If your 2018 Chevrolet Equinox consumes excessive oil between changes, you're experiencing an issue that has affected many owners of this generation Equinox, particularly those with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. Understanding the causes and monitoring consumption helps manage this concern.
Equinox Oil Consumption Issues
The 2018 Equinox came with either the 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder or 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 1.5L has received more complaints regarding oil consumption. GM considers up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles within "normal" range, though many owners disagree with this standard.
Causes of Excessive Consumption
Piston ring design in the 1.5L may allow oil past the rings into the combustion chamber. PCV system issues can create excessive crankcase pressure, forcing oil past seals. Turbocharger seal wear allows oil into the intake system. Valve stem seal deterioration permits oil to enter through the intake valves. Some consumption increase is normal for turbocharged engines compared to naturally-aspirated designs.
Symptoms to Watch
Oil level drops noticeably between changes—more than 1 quart per 2,000 miles warrants investigation. Blue or gray smoke from the exhaust, especially on startup or acceleration, indicates burning oil. Spark plug fouling from oil contamination can cause misfires. Foul smell from the exhaust may indicate oil burning. Reduced fuel economy can accompany excessive oil consumption.
Monitoring and Documentation
Check oil level weekly with the vehicle on level ground, engine off for a few minutes. Record mileage and amount of oil added. This documentation is essential if seeking warranty assistance. GM may require an oil consumption test where they verify consumption rate over a monitored period.
Solutions
If under warranty, GM may perform piston ring replacement for consumption exceeding their threshold. Some owners report reduced consumption after using higher-quality synthetic oil. PCV valve replacement is inexpensive and may help ($50-$100). More extensive repairs like piston ring replacement or engine rebuild cost $2,000-$4,000. Careful monitoring and regular top-offs are necessary until a repair is performed.