How can I tell if my coolant reservoir is too low?

How can I tell if my coolant reservoir is too low?

If you notice the level dropping steadily then you’ve got a leak somewhere. Many vehicles have a sensor in the coolant reservoir that will illuminate a light or message on your dashboard when the reservoir gets too low so if you see that message add coolant and check for leaks.

What causes a car coolant tank to leak?

Oftentimes, an overfilled coolant tank will be mistaken as a leak. If the overflow tank is too full coolant will spill out of that reservoir and may look like a leak.

When do you lose coolant, but no leaks?

It may be happening only when the car is hot when you drive and the coolant is under pressure. Try checking it when it is hot, under pressure and while the engine is running. BustedKnuckles July 6, 2016, 2:02am #8 The coolant pressure test is obviously showing a coolant leak. The system should not lose pressure if there were no leaks.

Where does the coolant go when the expansion valve is stuck?

If the expansion valve becomes stuck open, it allows a constant flow of pressurized coolant to enter the reservoir, where it turns to steam. The steam, which has coolant in it, is forced out of the the reservoir cap vent hole or loosens the cap. Steam and coolant are released into the engine compartment.

It may be happening only when the car is hot when you drive and the coolant is under pressure. Try checking it when it is hot, under pressure and while the engine is running. BustedKnuckles July 6, 2016, 2:02am #8 The coolant pressure test is obviously showing a coolant leak. The system should not lose pressure if there were no leaks.

Why is coolant coming out of the reservoir?

The first thought that comes to mind is that the coolant is getting pushed out the reservoir overflow tube when the engine warms up because of a bad radiator cap. A pressure test won’t show this, because one has to remove the radiator cap to do the test!

Can a coolant pressure test show no leaks?

The coolant pressure test is obviously showing a coolant leak. The system should not lose pressure if there were no leaks. Since the leak is not external, it may be getting burned. Maybe the intake gaskets leaking again?

What causes coolant to leak from bottom of radiator?

The leak may be happening from the bottom hose or radiator drain. It may be happening only when the car is hot when you drive and the coolant is under pressure. Try checking it when it is hot, under pressure and while the engine is running.