Blown Head Gasket

Q: I recently had the oil changed in my car and they tell me they think that antifreeze is leaking into the oil. Could you tell me how this would happen?

A: A worn head gasket, cracked engine block, or cracked head could cause antifreeze/coolant to enter the oil system. Check to see if you are losing antifreeze over time or if the antifreeze is also contaminated with oil. You can have your car’s fluids tested at a lab to confirm the diagnosis. Another sign is excessive white smoke coming from the tailpipe. Overheating the engine is the most common cause for failure of the head, engine block, or head gasket.