Here's what can happen:
* Corrosion: Different coolants have different chemical compositions. Mixing them can create a corrosive reaction within your engine's cooling system. This corrosion can damage:
* Engine block: Leading to leaks, reduced engine life, and potentially catastrophic engine failure.
* Radiator: Similar to the engine block, causing leaks and reducing efficiency.
* Water pump: The impeller and seals can be damaged, leading to leaks and eventual pump failure.
* Hoses: Internal corrosion can weaken hoses, causing them to burst.
* Heater core: This can lead to heater malfunctions or leaks into the passenger compartment.
* Precipitates: Mixing coolants can cause solids to form in the cooling system, clogging passages and restricting coolant flow. This can cause overheating, damaging your engine.
* Gasket failure: The heat and pressure from restricted coolant flow can lead to head gasket failure, a very expensive repair.
* Overheating: This is a major consequence, potentially leading to warped cylinder heads, cracked engine blocks, and other serious damage.
How long can you drive it?
Driving your car with the wrong coolant mix is risky. Ideally, you should not drive it at all until the system is properly flushed and filled with the correct coolant. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of significant and expensive damage. Even short drives could exacerbate the problem.
What to do:
1. Stop driving as soon as possible. Short trips to a mechanic are acceptable, but avoid long drives or high-speed driving.
2. Find a reputable mechanic: Have them flush the entire cooling system thoroughly. This involves removing the old coolant completely, cleaning the system, and then refilling it with the correct DEX-COOL (or the equivalent specified in your owner's manual).
3. Check your owner's manual: It will specify the correct type of coolant for your 2001 Saturn. It's crucial to use the recommended coolant.
The cost of a cooling system flush is significantly cheaper than repairing or replacing a damaged engine, radiator, or other components. Get it fixed immediately to avoid potentially catastrophic and expensive damage.
