What are the consequences of mixing engine oil with coolant?

1 Answers
MacJosiah
07/29/25 9:59am
If coolant gets mixed into the engine oil, a small amount may not cause significant issues, but a large quantity can lead to adverse effects. This can easily result in oil emulsification, disruption of the oil's structure, impaired lubrication, and consequently, accelerated engine wear, potentially leading to engine damage. It is advisable to drain the contaminated oil promptly and refill with new oil that meets the required standards. Methods for selecting coolant: The basic indicators for coolant are its freezing point and boiling point. Available in the market are coolants with freezing points of -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, -40°C, etc. Generally, it is recommended to choose a coolant with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. Methods to determine if coolant is low: Observe the coolant warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to low coolant levels, although it could also be triggered by excessively high cylinder temperatures. Check the coolant reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and add coolant promptly. Inspect the water level markings on the coolant overflow tank. The normal coolant level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. If the coolant is below the minimum mark, it indicates a deficiency.
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