How many ounces of oil does your Prius use between oil changes?

I switched from a synthetic to a high mileage blend at 130K due to increased oil consumption. It was using about a quart at the time and that decreased over the next 3-4 changes to maybe 20-24 ounces between changes. Now that the engine is over 170K the consumption is back over a quart, maybe 36-40 ounces. It's hard to estimate what is drained out when placed in an empty gallon milk jug. The ICE has almost all highway miles on it, so the wear and oil usage are to be expected. I will get a better idea in a week when I change oil again. That happens about every two months with the miles I drive.

 

I really don't like that method of monitoring oil consumption. What's wrong with keeping it topped off and just noting how much oil you have to add. It's more accurate and has the added benefit that you actually keep the oil topped off.

So many people with oil consumption problems and apparently some kind of aversion to topping off.

 

Oh, I do top off. Sorry, didn't include that info. I don't let the level get below the halfway point on the dip stick, unless it is within a couple days of changing time. Up to this point I have managed to only need the remaining 1/2 quart from the 3 1/2 quart fill, but this next time around and subsequent I will most likely be buying 5 quarts of oil. Hey, maybe there is some savings in that if I get that 5 quart single container.

 

Just keep a note of how much top off oil you need per oil change interval and you keep a pretty accurate track of oil consumption.

Yeah it's a big saving where I live. I mean literally about two thirds the price when buying 5L instead of individual liter bottles. Sometimes even cheaper as 5L bottles go on sale much more often too.

 

what's funny: Toyota says 1 qt in 800 is miles is acceptable. I say: Bull hockey!!

 

Getting into pricing: $5.65 Canadian per liter bottle of Toyota 0W20, at the dealership parts department.

 

My 2005 with 130k isn't using yet. I've always let the dealer change it and they always overfill just a little. Plus you get free popcorn!

 

The results of the oil change were 4 quarts 12 ounces added and I eyeballed about 2 quarts 4 ounces drained, so in 4804 miles it used 2 quarts 8 ounces. And that is all interstate travel miles and the odometer now at 175K.

 

If that's all you drained you're running the car's oil down to damaging levels. If this is with the aim to determine oil loss, I'd say just keep topping up periodically, to bring it back to the top dimple on dipstick, and track how much you needed to add, how much of a bottle, or multiple bottles.

 

Yes, I did run it a bit low that time. Eighth inch above the lower dimple on the stick. I usually refill to an eighth inch below the top dimple when it gets to the halfway point, which I will continue to do.