In the case of your car, motor oil and water-based coolant shouldn’t mingle either. Antifreeze/coolant is often bright green-yellow or orange in color.Īs the old saying goes, oil and water don’t mix. The resulting liquid keeps your engine from getting too hot or too cold. Motor oil is designed to function at high temperatures and carries heat out of the engine.Įngine coolant ( commonly called Antifreeze) contains water and a synthetic chemical called propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Motor (engine) oil is a dark, viscous liquid that lubricates engine components. What happens if there’s oil in engine coolant/antifreeze? If this happens to you, read on to discover what steps to take next. Sometimes, mechanical components can break down and allow oil and coolant to mix. In the same way, the lubrication and cooling systems of your car’s engine must remain separate. You wouldn’t want exhaust fumes mingling with your cabin air conditioning. They serve different purposes, though, and should never meet. Why is my AC in my car not blowing cold air after a recharge? Engine oil and coolant (antifreeze) are vital components of a vehicle.
