question about oil usage

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flatlander · #1 Post by **flatlander** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 7:50 pm

Just out of interest but why would a car use more oil in colder weather then in more temerate weather?

Falcorob · #2 Post by **Falcorob** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 8:29 pm

How much more are we talking about?

Neither of our cars shows any signs of extra usage regardless of the weather. Nor does Bess. What car have you got?

Aladinsaneuk · #3 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 8:51 pm

oil tanker?

Falcorob · #4 Post by **Falcorob** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 8:53 pm

Aladinsaneuk wrote:oil tanker?

Twat. I'm billing you for the clean up of tea from my keyboard now.

Aladinsaneuk · #5 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 8:58 pm

#6 Post by **Kwackerz** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:09 pm

I suppose in winter it takes or could take longer to get up to operating temperature, so it's possible there could be a loss of oil past components... shouldnt really be that noticeable though.

What car is it, what age, what amount of oil?

flatlander · #7 Post by **flatlander** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:16 pm

fiat stilo 1.2 active petrol usually 1ll a month say but this last month nothing

BikerGran · #8 Post by **BikerGran** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:39 pm

Is that one litre a month? My ancient Nissan doesn't use that much in several months!!!

#9 Post by **Kwackerz** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:39 pm

1 litre a month? Bloody hell! My ageing N reg Corsa has used 500ml in a year

If it's gone from lots to none being used, I can only imagine there was a leak that has clogged.. or it's been driven hard from cold and now it isnt.

flatlander · #10 Post by **flatlander** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 7:27 am

The only thing I recall is that the Honda used to use more or less oil depending on the grade. Wonder if the temp makes it thinner so uses more?

D-Rider · #11 Post by **D-Rider** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:16 am

flatlander wrote:The only thing I recall is that the Honda used to use more or less oil depending on the grade. Wonder if the temp makes it thinner so uses more?

It gets thinner as it gets warmer.

You've not done an oil change and tightened up the sump plug and oil filter have you?

What's your winter mileage like compared to the summer? Have you switched a lot of your travelling to the bike recently - especially the short journeys?

#12 Post by **Kwackerz** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:20 am

If youve got a lower viscosity oil the temperature will affect the amount it'll burn oil and I guess we have had quite a change in weather temperatures the last month..
You could try switching to a heavier grade, say 10w40 oil or similar, that might help although oil burn can mean that valve guides or piston rings are worn, but that would tend to mean a continued burning of oil regardless of weather temps.

I'd be inclined, without having had a look properly, to think that youve got a higher viscosity oil in the engine and the engine, linked to the weather temps when it's starting up, doesnt like it.

I put this stuff in the corsa when I bought it and it has done good things.. Ive used it on loads of other cars and I do swear by it. It doesn't permanently repair, but it does last a good while in what it does.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Noisy-tappets ... 519d808818

Lots say engine additives are snake oils, but genuinely, this stuff has done exactly what it says on the tin. Ive used it in probably 5 or 6 cars now of varying types.. volvos,fords, nissans, vauxhalls. and as preventitive maintenance and repair maintenance for noisy engines that puff smoke like Ivor the engine..

flatlander · #13 Post by **flatlander** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:57 pm

Actually that makes sense as I use 15/40 and will try the 10/40

randomsquid · #14 Post by **randomsquid** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 5:21 pm

Maybe oil has stopped coming out because there is no more oil left in?

fatboy · #15 Post by **fatboy** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:59 pm

Id try a remedial additive like Kwackerz mentioned,may remove some deposits af crud and allow piston rings to seal a little better ect.
On a similar note the Suzuki Toy Jeep I drive to work will on start up smoke like a Rasta on a frosty morning but not so when its warm,
I put that down to the valve stem seals being inflexible when its brrr cold