Oil

Maintenance/Repairs
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1

I have a 2005 Buick LaCrosse and it is burning oil…not leaking. I have people telling me it could be seals but no way of knowing if that’s the problem until they are replaced which is costly. I have other people telling me I should get rid of it fast. What to do ???

2

How MUCH oil?? How many miles per quart? How many miles on the car?

3

The car has 31000 miles…about every 3000 miles it needs 1-2 quarts

4

1 quart /3000 miles is ok, 1 quart/1500 miles is a bit high. Has it gotten worse lately? Any symptoms besides the consumption?

5

No other problems…the last 3 oil changes when I hit about 3000 miles the low oil level light comes on. This last time I needed 2 quarts

6

A quart of oil every 1500-3000 miles isn’t outrageous. Be sure you are using the proper viscosity of oil specified in the owner’s manual. Sometimes changing brands of oil will make a difference, although I am at a loss to explain why. Automobile manufacturers consider1 quart in 1000 miles as reasonable. From an economic standpoint, it makes more sense in your case to purchase a couple of quarts of oil on sale at a discount store and add the oil between oil changes than it does to spend big bucks on what doesn’t really seem to me to be a problem.

7

Check The Engine’s PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) System For Proper Functioning Vs. Obstructions, Paticularly The PCV Valve, Which You May Want To Replace.

CSA

8

You’re going to have to start checking the oil a LOT sooner then every 3k miles.

9

I Wouldn’t Let It Get 2 Quarts Low. * Check The Oil Once A Week / Month . . . Or Every Other Week / Month, Depending On How Much Driving You Do.

I’d figure out about how long it takes you to run a 1/2 quart out of it and use that for my checking frequency.

Save an empty oil bottle and put 1/2 quart of a new full bottle in it. When you check and it’s down a half quart, put in a half quart.

I suppose you could use this procedure and let it get a full quart low, but never more than that.

* How long does it take you to 3,000 miles on this car? Based on the information, I’m guessing about 6 months. Check the oil at least every month or two and add when necessary. Don’t overfill it.

CSA