Imagine you're embarking on a country road trip in your reliable vehicle when suddenly you notice an unusual clanking sound emerging from beneath the hood. It may be tempting to address the issue by adding some hydraulic oil, which happens to be lying around in our garage to top up the engine oil. After all, it’s just oil, right? Wrong. Mixing hydraulic oil with engine oil can lead to a multitude of problems. This not only puts our vehicle at risk but also has implications for our car insurance cover. Let’s see how.
Why we should not mix Hydraulic Oil and Engine Oil
The following are the reasons why we should not mix Hydraulic Oil and Engine Oil:
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Different Properties
Engine oil and hydraulic oil are specifically formulated for different purposes. Engine oil is designed to lubricate the components of the car's engine, minimising friction and managing heat effectively. On the other hand, hydraulic oil is primarily used in systems to transmit power and regulate various mechanical components functioning. Mixing these two types of oils can compromise their properties resulting in reduced lubrication for the engine and diminished performance of the system.
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Potential Engine Damage
Engine oil incorporates additives and detergents that play a role in cleaning, protecting and maintaining engine functionality. Mixing hydraulic oil with engine oil can have serious consequences. It dilutes the additives in the engine oil, which can result in deposits, sludge buildup, and a decrease in engine performance. This can eventually lead to costly repairs and damage to the engine.
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Reduced Lubrication
One issue that arises from mixing these oils is reduced lubrication. Hydraulic oil may not provide the same level of lubrication as engine oil when used in an engine. As a result, there could be increased friction. Wear on engine components ultimately leads to premature engine failure.
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Warranty Concerns
Another concern is related to warranties. If we mix oils that are not recommended by our car's manufacturer, it can void our vehicle's warranty. In cases where the engine experiences any problems or failures, the manufacturer may refuse to cover the repair costs if they find out that non-approved oil was used.
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Insurance Implications
Furthermore, mixing engine oil may have implications for our car insurance coverage. Car insurance policies often demand maintenance and servicing according to manufacturer recommendations. If negligence is deemed by mixing these oils, potentially causing damage to the engine, our insurance company might deny any claims we make for repairs or damages.
Conclusion
It is crucial to understand that mixing hydraulic oil with engine oil poses risks. It can lead to damage to our car’s engine, void the warranty coverage provided by the manufacturer, and even jeopardise insurance claims related to damages caused by this mixture.
To make sure our vehicle stays in good condition and to keep the insurance coverage intact it's important to use the engine oil that is recommended in the owner's manual. If we are not sure which oil to use, it's an idea to seek advice from a mechanic or contact the car manufacturer for guidance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.