My Iveco Daily is using a lot of oil – what should I do?

Engine oil is essential for the proper functioning of any vehicle. Its main role is to lubricate the moving parts of the engine that are interconnected, thereby ensuring their efficiency. Without it, the engine will suffer accelerated wear and tear, leading to reduced performance and significant maintenance costs. 

This slight consumption is necessary to reduce friction and wear on mechanical parts. Therefore, with regular maintenance and checks, there is no need to worry about oil consumption after driving several thousand kilometres. 

However, if your Iveco Daily is consuming an excessive amount of oil without you having changed your driving habits, it is time to take action. Indeed, this could be a sign of a more serious underlying problem that needs to be resolved. In this article, we will explore the common causes of excessive oil consumption and how to remedy them. 

How do you monitor oil consumption?

To ensure your engine performs at its best, it is important to check your oil consumption regularly and top up if necessary. 

To accurately check your oil consumption, follow these steps: 

• Wipe the dipstick clean with a dry cloth and insert it into the oil sump.

• Check that the oil level is between the MIN and MAX marks. 

• If the level is low, top up to the MAX mark. 

• Check the engine oil level every 1,000 to 2,000 kilometres or before setting off on a long journey

• Note the amount of oil added after the check. This corresponds to your oil consumption over 1,000 to 2,000 kilometres. 

What is abnormal oil consumption?

Abnormal engine oil consumption can be harmful to your vehicle in many ways. It may be caused by leaks, excessive wear of mechanical parts, poor combustion or low oil pressure. Abnormal oil consumption can lead to short- or long-term damage if not rectified. 

The most common signs are 

• blue, foul-smelling exhaust fumes, 

• oil stains under the car and/or 

• blackened spark plugs. 

If you notice any of these signs, have your vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair.

Oil consumption depends on the type of engine, the quality of the oil and driving conditions. However, as a general rule, an engine can be expected to consume between 0.2 and 0.5 litres of oil per 1,000 kilometres. This is an important factor to consider when it comes to maintaining your car and ensuring it runs at its best. By keeping an eye on your engine oil consumption, you can save money on fuel costs and extend the life of your vehicle.

List of possible causes 

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your engine oil consumption, start by identifying the causes. There can be many: 

• An engine oil issue: over time, engine oil deteriorates and it is important to change it annually to ensure your engine runs smoothly. This not only keeps your engine clean and lubricated but also prevents excessive oil consumption. An oil level that is too low or oil that is unsuitable for your engine can also affect your oil consumption. 

Mechanical faults can lead to leaks, resulting in increased oil consumption. These leaks may be caused by:  

• A worn-out cylinder head gasket. The cylinder head gasket is responsible for sealing the gap between the cylinder head and the engine block. If it is compromised, fluids such as water or oil can leak. 

• A faulty sump or its seal. The sump supplies oil to the engine system. If it is punctured, oil can easily escape.

• An old oil filter. The oil filter plays a vital role in the proper functioning of your Iveco Daily engine: it purifies the oil sent to the engine by filtering out dust, debris or contaminants. If the oil filter is blocked, the oil cannot circulate properly through the engine. 

• Worn piston rings. Piston rings are metal components that ensure a seal between the pistons and the engine cylinders. Worn piston rings can compromise this seal and lead to excessive oil consumption by the engine.

Other environmental and behavioural factors can lead to high engine oil consumption, such as driving style, the route taken or even the outside temperature. 

What should you do if your engine is consuming too much oil?

Before considering any repairs: 

• Find out what the typical oil consumption is for your Iveco Daily. Some makes or models are known to consume more oil than average. 

• Check the condition of your oil pump. Do you notice any faults? A lack of pressure? 

• Carry out an initial thorough cleaning of the engine.

• If the excessive oil consumption is due to mechanical faults, then certain worn parts will need replacing, such as the piston cylinder, piston ring, cylinder head gasket, rocker cover or oil filter.

If you are unsure of the cause of the problem, contact a professional mechanic. They will be able to identify the faulty part.

Driven by a passion for the automotive world, KPX Parts is committed to offering you the best spare parts for your Iveco Daily van at competitive prices. Our team is at your disposal for any technical or commercial enquiries.