I know that most modern engines consume oil to a certain extent. I have seen it in many different makes and models of vehicle. This post isn't to argue about how acceptable or unacceptable it is.
This is the situation we find ourselves in and have to make the best of it.
We can all agree that a car is useless without an engine, right?
- An engine is essentially a collection of metal parts
- Some of these metal parts run by each other at thousands of cycles per minute in set tolerances.
- To enable smooth motion of these metal parts, a lubricant is used between these metal parts to ensure they don't touch each other. In our case, the lubricant is automotive engine oil.
- You might or might not hear these sounds as they rub against each other.
- When most materials rub against each other, friction happens.
- Friction eats away at parts that were supposed to be smooth which creates gaps.
- This will affect how the engine runs, because it was designed as a relatively tight sealed unit.
- Heat makes solids expand and sometimes distort.
- When these engine metals expand and distort, they behave outside of previously predetermined patterns and paths.
- This will cause more friction and impact with parts that previously slid against each other over a nice oil film.
- Eventually knocking noises will start and in the end a rod is thrown or the engine locks up.
Even a relatively low maintenance engine can consume more oil at one time or another depending on driving conditions, etc. So it's best you check it.
Check it:
- Before you buy it
- Before you borrow it
- Before a long trip
- Before you drive it hard & after
- Before your oil change & after
- On a regular schedule, like every morning/week/month...or using the maintenance menu of your car that can be set to remind you every X miles.
Every bit of neglect adds up. It might all come crashing down on the poor guy that buys it when you sell it off, or something catastrophic might happen while you still own it.
