Nissan Repair: 2006 Nissan Altima, 2006 nissan altima, nissan altima

Question
About a week after purchasing my 2006 Altima, I have had issues with excessive oil usage but no sign of a leakage.  Purchased Car 10/26/2010 and to this date, between oil changes it is either bone dry or down 2 quarts of oil.  What is going on; do I have a serious issue with my little baby?

Answer
Barbara,

Yes, the engine is consuming oil.  I would have a compression test performed to see if it is the rings or the valve seals.  You can use a product called restore if it is the rings and that would reduce oil consumptions.  But, it the valve seals or guides are gone that will require the valve cover be pulled to access the seals to replace them.  Also, I use Mobil 1 synthetic 5W30 in all of my Nissan cars and it does reduce oil consumption as well.  I am sure you do not have a warranty and the steps I have listed will reduce oil consumption.  If the car is using this much please keep an eye on it by checking the oil weekly or bi-weekly.  It is vital that the engine have the correct amount of oil since too much will cause foaming of the oil and bearing damage and too little will also cause bearing damage.