mechanic can diagnose the cause of oil waste and recommend the necessary repairs. It’s important to address oil waste promptly to prevent further damage to the engine and to maintain proper engine performance.

Solutions to Fix Oil Consumption Issues

Now that you know the causes of oil consumption, it’s time to discuss solutions to fix the problem. Some of the most effective solutions include:

Regular Maintenance

The first step in fixing oil consumption issues is to perform regular maintenance. This includes changing your oil regularly, replacing worn parts, and checking for leaks. By keeping your engine in good condition, you can reduce oil consumption.

Engine Rebuilding

If your engine consumes a lot of oil, it may need to be rebuilt. During an engine rebuild, your mechanic will replace worn parts, clean and inspect the engine, and replace any damaged parts. This can help to reduce oil consumption and improve the overall performance of your engine.

High-Quality Oil

Using high-quality oil can also help to reduce oil consumption. High-quality oils are designed to protect your engine better and reduce oil consumption. Look for oils with high viscosity and a high level of detergents.

Adjust Your Driving Habits

Finally, you can also adjust your driving habits to reduce oil consumption. Try to drive smoothly, with a light foot on the accelerator and the brakes. Additionally, avoid driving at high speeds, as this can increase oil consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Main Cause of Excessive Oil Consumption in Cars?

The main cause of excessive oil consumption in cars can be attributed to several factors, including worn-out engine components, such as cylinder walls, piston rings, and valve guides; clogged oil passages; overfilling the oil; and using the wrong type of oil.

2. What Should I Do if I Suspect My Car is Wasting Oil?

If you suspect your car is wasting oil, it is important to have it inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. A thorough inspection of the engine and related components can help diagnose the cause of the oil waste and prevent further damage.

3. Is It Normal for Cars to Consume a Small Amount of Oil Between Oil Changes?

Some engine wear and oil consumption are normal, especially in older vehicles. However, excessive oil consumption is not normal and should be addressed promptly.

4. Can Oil Consumption Be Prevented?

 Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and checks, can help prevent excessive oil consumption. Additionally, using the correct type and viscosity of oil recommended for your engine can also help prevent oil consumption issues.

5. Can Excessive Oil Consumption Damage My Engine?

Yes, excessive oil consumption can damage your engine and lead to other problems, such as decreased performance and increased emissions. It is important to address oil consumption promptly to prevent further damage.

6. How Often Should I Check the Oil Level in My Car?

It is recommended to check the oil level in your car at least once a month or more frequently if you suspect your car is wasting oil.

Verdict Final Words

Oil consumption is a common problem that affects many car owners. However, by understanding the causes of oil consumption and taking steps to fix the problem, you can reduce oil consumption and keep your engine in good condition. Whether it’s through regular maintenance, engine rebuilding, high-quality oil, or adjusting your driving habits, many solutions can help you fix oil consumption issues. So, if you’re experiencing oil consumption issues, don’t wait – take action today to fix the problem and keep your engine running smoothly.

Remember, the key to reducing oil consumption is to identify the cause of the problem and take steps to address it. Whether you’re dealing with worn engine parts, poor engine design, lack of maintenance, or driving habits, solutions can help you fix the problem.

So, don’t let oil consumption issues keep you from enjoying your car. Take the time to understand the causes and find the solutions that will work best for you. With the right approach, you can keep your engine running smoothly and reduce the amount of oil your car wastes.