engine always seems to be low on oil, there are no leaks

2003 MAZDA PROTEGE
160,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • MANUAL
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CHEVYGAL4LIFE
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I need to know how I can figure out if my car has a serious problem or if it is fine. I change the oil regularly as it should be and I check it frequently and the reason for that is because it always seems to be low on oil, however there is nothing on the ground and the car does not smoke when running. So is this normal for this car and if not where is all the oil going?
Apr 16, 2018 at 10:59 PM
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STEVE W.
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I personally do not like cars to use oil, however most companies these days have other ideas.
Do you have an idea of how much it is using? One quart in four hundred miles? One quart in two thousand miles?

With no external signs it is more likely that it is burning the oil. They are known for worn valve stem seals, PCV valves sticking and if the oil was not changed religiously the rings can get stuck with carbon. But the amount used will tell some.
Apr 17, 2018 at 2:05 AM