2001 neon, oil questions

[kclady36]

I apologize for the typos and if this is a little long winded.

What is the normal oil consumption with this car between oil changes? when i purchased it at 15,000 miles it was kinda normal for it to be 1/2 qt low. now at 70,000 miles its maybe 1 to 1 1/4 quart low between oil changes. there is no visible oil leaks cause i look all over religiously on pavement for signs. I read online that it is really not a concern unless it starts consuming a quart every 1,000 miles. I do not know how true that is. I would say my car consumes a quart every 2500 miles. Also I only want to keep this car for one more year so i am really not wanting to invest in this car since i am not planning to keep it past another 8 to 12 months. Also can checking oil level when your car is very hot and been running for about 40 minutes on hwy cause the reading to be lower than what it actually was?

Question #2 can motor oil catch fire? I added oil to my car after the engine was super hot and running for some time and i kinda spilled the oil and it ran off to the side and a flame poofed up for about 2 seconds. i assume its probably a better idea to add oil when the engine is not so hot?


Question#3. How long does it take for an engine to cool down when your done driving?

My car actually drives well for being at 70,000 miles. If I can drive it till it reaches 80,000 miles without sticking it into the shop ill be happy.

[das2123]

It is very reasonable for an older engine to use a quart of oil between oil changes. Piston rings will allow blow-by and burn up the oil. If you are not planning on keeping the car very long, then just continue to do what you are doing and maintain the oil level.

#2. Yes it can catch fire at about 400+° F, so not very likely to catch fire in you engine even though it is running.

#3. Depends on how hard and long you drove it. Even after an hour, it would still be warm.