Can a car still be driven if water gets into the engine oil?
2 Answers
If water gets into the engine oil, the car should not be driven. Continuing to drive may lead to the following consequences: 1. The air filter may take in water, causing the engine to inhale air and form water vapor in the intake tract; 2. A small amount of water entering the engine cylinders may mix with the engine oil, degrading the oil quality. Engine oil containing water can increase wear on engine components, leading to louder engine noise and greater vibration while driving. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, is composed of base oil and additives. Its functions include: 1. Lubrication; 2. Assisting in cooling; 3. Cleaning; 4. Sealing and leak prevention; 5. Rust and corrosion prevention; 6. Shock absorption and cushioning, as well as anti-wear properties.
I've been driving for over 30 years and have seen too many cases of engines being ruined by continuing to drive with water-contaminated oil. You really can't take chances with this. When water mixes with engine oil, it turns milky white and the lubricating performance plummets. You might not feel anything while driving, but precision components like bearing shells and pistons are essentially grinding dry inside the engine. Prolonged operation will inevitably cause cylinder scoring. Last month, a young guy in our fleet noticed his oil turned white after driving through floodwater but ignored it. After just 20 kilometers, his car broke down on the road - the engine overhaul cost him 18,000 yuan. That's why if you discover water contamination, you should immediately shut off the engine. Calling for roadside assistance is always the best move.
