What oil consumption is normal?

[StoicDude]

This is just a question, because I have seen some reports on other forums about the new Audi A3 2.0T consuming 1-2 quarts over 5-10K respectively.

People on the forum are saying that it is not big deal to loose 2 quarts over 10K, but considering the oil capacity is 4.7 quarts I think it is a bit excessive.

How, if in any way, does it affect the catalytic converter and is that consumption normal?

BTW, this is on cars with various mileage cars. Some have over 20K others are around 10-20.

I do understand that new engines consume some oil during break-in, but even then what is normal?

 

[Curious Kid]

It has been mentioned around here that the rate of consumption of less than 1 qt/1k miles to be acceptible, in an engine new or old.

As far as impacts on cats, most of it passes through and/or is burned off. Manufacturers have been adding pressure for change in additive formulations by cutting back on phos. levels - ZDDP being the prime source from what I have gathered here so far. The SM formula limits have individuals concerned - though data may not support their fears and speculations, the previous allowances have been in use for a long time and thus have been a measure of the oil's likely protection affordability with all else equal. The new add's that may or may not make up for the reduction in ZDDP don't appear to show in the usual oil analysis. Kind of leaves one in the dark without trial on good faith.

 

[JohnBrowning]

1qt/1000 miles is a cop-out for warranty issues and is not reasonable for any engine that is of sound design and in good mechanical shape. 1/2qt-1qt per 3000-5000 miles is much more reasonable and realistic oil usage guidline.

I go 6 months or 9000-10,000 miles between OCI's as a rule and have zero consuption and almost no fuel diloution at all.I would agree with your Audi crowd and say that while I would not be happy with 2qt's of consumption over 10,000 mile OCI I would not be too alarmed by it.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

If it's an high performance engine used in high performance applications, you can expect some consumption.
If you buy regular Ma & Pa engines, then I would consider a quart consumption in 5K too much. I've purchased 12 new American vehicles for regular everyday use since 1970, not one used more than a half-quart in 5K.

 

[XS650]

Quote:

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If it's an high performance engine used in high performance applications, you can expect some consumption.
If you buy regular Ma & Pa engines, then I would consider a quart consumption in 5K too much. I've purchased 12 new American vehicles for regular everyday use since 1970, not one used more than a half-quart in 5K.

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That sounds about right. I guess I wouldn't get too upset about a qt in 3k miles on a passenger car engine but I wouldn't be happy about it. A qt in 1500 miles is just plain bad. As an earlier poster said, it's just the manufacturers trying to get out of fixing the problem.

My MA and Pa 1996 Corvette used essentially no oil in 6k miles. My 2006 uses more, it has used almost 1/2 qt in the last 6k miles, but with only 8600 miles on the car it may improve.

 

[blupupher]

Just don't ask Otis (sp?).
He was told by his dealer than 1qt/300 miles (yes, three hundred) is not too much in his Caravan.

 

[badnews]

This is more correct than what the dealerships will tell you