My '05 Civic seems to use 'too much' oil.

don't be concerned yet. if the problem persists, then worry about it. with a new engine, when the rings have not yet seated & sealed, it's common to burn a little oil. also, check the level first thing in the morning when cold. it takes a while for oil to run down to the oil pan if it's been used so checking the level right after use is not always too accurate.

What specifically is the evidence that 1/2 quart was used? Did you actually take _two_ dipstick readings, one at the start of the 4k miles, the other at the end?

It is possible the car didn't consume any significant amount of oil during this time, because it wasn't "topped" off at the last change or upon delivery to you, when new.

Any oil spots on your garage floor, indicating the drain bolt or oil filter maybe wasn't fully tightened?

"Jenny" wrote

You bought a new car and never checked the oil in 4000 miles???????????????????

Don't be worried yet, but keep a close eye on it. Definitely check each time you put gas in - you should anyway, you know.

There have been a few reports in the last few years of new Hondas suddenly consuming oil. When it has been tracked down, the only cause I've heard of is a broken piston ring - at least two cases of that. Break-in should be far enough along that you won't see much oil consumption now if all is normal.

Mike

Any signs of leakage? My sister-in-law's '05 Civic needed a new engine at 3,500 miles due to a freak leaking engine block.

John

Your oil usage is not excessive. If you use a quart in 1000-1500 miles I would say you have a problem. Some cars just use oil. Preludes use a quart anywhere from 1500 to 3500 miles -- just because of the design of the engine. An XKE I had in the mid 60s would use a quart every 300 miles or so.

snipped-for-privacy@mailcity.com (Jenny) wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@news.west.earthlink.net:

It is.

You'll notice your gas mileage is not nearly what you think it should be either. There is a range of acceptable oil use, and you are /well/ within that. 8,000 miles per quart is excellent for only 4K miles on the clock. And it'll get even better as the engine wears in.

At thi point, your rings are still bedding in and the final cylinder finish is still forming. You even have special break-in oil in there that is designed to aid the break-in process.

The most important thing you can do right now is to perform all services (especially oil changes) exactly as specified in your owner's manual, and NOT to change the oil for the first time until precisely as specifed (and especially not too early!)

Approaching about 8,000-10,000 miles your oil usage will decline even more, and your gas mileage will reach its final level.

Enjoy your new Honda.

If you "feel" your engine is consuming too much oil. Then request the dealer perform an oil consumption test. (It's all spelled out in Honda's service ops manual or HSB 82-003.)

When you pick your car up from this oil and filter change. Ask the service manager or the Tech to show you the correct way to check the oil. Your job then, is to check the oil at each fill-up, until a quart of oil is consumed or the test mileage is achieved.

Jenny wrote:

-- Tp,

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Good answer.