Engine Oil Consumption

Function of Engine Oil

The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate and cool the internal parts of the engine.

Engine Oil Consumption

During normal driving, it is normal for the engine to consume some oil. The causes of oil consumption in a normal engine are as follows:

• Engine oil is used to lubricate the pistons, piston rings and cylinders. As the piston moves down in the cylinder, a thin film of oil remains on the cylinder wall. The high negative pressure generated during engine operation draws some oil into the combustion chamber. During combustion, this oil, together with the oil from the cylinder walls, burns in the high-temperature working gas formed by the combustion products.

• The viscosity and quality of the oil, engine speed, driving conditions, etc. have a strong influence on engine oil consumption. Oil consumption increases under severe driving conditions, such as high-speed driving and more frequent acceleration and braking than in normal driving.