Main points a worn or damaged cap may fail to seal properly, allowing coolant to evaporate or leak out slowly Signs of losing coolant coolant reservoir low if you see that your coolant reservoir is empty or the coolant level keeps dropping after being topped off, it's safe to assume that your vehicle is losing coolant A blown head gasket can create a passageway for coolant to leak into the engine's combustion chambers
Losing Coolant But Have No Visible Leaks? (Here's What To Do)
If you notice your coolant reservoir empty, you'd expect a puddle under your car
But what does it mean if you're losing coolant yet don't see a leak?
Use a coolant tester to check the ph level and concentration of your coolant Replace your coolant every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, or as recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer Common causes of an empty coolant reservoir there are several reasons why your coolant reservoir might be empty, even if there's no visible sign of a leak. A leaking radiator hose or a cracked water pump are the usual suspects when it comes to coolant loss
But what if you've thoroughly inspected your cooling system and found no signs of external leaks This is where things get interesting Coolant disappearing from reservoir without a visible leak often points to a more subtle, internal issue. At this point, it seems clear that finding out why your coolant level is low, without any obvious leaks, will require some serious sleuthing
How does an engine coolant system work
With your coolant reservoir empty, your coolant system can't draw in extra coolant when it needs it This can lead to overheating You can top up the reservoir, but you also need to identify where that coolant went These are the most common sources of coolant leaks
There's a leak in the radiator, heater core […] So, why does your coolant reservoir keep emptying Simply put, the most common reason is a coolant leak, either from the reservoir itself, the radiator, or the connecting hoses However, other factors like a malfunctioning radiator cap or issues with the cooling system can also be culprits.
The coolant reservoir also has a fill line, indicating the appropriate coolant level for optimal engine performance
If the coolant level drops below this line, it could indicate a problem with the cooling system, such as a leak or evaporation, which should be addressed promptly to prevent engine damage Causes of an empty coolant reservoir