Is my Toyota Auris using excess oil?

Hi, I own a Toyota Auris Luna 1.4 diesel with 50,000km on the clock. Since my last service, which included an oil change, I've clocked up 5,000km and I've gotten two dashboard warnings saying 'oil level low' and I've topped up with a half litre on both occasions. There are no obvious oil leaks and no smoke from the exhaust. I phoned the dealer and he says this is normal for modern diesels.

Is that correct? My Dad has a different diesel car and rarely has to top up the oil level between services. Look forward to your comments.

Thanks

Aoife Slattery (Wicklow)

May 2014 Filed under: servicing

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Expert answer

Hi Aoife,

We asked Toyota Ireland what it thought would be reasonable oil consumption, and though you haven't told us the age of your car it was suggested that a rate of a quarter litre of oil per 1,000 kilometres was normal. Toyota suggested that, if you suspect there is an issue, bring the car to a dealer and as for an oil consumption test to be carried out.

Hope that helps

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D