Where Does the Oil Go? AREOL’s Investigation Under the Hood

Every car owner faces this question sooner or later. Yesterday the oil level was between MIN and MAX, but today the dipstick is dry, and you’re reaching for a refill can again. Sound familiar?

Path One:
Evaporation. Oil Disappears Without Even Burning

This process has a strict scientific name — evaporation loss according to NOACK. The oil in the pan is heated to 100–150°C, and light fractions constantly evaporate. Through the crankcase ventilation system, these vapors are sucked into the intake and burned in the cylinders. There’s no smoke, but the level drops.

The figures speak for themselves:

• Average oil has an evaporation loss of 10–13% (over 100 g per 1000 km)
• Premium oils — 6–8%
• Top-tier products — below 5%

Thanks to the meticulous selection of base oils and additive packages, AREOL products consistently demonstrate low evaporation loss throughout the entire service interval.

Path Two:
Burn-up in Cylinders. When Oil Works as Fuel

The most obvious path of disappearance is combustion in the combustion chamber. Oil gets there:

• Through valve stem seals — when they harden with age.
• Through piston rings — if they are coked or worn out.
• Through the turbocharger — worn shaft seals turn the “snail” into an oil sprayer.

The main enemies here are high temperatures and insufficient thermal stability of the oil. It is for such cases that AREOL engineers developed products with enhanced deposit control.

Path Three:
External Leaks

Oil can simply leak out. Where to look?

• Valve cover gasket
• Crankshaft seals (especially the rear one)
• Oil pan gasket
• Oil pressure sensors

AREOL pays great attention to elastomer compatibility. The additive packages are selected to neither dry out the rubber nor soften it. The oil should stay where it belongs.

Path Four:
Sludge and Deposits. Oil Remains in the Engine Forever

The worst-case scenario — the oil doesn’t leak or burn, but turns into deposits, staying inside. During overheating, light fractions evaporate, heavy fractions settle on walls, in channels, on pistons. Sticky varnish or hard coke forms, killing hydraulic lifters and clogging the oil pickup.

How does AREOL combat this? A high viscosity index (160–166) and a stable Total Base Number (TBN) allow the oil to neutralize acids and keep oxidation products in suspension, preventing them from settling on parts.

AREOL Solutions: Top Products for Oil Burn-up Reduction

AREOL Max Protect F 5W-30  —  the ideal choice for Ford owners and those seeking universal protection with an emphasis on low oil consumption

AREOL Max Protect F 5W-30

Premium synthetic fuel-efficient oil developed for gasoline and diesel engines, including injection and turbocharging systems.

Key Approvals and Specifications:

• ACEA: A1/B1, A5/B5
• API: SN PLUS, SL/CF
• FORD: WSS-M2C913-C/D
• BMW: LL-01 FE
• JAGUAR LAND ROVER: STJLR.03.5003
• RENAULT: RN 0700
• VOLKSWAGEN: VWC 53036

Technical Characteristics:

• Viscosity Index: 168
• Flash Point: 220°C
• Pour Point: -45°C
• TBN: 10.1 mgKOH/g
• Sulfated Ash: 1.09%

AREOL Eco Protect C2 5W-30 — for modern engines with particulate filters where low ash content is critical

AREOL Eco Protect C2 5W-30

Synthetic fuel-efficient oil with a low-ash (Mid SAPS) additive package, ensuring compatibility with the latest exhaust after-treatment systems. Excellent for engines running on natural gas and LPG (CNG/LPG).

Key Approvals and Specifications:

• ACEA: C2
• API: SN/CF
• FIAT: 9.55535-S1
• RENAULT: RN 0700

Technical Characteristics:

• Viscosity Index: 160
• Flash Point: 236°C
• Pour Point: -45°C
• TBN: 7.7 mgKOH/g
• Sulfated Ash: 0.76%

AREOL Max Protect LL 5W-30 — Minimal burn-up and evaporation. A flash point of 228°C and a viscosity index of 162 confirm the stability of the oil film.

AREOL Max Protect LL 5W-30

Synthetic oil with an enhanced additive package, focused on engine protection in severe operating conditions (city driving, turbocharging).

Key Approvals and Specifications:

• ACEA: A3/B4
• API: SN/CF
• VW: 502.00/505.00
• MB: 229.3/226.5
• BMW: LL-01
• Renault: RN0700

Technical Characteristics:

• Viscosity Index: 162
• Flash Point: 228°C
• Pour Point: -45°C
• TBN: 8.1 mgKOH/g
• Sulfated Ash: 0.88%

AREOL, made in Belgium, focuses on three parameters affecting oil burn-up:

1. Low Evaporation — fewer losses
2. Thermal Stability — oil doesn’t coke
3. Detergent Properties — the engine stays clean

Oil burn-up is not a death sentence, but an indicator of the engine’s condition and the quality of what you pour into it. AREOL proves that the right chemistry reduces oil consumption, extends engine life, and saves your money.