EngineQuestionCommunity Starter

Oil level dropping between changes — how much is too much?

V8TravelerCommunity StarterJan 14, 20262023 Nissan Z PerformanceDallas–Fort Worth

I've started checking the dipstick every 500 miles and the level is definitely moving down between oil changes. No obvious puddles and I don't see smoke. At what point would you stop calling this normal consumption and start testing? Trying to diagnose before I book a shop.

3 replies

RoadTech95Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink

Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Move a coil or plug on the 2023 Nissan Z if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Save the big job until that test fails. Stop there until you know. Not driving it hard until I know more.

BatteryDriver9Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink

If it were in my driveway, capture voltage while the 2023 Nissan Z is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. Not driving it hard until I know more.

BatteryDadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink

Ask what changed right before it started. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2023 Nissan Z, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.

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