Oil consumption can be a subject that not many drivers know that much about, as, generally speaking, the only time that a motorist finds an issue with their lubricant level is once it is already too low. This can cause a problem when trying to start the vehicle.
There are many different factors that can affect the oil consumption of a car, with the first being driving style. This is an issue as RPM affects the consumption of oil, so the higher the usual rev count, the more lubricant is consumed due to extra pressure being put on the seals and gaskets of the vehicle.
The condition of engine parts can also lead to a higher oil consumption level, in particular, the seal and gasket. The more worn and used these parts are, then the more oil is consumed. Lubricant can find its way around these seals, which leads to it leaking out of the engine or into the combustion chamber, both causing long-term problems.
The third factor is the design of the engine. Each motor has a different configuration, with some consuming more oil as a result of its design. In fact, the consumption of some engines can be as high as a litre per 1,000 kilometres. This could be something to ask about when shopping for a new vehicle.
Another thing that should be considered is the type of oil put into the vehicle and the temperature of the engine. The hotter the motor, the thinner the lubricant will be. It would be easier for a thin oil to reach the engine, so using a lubricant that is considered too low in viscosity will mean more oil consumption than usual.
Many of these factors are easily manageable by the driver, meaning that although consumption can be high, it can be altered with ease.
