What is the normal oil consumption for a new car?
2 Answers
It depends on the specific car. Generally, oil consumption is very minimal. According to relevant national automotive authorities, an oil consumption of 0.3 liters per 1,000 kilometers is considered the recommended standard and is normal. Consequences of burning oil: Burning oil refers to the situation where engine oil enters the combustion chamber of the engine and participates in combustion along with the air-fuel mixture. Typically, vehicles experiencing oil burning will exhibit varying degrees of "blue smoke" from the exhaust, with a noticeable increase in oil consumption. Oil burning can lead to increased carbon deposits in the combustion chamber, reduced fuel economy and engine performance, and excessive exhaust emissions, among other adverse effects. Causes of oil burning: Poor cylinder sealing is the main cause of oil burning. Poor cylinder sealing is primarily due to excessive clearance between the piston and cylinder wall, improper installation or degraded sealing of piston rings, allowing oil from the cylinder wall to enter the combustion chamber and cause oil burning. Additionally, poor sealing performance of valve seals, damage to the crankcase ventilation valve, or clogged crankcase ventilation ports leading to excessive pressure in the crankcase can all cause oil to enter the combustion chamber along with crankcase gases and participate in combustion.
When I first bought my new car, I was also quite concerned about oil consumption. During the initial few thousand kilometers of the break-in period, as the engine components are wearing in, oil consumption might be slightly higher—typically around 0.5 to 1 liter per 1,000 kilometers is considered normal. I made it a habit to regularly check the dipstick, and if I noticed a significant drop in oil level, I knew it was time to pay attention. New car designs are usually more precise, and oil consumption tends to stabilize after the break-in period. I recommend developing a routine of checking the dipstick every two weeks—don’t wait for the warning light to come on. If consumption exceeds 1 liter per 1,000 kilometers, it could indicate issues like piston ring or seal problems, in which case you should head to the dealership immediately to avoid engine damage and reduced lifespan. By the way, choosing a high-quality oil brand is also crucial—lower-viscosity oils tend to consume less, so make sure you’re using the correct specification to avoid artificially increasing consumption. In short, regular monitoring and scheduled maintenance will help your car run longer and smoother.
