How to Reduce Engine Oil Consumption in Older Cars

Is your car using more engine oil than it should? You’re not alone—this is a common issue, especially in older cars. Engine oil is super essential because it keeps everything inside your engine running smoothly and cool. However, when your car starts burning or losing oil too quickly, it can lead to serious problems if not addressed early. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what everyday oil use looks like, why your engine might be using too much oil, and simple tips to help reduce oil consumption and keep your car running better for longer.

What is Normal Oil Consumption?

Engine oil helps your car run smoothly. But while driving, some oil gets used up. This is called oil consumption.

We measure oil use in deciliters (dl) per 1,000 kilometers. One deciliter is approximately equivalent to half a cup of water.

It’s hard to say precisely how much oil use is “too much” because it depends on the car’s engine and manufacturer.

As a general rule:

• Most regular cars use between 0.05 and 3 dl of oil every 1,000 km.
• Newer cars usually use less oil than older cars.
• For larger vehicles, such as trucks, using up to 0.25% to 0.3% of oil is still acceptable.

So, a little oil use is regular. Just make sure to check it often and follow your car’s manual.

Causes Of Excessive Oil Consumption

Sometimes, a car uses more engine oil than it should. Here are a few common reasons why that happens:

1. Damaged Piston Rings

Piston rings are small parts inside the engine. They help keep the oil where it belongs. If the rings get worn out or broken, oil can slip through and burn inside the engine.

This causes:

• Too much oil burning
• Blue smoke from the exhaust
• Weak engine power
• Poor acceleration

2. Old Engines

New engines require minimal oil. However, as an engine ages, its parts wear out. This can cause small leaks, resulting in the engine using more oil than before.

It’s a good idea to check how much oil your engine is using now and compare it to what the car manufacturer recommends as the optimal amount.

3. Worn Seals or Gaskets

Seals and gaskets stop oil from leaking. However, over time, heat and pressure can cause damage to them. When that happens, oil can start leaking out while you’re driving.

To avoid engine damage:

• Check and refill your oil often
• Fix broken gaskets early—it’s not too expensive and can help your engine last longer.

Always keep an eye on your oil level. If your car is using too much oil, it’s best to get it checked by a mechanic.

Signs That Your Car Is Using Too Much Oil

Are you unsure? Is your car using too much engine oil? Here are some signs to look for:

1. Blue Smoke from the Exhaust

If you see blue or grey smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, it could mean that engine oil is getting into the part of the engine where fuel burns.

This can happen if:

• Piston rings are damaged or leaking
• Cylinder walls are worn out.

If the smoke persists, it’s best to have your car checked by a mechanic.

2. Low Compression in the Engine

Engines need good compression to run correctly. A compression test can indicate if the parts inside your engine—such as the valves or piston rings—are worn out.

This test utilizes a specialized tool inserted into the engine. The engine should be warm when performing this test, as cold engines don’t provide accurate results.

Sound compression is usually over 100 psi for each cylinder. The difference between the highest and lowest readings shouldn’t be more than 10%.

3. Carbon Buildup in the Engine

If oil gets into the engine’s burning area, it can leave behind black, sticky deposits. These can build up on spark plugs or valves.

This is often caused by:

• Using the wrong kind of oil
• Damaged piston rings

Too much carbon can make your engine work poorly.

4. Coolant Looks Dirty or Strange

If engine oil mixes with the coolant (the liquid that keeps your engine cool), the coolant can go bad.

It might:

• Change color
• It looks cloudy or dirty.

This also affects how well your engine stays cool and can be a sign of a bigger problem.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get your engine checked. Resolving the issue promptly can save you money and protect your vehicle.

How to Find Out Why Your Car is Burning Oil

If your car is using too much oil, it’s essential to identify the cause so you can address it properly. Here are some easy ways to check what’s going wrong:

1. Check the Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are small parts that help start your engine. If they look dirty or oily, that’s a sign oil is getting where it shouldn’t be.

Look for:

• Black, sticky stuff on the tips
• A burnt oil smell
• Trouble starting the car or engine misfires

If you see these signs, replace the spark plugs and get the problem checked so it doesn’t happen again.

2. Do a Compression or Leak-Down Test

These tests help find problems inside the engine.

• A compression test checks the pressure in each part of the engine. Low pressure means worn or leaky parts.
• A leak-down test checks for air leaks inside the engine.

