As a proud owner of an Audi, you are likely familiar with its sounds, how it runs, and how often it requires oil changes. So when you start topping off the oil more than usual, you can guess something’s wrong.
We often hear from drivers who come to our garage and say, “I just changed the oil, but it’s already low again.” Once in a while, it’s normal―but if it happens repeatedly, it can be a red flag.
Oil loss can be slow and quiet, and it can be easy to overlook until it damages engine components. In this blog, we discuss how to troubleshoot the root causes of oil loss in your Audi, so you can visit our garage with confidence when you encounter any oil-related issues.
How can We Inspect and Diagnose Your Audi that’s Constantly Losing Oil?
Understanding Normal vs Excessive Oil Consumption
Since the Audi engines are high-performance, they usually consume some oil―and that’s entirely true. What matters is the amount of oil and the exact rate. If you are adding a quart every few thousand miles, that’s typical and meets factory specifications. But if you are adding oil every few weeks, that’s not normal.
We always begin our analysis by asking detailed questions, such as how often you add oil, whether you primarily drive on city streets or highways, and whether you prefer short or long trips. These details help us understand whether the oil loss is normal for the engine or a sign of an issue.
Checking for External Oil Leaks
Our inspection will start from underneath your car. This is because auto parts such as valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, timing covers, and filter housings are common leaks in Audi engines.
We once had an Audi A6 owner who thought that the engine was burning oil. After our thorough inspection, we found that the oil filter housing gasket was leaking and dripping oil only while driving. We simply fixed the gasket, and the issues got resolved.
Burning Oil Internally Without Smoke
Many Audi engines burn oil internally, producing hardly any smoke. This often surprises many people and occurs when piston rings wear, valve seals crack, or the PCV system fails. Any one of these issues is enough to allow oil into the combustion chamber quietly.
We received an Audi Q5 that passed our visual checks but failed oil consumption testing. There, we determined the real culprit was a faulty PCV valve, so we repaired it, and within a few drives, oil usage returned to normal.
Turbocharged Audi Engines and Oil Usage
If your Audi engine is turbocharged, you should know it naturally operates at higher pressure and temperature. It’s common for seals to wear over time, allowing oil to pass through the turbo system.
We still remember helping an Audi A4 owner who noticed oil loss, primarily after highway driving. While inspecting, we got to know that there’s some oil residue in the intake system, and that’s where we became sure that the worn turbo seals might be to blame.
Oil Quality and Service Intervals Matter
Following long oil-change intervals and using low-quality oil can also increase oil consumption. This commonly occurs in vehicles that adhere too strictly to extended service intervals. Because that makes the oil break down, and form sludges, and even rings don’t seal in the worst case.
Once you bring your Audi’s service schedule back to a healthier range with us, its engine will stabilize. Remember, the fix isn’t always mechanical; sometimes it’s the maintenance that should be done right.
Why Choose Us to Deal with Your Audi’s Engine Oil Loss?
If your Audi is losing oil faster than it used to, don’t ignore it or take it as usual. Oil loss can be a warning sign, but it can’t be a feature. At our Bavarian Workshop situated in West Hills, CA, we specialize in Audi service and take a careful, honest approach to diagnosing oil issues. Our dedicated team examines every issue and digs deeper rather than focusing on a single symptom. Thus, if you are topping off oil too often or just feel something isn’t right, book an appointment with us or reach out to us directly to our garage―we are here to inspect it properly, explain it clearly, and help your Audi run the way it should for years to come.