Preventive Maintenance

Cheapest solutions to the problem of excessive oil consumption in the engine

If your car consumes more oil than it should, it doesn’t always mean an expensive repair is necessary. There are several simple and relatively inexpensive ways to reduce this issue. In this article, we present three key actions that can help: more frequent oil changes, using oil with the correct viscosity, and regular cleaning and checking of the PCV system.

1. More frequent oil changes (every 10k km instead of 15-30k km)

Many car manufacturers recommend oil changes every 15,000 – 30,000 km, but in practice, this is often too long an interval, especially for engines with excessive oil consumption. Shortening the interval to 10,000 km or even 7,500 km can significantly improve the engine’s condition and reduce oil consumption.

Why should you change oil more often?

  • Reduces deposits and sludge – over time, oil loses its lubricating properties and collects impurities, leading to the buildup of sludge on piston rings.
  • Better protection of piston rings – clean and fresh oil lubricates more effectively and reduces the risk of the rings sticking to the piston grooves.
  • Better operation of the PCV system – more frequent oil changes help keep the PCV system in better condition, reducing the risk of clogging the PCV valve.

How often should you change oil depending on how you use your car?

  • Daily city driving, short trips – every 7,500 – 10,000 km or every year.
  • Long trips, highways – every 10,000 – 12,000 km.
  • Sporty driving, high engine load (towing, mountain driving) – every 5,000 – 7,500 km.

2. Use of oil with the correct viscosity

Not all motor oils are the same – choosing the right viscosity of the oil can significantly impact its consumption.

How to choose the right oil viscosity?

  • If your engine consumes oil, consider using oil with a slightly higher viscosity than recommended by the manufacturer, e.g., instead of 5W-30, try 5W-40.
  • In older engines, you can use oils with anti-wear additives (e.g., ceramic additives) that help regenerate micro-damages inside the engine.
  • Avoid oils with very low viscosity, e.g., 0W-20, if your engine is not designed for them – they may increase oil consumption in high-mileage engines.

The effect of viscosity on oil consumption:

  • Too thin oil can easily pass through worn piston rings and valve seals.
  • Too thick oil can negatively affect lubrication during cold starts, so it’s important to find the right compromise.

3. Regular cleaning and checking of the PCV system

The PCV system (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) is responsible for removing gases from the engine’s crankcase. If this system is clogged or damaged, it can increase internal pressure in the engine and lead to excessive oil consumption.

Signs of a clogged or malfunctioning PCV system:

  • Excessive smoke from the exhaust (bluish smoke indicates burning oil).
  • Oil “spitting” from the PCV system into the intake system.
  • Increased pressure in the crankcase, which can lead to oil leaks.

How to take care of the PCV system?

  • Regular inspection and cleaning of the PCV valve – in most cars, it can be easily removed and flushed with a special cleaning agent or replaced with a new one.
  • Check the PCV hoses and filters – clogged hoses can hinder gas flow and cause increased pressure in the engine.
  • Replacing worn components – if the PCV valve is worn out, replacing it usually costs 50 to 300 PLN and can significantly help reduce oil consumption.

Conclusion

Implementing these three simple actions can significantly help reduce excessive oil consumption in your car. Regular oil changes, using the right viscosity, and maintaining the PCV system are the cheapest and easiest methods that can extend the life of the engine and reduce operating costs. If these steps don’t bring results, it’s worth moving on to more advanced diagnostics, which we also discuss on our website.