{"id":21090,"date":"2026-04-24T16:49:44","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T20:49:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/?p=21090"},"modified":"2026-04-24T16:49:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T20:49:44","slug":"engine-oil-consumption-guidelines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/?p=21090","title":{"rendered":"Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines"},"content":{"rendered":"

All engines require oil to lubricate and protect internal moving components from wear. When a piston moves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During the power stroke, part of this oil layer is consumed in the combustion process. As a result, varying rates of oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.<\/p>\n

GM has provided guidelines for engine oil consumption in 2026 and prior model-year passenger cars, light trucks, and heavy-duty trucks and SUVs at or above 8,600 GVW. The latest versions of Bulletins #01-06-01-011 and #03-06-01-023 highlight the factors that can affect an owner\u2019s concern with oil consumption as well as the driving habits and vehicle maintenance issues that impact oil consumption. Use these guidelines to thoroughly evaluate each case before deciding whether the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption. (Fig. 3)<\/p>\n

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Fig. 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Passenger Cars and Light-Duty Trucks<\/strong><\/p>\n

The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in passenger cars and light-duty trucks is 1 qt. in 2,000 miles (0.946\u2009liters in 3,200\u2009km). This rate only applies to personal-use vehicles, under warranty, that are driven in a non-aggressive manner, maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, and driven at legal speeds in an unloaded (for trucks) condition.<\/p>\n

HD Trucks (8,600 GVW and Above)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oil usage has a direct relationship with the amount of fuel used \u2014 the harder an engine works, the more fuel and oil it will use. For heavy-duty trucks and SUVs (at or above 8,600 GVW), oil usage as a factor of fuel usage is a more accurate indicator of acceptable oil consumption levels than vehicle mileage.<\/p>\n

The accepted rate of oil consumption for gasoline engines in vehicles at or above 8,600 GVW is 1 qt. within 100 gallons (1\u2009liter within 400\u2009liters) of fuel used. This rate only applies to vehicles under warranty, maintained in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule, driven at legal speeds and within the design intent of the vehicle.<\/p>\n

Oil Consumption Checklist<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bulletins #01-06-01-011 and #03-06-01-023 review a number of factors to check when determining engine oil consumption, including:<\/p>\n