Blog / Allentown Toyota Service

Bennett Toyota Looks at Coolant in Engine Oil

wrench
This is an expensive and devastating problem to have. Sometimes, once you notice coolant in the engine it is already too late for quick, inexpensive repairs. If you notice a coolant or oil anomaly, contact the dealership right away. Whitehall area Toyota looks at coolant in your engine’s oil.   Is There Coolant in my Engine’s Oil? Coolant in the oil can be difficult to detect. You will hear that moisture in the oil will give the oil a brown-milk substance, but is not always the case. In fact, engine oils on the market today are loaded with special detergents and dispersants, which permit the coolant to mix with the oil, essentially undetected until it is too late.   What are the Symptoms of Coolant in the Oil? One of the telltale signs of a failure is the loss of coolant, without the presence of a leak. Modern engine systems are designed to contain the coolant, so if you see a drop, it is a cause for alarm.   Test to be Certain You can test the oil at home, but an analysis at the dealership is more thorough and effective.
  • Drop an oil sample on the exhaust manifold, looking for sizzle instead of smoke, OR
  • Allow some oil to drain into a clear, glass jar or another clear container. Look for separation or the presence of water, OR
  • Place a drop of oil on to the back of a white business card. Clean oil will disperse and fade relatively evenly. If glycol is present, the oil on the card will remain as a dark blot in the center because the oil is not dispersing.
  How Does Coolant Get Into the Engine Oil? The coolant can mix with the engine oil a few different ways. The most common cause of engine seeping into the engine oil is a failed head gasket. A few other causes of the intrusion is a warped or cracked cylinder head, and leaky intake gaskets, and failure from the head bolts because they are either stripped or sealed improperly. The service team can do an accurate diagnosis. If you service the system you assume is the culprit, you may be neglecting the real cause of the leak. The mistake can be costly and devastating.
Posted in:

Related Posts

ToyotaCare: A No-Cost Maintenance Plan

When you buy or lease a new Toyota you automatically get a no-cost maintenance plan that covers you for two years or 25,000 miles – whichever comes first. You also get 24-hour roadside assistance for your first two years of Toyota ownership or leasing, regardless of how many miles you drive during that time frame. Proper Vehicle Maintenance Increases Safety and Dependability Maintaining a vehicle is necessary to ensuring your safety and the dependability of your vehicle over time. Toyota offers the ToyotaCare program to help you maintain your vehicle. ToyotaCare 24-Hour Roadside Assistance For your first two years of ownership or when leasing a new Toyota you’re covered under ToyotaCare’s 24 hour roadside assistance. ToyotaCare roadside assistance covers: Towing Dead battery jump starts Lockout protection Winching Fuel delivery Flat tire assistance ToyotaCare Factory Maintenance Coverage When you bring your Toyota in for service we’ll keep a history of your maintenance visits and also send you reminders when you’re due for factory scheduled maintenance. ToyotaCare scheduled factory maintenance covers: Oil and filter changes Tire rotations Inspect and adjust all fluid levels Multi-point vehicle inspection

Closeup refuel gasoline in gas-station on white background

Why is My Gas Mileage Dropping?

When we buy our new vehicles, one of the features that drives us to certain models is the fuel economy rating. If you drive a Toyota, you are getting some of the best range in the industry. Have you noticed you can’t drive as far as you could just a few months ago? Bennett Toyota technicians answer common questions about fuel economy range. Will Premium Improve Fuel Economy? Premium fuel has a higher octane rating, which makes the car more resistant to preignition. Preignition is a problem most common with high performance cars, not your every-day commuter. High-octane fuel will only cost you more money per gallon; it won’t allow you to drive further. Why is My Gas Mileage Dropping? If you are noticing a dip in mileage, answer a few questions to identify the problem: Do you speed? Yep, one of the biggest reasons for poor fuel economy is a lead foot. Follow the posted speed limit signs, don’t drive aggressively, and quit stopping abruptly. Are your tires properly inflated? Get out the air pressure gauge and check the pressure. You can find the recommended air pressure in your owner’s manual or inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Are any of your dash lights on? If so, you need to head to the shop right away. The Toyota technicians will hook up your car and run the codes to see what the problem is. Fuel Economy Myths If your fuel economy is dropping, don’t believe common fuel economy myths: Your car needs to be warmed up in the morning Gas from no-name stations is bad Filling up when it’s cold outside improves mileage The air filter is dirty (this is only true for older carbureted engines)

fall-leaves-300x225

Car Care Tips for Fall

The crisp in the air means one thing: fall is here. We are thrilled to see the leaves change, the holiday coffee blends, and the cooler temps. Not to mention the football games on nearly every day. Fall is also a time to brush up on maintenance and service to prepare your car for the cooler temperatures. This fall, head over to Bennett Toyota service department for fall maintenance. Fall Car Care Tasks The following tasks are a few of the most important to avoid a breakdown or accident: Improve visibility Visibility is critical during all seasons. To improve visibility, inspect all the lights around your car, inspect the rubber on your windshield wipers, top off the windshield wiper fluid with a cold-weather blend, and if your lenses are scratched and cloudy, have the lenses polished. Stay warm Now is the time to inspect the heater before the cold really takes hold. Test the heater and the defroster. If you have heated seats, test the seats and make sure the fuses are still in good shape. Protect the paint Many drivers choose to wash and wax their cars in the fall. During fall, the sap falls, leaves fall, and more debris is on the road. Change the oil Oil is essential for your car’s optimal performance. Bring your car in for an oil and filter change. While you are here, we will inspect the hoses and belts, and top off the other fluids in your car. Inspect tires and brakes This fall, take your car in for a tire rotation. While at the shop, the technicians will inspect the tire tread and look at your brakes.