Oil Loss & Consumption

An engine needs oil for a long and healthy life. However, we tend to worry less about the importance of regular oil level checks. The question of oil consumption tends to take us by suprise, and usually only arises when the dipstick comes out dry "again".

Before we can start to look for the reasons behind the loss of oil, it is first necessary to define various terms in more detail. Normally, the term "oil consumption" is always used in a very general sense. However, in the workshop it is necessary to make a distinction between the loss of oil and the actual oil consumption.

A specialist only uses the term "oil consumption" to describe the quantity of oil which enters into the combustion chamber where it is then burned or coked. The term "oil loss" is ued to cover all of the oil lost through leakage throughout the entire engine.

For in-depth knowledge of Oil Loss & Consumption see the attached PDF: