I poured a very small amount of old oil into the coolant reservoir. I have a mechanic that's 15 minutes from my house. Should I drive it there to flush it out - or have it towed there? (I don't have the tools needed in my garage, as I'm not a car person.)
Car is a 2001 Nissan Altima that already has a small oil leak.
If you only poured oil into the overflow, you should not have any issues. If you don't have the tools to drain the reservoir, then take and fold the hose which goes from the radiator to the reservoir, then take some string or something like which can be tied around the hose. This will keep any fluid from flowing into/out of the reservoir. Then drive directly to your mechanic. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. When you start the car, leave immediately for the mechanic. You shouldn't have an issue.
Obviously, the best thing to do is just drain the reservoir yourself. It would be really easy for you to do with even the most rudimentary of hand tools.
Shove a garden hose into the plastic jug, and fill it with water such that it floats the oil up and out.
Disconnect the small rubber tube, and drain out the water. Replace to the proper level with a 50/50 ratio antifreeze water mix.
I wouldn't panic. Oil will neither help nor harm your cooling system. Get it cleaned out, but no panic necessary.
It's when somebody adds gallons of water into the 710 or euro "watering can" pipe, and now you have huge amounts of water mixed with engine oil. This is the time to panic. Your situation is simple and easily resolved.
