Description

The amount of oil an engine uses will vary with the way the vehicle is driven in addition to normal engine-to-engine variation.

Oil usage is normally greater during the first 16093 km (10,000 miles) of service. As mileage increases, oil usage generally improves. Cars and light trucks in normal service should get at least 1440 km (900 miles) to 0.95L (1 qt) after 16093 km (10,000 miles) of service.

Vehicles used in heavy-duty operation (severe service) may consume more oil. The following are examples of heavy-duty operation:
- High ambient temperatures
- Trailer towing applications
- Taxi cab applications
- Police service applications
- Severe loading applications
- Sustained high speed operation

Engines need oil to lubricate the following internal components:
- Engine block cylinder walls
- Pistons and piston rings
- Intake and exhaust valve stems
- Intake and exhaust valve guides
- All internal engine components

When the pistons move downward, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder walls. The thin film of oil is burned away on the firing stroke during combustion. If an engine burned a drop of oil during each firing stroke, oil consumption would be about one quart for every mile traveled. Fortunately modern engines use much less oil than this example. However, even efficient engines will use some oil or they would quickly wear out. Additionally, as the vehicle is operated, some oil is drawn into the combustion chambers past the intake and exhaust valve stem seals and burned.

Many different conditions can affect oil consumption rates. A partial list of those conditions includes:
- Operator driving habits
- Ambient temperature
- Quality and viscosity of the oil
- Vehicle load and driving terrain

Operation under certain conditions can create a false impression of excessive oil consumption. Most commonly, this happens when the vehicle has been operated for repeated short trips at low ambient temperatures. Under these conditions, substantial amounts of condensed water and fuel can build up in the oil. If the vehicle is then run for a significant time at highway speeds and/or with heavy loads, much of the accumulated water and fuel can be removed by the engine ventilation system. Removing the water and fuel in a relatively short time will often create the appearance of an excessive consumption rate to the customer. In this situation, the customer could be assured that these events are normal for the conditions noted. The customer might also be advised to change oil and filter more frequently, especially prior to starting a long trip in cold weather if unduly concerned about this condition.

Make sure the selected engine oil meets the recommended API performance category "SH" and SAE viscosity grade as shown in the vehicle Owner Guide. It is also important that the engine oil is changed at the intervals specified for the typical operating conditions.