I’m a new driver. I have 2013 Buick Verano. Three weeks ago I saw that the oil level in my car was almost zero even though it had only been 1.5 months since I last changed oil. I topped it up with one qt of full synthetic oil. Today I see that oil level is again zero. Am I doing something wrong? Can I just keep filling the oil every month until next oil change.
I believe this is a “GDI” or direct injection engine. Kias have the same problem, and badly. Sometimes the rings can sieze up on the piston, leaving a little “gap” instead of “scraping” oil from the cylinder wall.The best solution is to get the car in operable condition, then trade or sell it. Until then: rent a borescope camera from Autozone. Put the camera into each spark plug hole and examine the tops (“crown”) of the pistons. Ordinarily, you should see clean surfaces, maybe blackish-brownish coloration but NO accumulation of carbon, which would resemble charcoal. If you do see carbon buildup from burnt oil, the clock is ticking. The carbon retains heat during the combustion process and the accumulation also artificially raises the compression ratio. The carbon also becomes heated beyond the tolerance of the piston crown and can eventually weaken it sufficiently to blow a hole in the crown. The “redneck” solution which often works is to immediately begin using a GDI-specific engine oil. Next, buy a can of Berryman’s B12 from Walmart, Autozone, or wherever and one of the $5 transfer pumps from Harbor Freight. With the engine COLD, pour enough B12 into each cylinder so the piston crown is covered. Then, with spark plugs fully inserted and tight BUT NOT CONNECTED TO IGNITION, turn the ignition for just a second or so, max. Do that part again in 2 hours, and 2 more hours. Then, check with the borescope the level of B12 in each cylinder and make sure the crown is covered. Let it sit overnight. Next day: Use the Harbor Freight pump to suck out all the B12 you can from each cylinder, double check with borescope. No pools or puddles, but surface dampness is ok. Leave plugs out for 30 minutes or so for any residual B12 to evaporate. Then, replace the plugs and connect them to ignition wires or coils. Start the engine! It will smoke, smell, and maybe run funny for a minute or so but will be fine. Once smoking stops, drive it for 20 minutes or so and don’t be shy with accelerator. Last step, change the oil with the GDI-specific stuff.