In this post, I’m going to discuss why you might be losing coolant in your vehicle and what you can do about it. I’ll also share some things to check before you take it into the shop for potentially unnecessary and expensive repairs.
You might not even need to take it to the shop because there’s a good chance you simply don’t understand how the cooling system and the expansion tank work.
First thing to know is your radiator replacement, which is at the front of your vehicle. Also, most modern vehicles also have an expansion tank (also known as reservoir tank) or an overflow tank connected to the radiator by a small tube.
The problem is that people see the expansion tank empty or nearly empty at the bottom and start to panic, thinking their head gaskets are failing or they’re losing coolant rapidly.
This understandably causes worry about vehicle overheating. Running out of or low on coolant can cause your motor to overheat easily, so it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle has enough coolant.
Before Taking Your Car to the Shop
Before you take your car to the shop to check for leaks, there are a few simple things you can do on your own.
First, check underneath the vehicle for coolant stains on the ground. Coolant is typically blue, green, pink, or purple, so note the color of any fluids you find.
If it’s just water, it’s likely from the air conditioning, which condenses and drips water as the vehicle operates. However, if you see coolant leaking, it could indicate a problem that needs repair.
If you don’t see any coolant underneath the vehicle, check the expansion tank next. If you see an icon on your dashboard like the one below, it means it’s not your expansion tank but for your windshield washer fluid, which typically has a picture of a windshield.
The expansion tank usually has a plastic cap because it’s not pressurized, while your radiator will have a metal cap.
This is because the radiator maintains system pressure to prevent the coolant from boiling. Opening it while hot can cause boiling coolant to spray everywhere, potentially causing serious injury.
Checking the Expansion Tank
People often freak out when they see the expansion tank at the low mark. However, this tank is only full when the vehicle is completely warmed up.
When the vehicle is cold, the coolant volume decreases, lowering the fluid level in the expansion tank, which is normal. The radiator, on the other hand, should be full when the vehicle is cold. Wait for your car to cool down completely before checking the radiator; I recommend waiting overnight.
If your radiator is full but the expansion tank is low, that’s fine. Just don’t overfill the expansion tank when the engine is cold, as the coolant expands when the engine warms up and may overflow.
As long as the radiator is full and the coolant in the reservoir tank is at the right level, you’re good to go.
Detecting Serious Issues
If your radiator is low and your expansion tank is low, you might be losing coolant and need to get it checked out further. Look at the trays under the motor for any fluids, and check the hoses and the bottom and sides of the radiator for leaks. Sometimes you’ll see crusty dried-up material from evaporated coolant, indicating a leak.
If your oil and coolant are mixing, it could be a serious problem like a head gasket issue. You’ll notice this because you’ll be losing coolant, and your oil will look milky, like coffee with cream.
If you get your oil changed at a shop, they should be able to tell if your oil is milky. It should be black, not tan, brown, or milky.
Conclusion
Understanding how your vehicle’s cooling system works can save you a lot of stress and money. By following these steps, you can determine if your coolant loss is a simple fix or if it requires professional attention.
Keep an eye on your coolant levels and make sure your radiator is always full. With these tips, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly without unnecessary trips to the mechanic.
