Symptoms
- Dipstick reads near or below the low mark before the next service is due
- Oil light flickers on acceleration or turns
- Oil spots under the car
- Blueish exhaust smoke on startup
Likely causes
- CommonNormal consumptionSome engines, especially higher-mileage or turbocharged ones, use a small amount of oil between changes.
- CommonExternal leak (valve cover, oil pan, filter)Leaks usually leave visible spots on the driveway or garage floor.
- PossibleWorn piston rings or valve sealsCauses oil to burn internally, often with blue smoke on startup.
- CommonOverdue for a top-offSimply not checked often enough between full changes.
What to do
- Check the dipstick when the engine is cold and the car is level; note exactly how far below full it reads.
- Look under the car overnight for fresh spots, and check around the oil filter, drain plug, and valve cover gasket for wetness.
- Add the correct oil in small amounts if it's below the low mark, rechecking after each addition, and never fill past the max line.
- Watch the exhaust on a cold startup for blue-tinted smoke, which suggests oil is being burned internally.
- Track how much oil you add and how many miles pass between top-offs so you can describe consumption accurately if you need a mechanic.
- If the level keeps dropping fast (needing a quart every 1,000 miles or less), get it diagnosed rather than just keeps adding oil.
Tools and parts
- Dipstick
- Funnel
Manufacturer-specified engine oilSearch: “engine oil for [your car year make model]”
When to call a pro
See a mechanic if you're adding more than about a quart every 1,000–2,000 miles, or if you see any oil leak spots, blue smoke, or warning lights.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.