General causes of high oil consumption

Overfilling 

If the oil has been filled above the recommended maximum level, oil is forced up against the cylinder walls and is ejected through the crankcase ventilation. The oil level must not be filled above the maximum mark on the dip stick.

Oil grade 

Using a non Volvo recommended oil grade can cause increased oil consumption. The oil contains a larger amount of volatile molecules if the oil is too thin. Thin oil has difficulty in maintaining a comprehensive oil film on the cylinder walls at higher temperatures. This results in increased engine wear and increased oil consumption

Hard driving 

Long and continuous driving at high engine speed (RPM) causes high engine temperature. The oil thins and consumption increases. Hard cornering at high engine speed (RPM) causes the oil to be forced against the side of the cylinder block and against the cylinder walls, resulting in increased oil consumption.

Mountain driving 

Numerous and long periods of regular engine braking also causes high engine temperature. More oil is sucked into the cylinders due to an increased negative pressure in the intake pipe.

Idling 

Driving the car in urban traffic conditions, where the engine may be running for long periods but only covering short distances, does not necessarily increase oil consumption but the ratio of oil consumption to distance travelled may be misleading.

Climate 

In hot climates, the engine is required to work harder at a higher temperature. This increases oil consumption.