Four Signs That aRadiator Coolant Overflow Tank is Leaking

 The radiator coolant overflow tank's function is to hold extra coolant that leaks from the radiator as a result of heat-induced pressure build-up. It functions similarly to a water heater's expansion tank.

An engine that is working hard will, as you may know, heat up quickly. The engine's parts need more cooling than only the oil can provide.

In these high-performance situations, the engine relies on coolant to prevent overheating. The coolant liquid will absorb all of this heat while it is being produced, keeping the engine cool.

If your car is often overheating or leaking fluids, you should go online and search for car garages in Reading and schedule an appointment with a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine. Common signs of a leaking coolant overflow tank include the engine overheating, the need to constantly replenish coolant, and the finding of coolant leaks.

What would occur if the coolant overflow reservoir tank developed a crack, was damaged, or was overfilled? The typical signs of a defective coolant expansion tank are listed below.

The following four symptoms of a damaged radiator coolant overflow tank are typical:

1.      Coolant Leak - You might anticipate coolant fluid leaking out of the radiator coolant overflow tank if it is damaged or cracked. The overflow tank may develop cracks if it is too old and worn out. Small coolant puddles or droplets should appear on the garage floor or on the driveway. Check MOT status of your vehicle if this is the case, and have your mechanic repair the problem to prevent a failed MOT test.

2.      Coolant Smell - In addition to the coolant leak, your car will also have a noticeable coolant odour coming from the front. If the situation persists, it might potentially spread throughout the car's interior. Although it's not the worst scent in the world (it's a little sweet), you shouldn't smell it for too long. Therefore, if you notice this warning sign, inspect the overflow tank's condition and have it repaired immediately by searching for garages in Reading online and booking an appointment with a qualified mechanic.

3.      Overheated Engine - Since the function of the coolant is to cool the engine when it is overworked, a leak or a ruptured radiator hose may indicate that your engine is not receiving enough coolant to sufficiently cool it down. You might anticipate your engine's temperature to increase and overheat as a result. This will be displayed on the dashboard's engine temperature gauge. This is one of the most frequent causes of a MOT test failing if you check MOT history of a car.

4.      Low Coolant Level - If the coolant levels in the radiator coolant overflow tank are low, either the coolant is slowly evaporating, or it is leaking. People who don't know they have a leak frequently find out that it is a minor leak that is scarcely perceptible from the outside. To be sure you have a leak, you need really check the coolant level. The leak is frequently caused by the overflow tank cap. If you believe coolant is escaping from the cap, make sure it is properly closed and replace it.

The Operation of a Radiator Overflow Tank

Coolant expands when it warms up from collecting heat from the engine, adding to the pressure already present in the radiator. The extra coolant must be collected somewhere to stop leaks since the pressure pushes the fluid above the radiator pressure cap.

Therefore, the radiator coolant overflow tank performs exactly this job. The extra liquid drains into the overflow tank through the overflow tube. The coolant becomes less hot after the driver parks the car and shuts off the engine since the heat has dissipated.

When this happens, the coolant will constrict rather than expand, causing its volume to decrease. Similar to a vacuum effect, the overflow tank's extra coolant might flow back out of it and into the radiator as a result of the pressure drop.