These tests require specialized tools and are typically performed by a trained mechanic.

3. Look at the Oil Level and Condition

Check the oil using the dipstick. This can tell you a lot:

• If the oil level is consistently low, it may be due to a leak or internal engine damage.
• If the oil appears very dark, thick, or foamy, it may be a sign of overheating or contamination from mixing with other fluids.
• If the oil smells burnt, there might be damage inside the engine.

Keep track of what you see. It will help the mechanic locate and repair the problem more quickly.

Finding the reason behind oil burning early can save your engine and help you avoid significant repair costs later.

The Importance of Oil in Your Car

Your car’s engine requires oil to function correctly. Oil keeps all the engine parts moving smoothly and helps stop them from getting too hot or wearing out. It also carries heat away from the engine. 

However, over time, oil becomes old and no longer works as well. That’s why regular oil changes are a must. If you skip them, your engine can be damaged by excessive heat and friction—and that can result in costly repairs later.

Causes of Burning Oil

If your car is using oil too quickly, there could be several reasons behind it. Here are some common ones:

1. Leaks

One of the most common reasons is oil leaks. Over time, engine seals and gaskets can wear out, allowing oil to drip out slowly. You might not see it right away, but it adds up and can cause your oil level to drop faster than usual.

2. Wrong Oil Type

Using the wrong oil grade for your car can also cause problems. Every vehicle requires a specific type of oil. If you use one that’s too thin or not designed for your engine, it won’t protect the parts correctly and will break down more quickly. This can lead to more oil being burned while you drive.

3. Worn Piston Rings

Inside your engine, piston rings help seal the space between the pistons and the cylinder walls. If those rings wear out, oil can leak into places it shouldn’t—like the combustion chamber—where it burns up. That leads to faster oil loss.

4. Too Much Idling

Letting your car sit and idle for a long time isn’t great either. It causes oil to break down without requiring much effort, and it also stops lubricating effectively. That can make your engine use up more oil than it should.

5. Aggressive Driving

How you drive matters too. If you often accelerate quickly or push your engine hard, the oil works extra hard and breaks down more quickly. This can cause your engine to burn oil faster.

Tips for Dealing with Excessive Oil Burning in Your Car

If your car is using up oil too fast, here are a few simple tips that can help:

1. Check for Leaks Often

Oil leaks are a common cause of oil loss. Park your car on a clean, flat surface and check for oil spots underneath. If you spot any, have a mechanic inspect and repair the issue as soon as possible.

2. Use the Right Oil

Always use the oil grade recommended in your car’s manual. Using the wrong type of oil can cause it to break down more quickly and may not provide adequate protection to the engine, leading to increased oil consumption.

3. Stick to Oil Change Schedules

Regular oil changes are key. Most cars need an oil change every 5,000 miles (or as advised in your manual). This keeps your oil fresh and your engine protected.

4. Avoid Long Idling

Letting your car sit and idle for too long can cause the oil to wear out more quickly. If you’re stopped for a while, consider turning the engine off when it’s safe to do so.

5. Drive Gently

Hard acceleration, sudden braking, and aggressive driving can strain the engine and accelerate oil degradation. Try to drive smoothly and responsibly.

If these tips don’t resolve the issue, it’s a good idea to have a trusted mechanic inspect it more closely. They can identify the root cause and help you avoid more costly repairs down the road.

Final Takeaways

Taking care of your engine oil is one of the easiest ways to keep your car healthy—especially if it’s an older model. By monitoring for signs of oil burning, using the correct oil, and adhering to regular maintenance, you can reduce oil consumption and prevent costly engine repairs. A little attention now can save you a lot of trouble later. 

So, check your oil often, drive smart, and don’t ignore warning signs. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to get help from a trusted mechanic. Your engine will thank you!

FAQs

Q1: How can I reduce oil consumption in my car?

If your car is using too much oil, check for leaks, use the correct oil grade, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule. Avoid long idling and drive gently to reduce engine stress. These habits can help lower oil consumption over time.

Q2: What causes a car to consume a lot of oil?

A car can consume too much oil due to worn seals, gaskets, cylinders, or piston rings. Incorrect installation of engine parts or poor engine rebuilding can also cause oil to burn quickly. These issues let oil enter places it shouldn’t, leading to faster oil loss.