What Causes Engine Oil Dilution and Emulsification?

[HaileyMarie]

Engine oil may increase in volume at low temperatures and emulsify when mixed with water. Here are the detailed explanations: Engine Oil Dilution: When an engine frequently operates under low-temperature and low-speed conditions, the oil temperature remains low. Water and gasoline mixed in the oil cannot evaporate, leading to gradual accumulation and an increase in oil level. Engine Oil Emulsification: The essence of oil emulsification is the mixing of water and oil, resulting in a white emulsion. Causes of oil emulsification include: on one hand, water vapor in the crankcase condenses into water at low temperatures and seeps into the oil; on the other hand, ethanol gasoline tends to absorb moisture, bringing water from the air into the engine cylinders. When a vehicle operates for extended periods under low-temperature and low-speed conditions, water cannot evaporate and remains trapped in the oil, mixing with it and causing emulsification issues.