Can the oil filter still be used if it gets water inside?

[Lena]

It is best not to continue driving, as failure to address the issue promptly may risk engine damage. Below are the detailed explanations: 1. Reasons: When engine oil contains excessive water, its performance will degrade. Under certain conditions, excessive water can reduce or even nullify the effectiveness of certain additives in the oil, thereby disrupting the oil's viscosity. This prevents the oil from forming a proper lubricating film on the friction pairs of moving parts, leading to mechanical damage or even failure. Minor cases may cause the engine to overheat, while severe cases can result in issues like cylinder scoring or bearing seizure, and in extreme cases, total engine failure. 2. Identifying water in engine oil: Observe the oil dipstick—if the water content is high, the oil level will exceed the marked range on the dipstick; check the engine coolant—if engine oil is present in the coolant, it indicates water contamination in the oil; if the oil contains water, after the engine runs for a while, the oil will appear milky white with foam.