Owners of new cars are often surprised that despite the flawless operation of the engine and economical fuel consumption, oil still depletes in significant quantities — sometimes up to a liter per thousand kilometers. Service centers respond to these questions by stating that such oil consumption is now considered quite normal. A mechanic shared insights into the reasons behind this issue in an interview.
Modern engines are developed under strict standards aimed at reducing friction and increasing efficiency. To achieve these goals, parts are made lighter, and pistons are designed with a smaller contact area. This helps to reduce fuel consumption, but in turn increases pressure and load on the cylinder walls, leading to a higher risk of damage. In the premium segment, more expensive technologies and materials are used, while in the mass segment, the problem is addressed by adjusting the oil control rings to leave a thick oil film on the cylinders. Although this protects the parts, it also results in greater oil consumption.
The oil control ring does not completely remove the oil, leaving a protective film that used to be minimal and almost not burned off. Under current conditions, its excess burns directly in the engine. The tightening of environmental standards has also reduced the diameter of the pistons and increased the gaps within the cylinders, leading to additional vibration and increased oil consumption. New alloys and special coatings are too expensive for mass production, so manufacturers declare the increased consumption as a design norm, shifting maintenance costs onto the shoulders of car owners.
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