Is It Normal for Car Engine Oil to Decrease Over Time?
2 Answers
It is normal for car engine oil to decrease over time. Here is some knowledge about engine oil: 1. Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, has a density of approximately 0.91kg×10³. It serves multiple functions in the engine, including lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. It is often referred to as the "blood" of a car. Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and improve any deficiencies in the base oil's performance, providing additional functionalities. Additives are an essential part of the lubricant. 2. Requirements: As a type of machinery, engines have common requirements for lubricants similar to other machinery, such as appropriate viscosity, and certain anti-oxidation, anti-wear, anti-corrosion, and viscosity-temperature properties. However, engines are also unique machinery, and their requirements for lubricants have special aspects.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I believe a slight reduction in engine oil is normal, but it shouldn't be excessive. All vehicles burn a small amount of oil during operation, especially as they age, because the seals inside the engine may deteriorate, leading to oil leakage or burning. It's acceptable to consume 0.1 to 0.5 liters of oil per 1,000 kilometers under normal circumstances. However, if you frequently find the oil dipstick at the minimum mark or notice a rapid drop in oil level after short trips, that's not right. This excessive consumption could be related to worn piston rings, poor valve seals, or unnoticed small leaks in the oil pan. I once had an old car with this issue—initially thinking it was minor, but the severe oil loss eventually caused engine damage, resulting in costly repairs. So, I recommend checking the oil dipstick before each refueling and sticking to the manufacturer-recommended oil—don't mix brands to save money. If you lose more than half a liter per month, promptly visit a repair shop to inspect the chassis and engine seals before major problems arise. Regular maintenance, including oil and filter changes, is also crucial to ensure smooth engine operation.
