What Are the Symptoms of Oil and Coolant Mixing?
3 Answers
When oil and coolant mix, the following situations may occur: If the oil contains a significant amount of water, its lubricating properties will deteriorate, and its viscosity will decrease. In mild cases, this can lead to premature oil degradation and rusting of mechanical parts. In severe cases, it may cause serious mechanical failures such as engine seizure or bearing damage. How to Choose Coolant: The basic indicators of coolant are its freezing point and boiling point. Coolants available on the market come in various freezing points such as -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C. Generally, it is advisable to choose a coolant with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. How 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, though it could also be triggered by excessively high engine 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 coolant level markings on the coolant tank. The normal coolant level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. If the coolant level is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage of coolant.
Last time I went for car maintenance, I noticed the engine oil color looked off - milky white and sticky to the touch. When checking the coolant, there was an oily film floating on the surface, feeling slippery. This is most likely caused by engine oil mixing with coolant, probably due to a failed cylinder head gasket. After driving for a while, the coolant temperature warning light came on, white smoke kept coming from the engine, and there was noticeable power loss during acceleration - even climbing hills became difficult. My mechanic friend said if not addressed promptly, the engine could overheat and be ruined, causing significant losses. I usually check the dipstick regularly to ensure normal oil color - early detection and resolution can save big money.
As a young car enthusiast, I'm particularly sensitive to the symptoms of oil and coolant mixing. The oil tank develops a milky, paste-like substance, sticky like yogurt; while the coolant has oil droplets floating on the surface, feeling slippery when touched with a finger. The engine overheats during operation, with the dashboard's water temperature warning constantly beeping, thick white smoke puffing from the exhaust, and a noticeable drop in power. I've researched online and found that this is often caused by gasket seal failure. Continuing to drive under such conditions could lead to more severe damage. Having driven a few similar old cars before, I've learned that pulling over promptly to inspect the issue is crucial to avoid an engine overhaul.
