oil usage

2000 MAZDA PROTEGE
213,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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LASTMOH
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I drove the car 5,000 miles with conventional oil before oil change. The oil was low about 1 quart.

1. Where the oil went. I do not see signs that the car burn oil as blue smoke or sludgy black stuff in the exhaust.
2. Does the oil evaporate?

Thank you
Sep 16, 2020 at 7:08 PM
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KASEKENNY
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No. Oil does not evaporate. 1 quart low is nothing to worry about between oil changes. It is normal for an engine to use some oil as it is not 100% sealed. You will have some oil pass the rings and other things like the valve seals causing it to burn the oil. You will not see this small amount of smoke as it is not really visible but it is burning it.

Again, I would just check your oil once per month between oil changes but it continues to only use 1 quart in 5,000 miles then that is nothing to worry about.

Let me know if you have other questions. Thanks
Sep 16, 2020 at 7:13 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If you used one quart in 5,000 miles, that is nothing to worry about. Most manufacturers indicate a quart of oil in 1,500 miles is acceptable.

Where does it go? If there are absolutely no leaks, it does get burned to some extent in the combustion chamber. Because of the small amount being burned, the catalytic converter likely takes care of the issue and no smoke is ever seen.

Oil can evaporate over time. It is more likely to happen above 212° F which is a normal operating temp for a vehicle engine. However, the process is very slow.

I hope that helps.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Sep 16, 2020 at 7:16 PM
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