Is it possible to use up the oil in your car without it actually leaking out?

Question

I found my oil almost empty. The oil needs to be changed, but I've never found it almost empty. Should I be concerned.

Answer 1

Yes! Oil to your car is like blood to you; It won't go very far without it.
Oil will begin to "disappear" as the engine gets older, or if there is a lack of maintenance, or abuse (overheating etc).
You should begin to check your oil every time you fuel up to avoid the possibility of serious engine damage.
Switch to a "High mileage" blend.
Be more attentive to the maintenance thing and change your oil at least according to the manufacturer's recommendations, or every 3000 miles.
As the oil gets older and carries more contaminants, the additives the refiners add become less effective and the oil becomes actually abrasive and causes damage that cannot be repaired and oil consumption will increase.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Yes you can (loose the oil without it leaking)
and Yes you should be concerned.

Without oil your motor will reduce itself to a large hunk of scrap metal in a VERY short amount of time (less than 3 seconds in some motors) - you need to have the car looked at to find out what is going on -- and that means DO NOT DRIVE IT THERE if you are OUT of oil - have a friend look, tow it, or put oil in it and drive it carefully to the shop you have already called that will take a look at it.

(if it is a simple problem or just a mistake on the oil reading - you will not be hurt (in the pocket) if it is not it could hurt a lot)

Answer 3

Should you be concerned? Yes. How many miles are on the car and have you maintained it? Pull out your pvc valve and put your finger over the end. The other end will go toward the intake manifold. There should be suction and if there isnt it could be all plugged up causing high crankcase pressure and high oil use.

Answer 4

The other folks are right about the piston rings, an easy way to tell is your exhaust. If there is dark gray smoke, or smoke with a bluish tinge coming out your tailpipe, you are definitely burning oil.

Answer 5

does ur car smoke a little that where the oil is going if you have no leaks ,most eng burn a quart of oil in between oil changes ....change ur oil every 3000 miles ,if it a heavy burn use 20w50 oil

Answer 6

Yes, as cars (and their engines) age they can begin to burn oil just like they burn gas. One of the tell-tell signs is bluish smoke or a oily smell from the exhaust pipe.

Answer 7

Cars can burn oil if the piston rings are shot.

Answer 8

Bad piston rings?