Posted on 2/27/2026
It’s frustrating to check the dipstick and see the oil level dropping when there’s no puddle under the car. A lot of engines can use oil in ways that never hit the ground, so it feels like it’s disappearing. The good news is there are a handful of common causes, and most of them leave clues if you know what to watch for. Oil loss between services is also one of those problems that can start small and slowly become your new normal. If you catch the pattern early, you can usually prevent bigger messes, plug fouling, or a low-oil warning that shows up at the worst time. Oil Loss Without A Puddle Is Common No visible leak does not automatically mean nothing is wrong. Oil can burn inside the engine, seep onto hot surfaces and evaporate, or leak only while you’re driving when air pushes it away from where you’d normally see it ... read more