How long does the coolant reservoir last?
The coolant reservoir is a tank located in your vehicle that stores overflowing coolant coming from your cooling system. The reservoir is a clear plastic container located next to the heatsink. The cooling system is on...
The coolant reservoir is a tank located in your vehicle that stores overflowing coolant coming from your cooling system. The reservoir is a clear plastic container located next to the heatsink. The cooling system is connected to your engine. This system consists of tubes and pipes through which coolant flows. The system works due to the fact that the pipe pushes and pulls the coolant.
The liquid expands as it undergoes more heat. If the fluid in your cooling system is full to the top when your engine is cold, it will need to go somewhere as the fluid warms up and expands. Excess coolant goes into the reservoir. Once the engine cools down, the extra coolant is returned to the engine through the vacuum system.
Over time, the coolant reservoir can leak, wear out, and fail due to regular use. If the coolant reservoir shows signs of wear and is left unattended, the engine may fail and complete engine failure is possible. This is best avoided by servicing the coolant reservoir regularly. Check the coolant regularly and make sure it is properly filled. While you're doing this, look for any signs of cracks or chips that indicate the coolant reservoir needs to be replaced.
Because the coolant reservoir won't last the lifetime of your vehicle, there are a few symptoms to look out for that indicate it's failing and will need to be replaced soon.
Signs that you need to replace your coolant reservoir include:
- The engine gets very hot
- Have you noticed a coolant leak under the car?
- Coolant level keeps dropping
- The temperature arrow continues to rise near the danger zone
- Hissing sounds or steam coming from under the engine hood
The coolant reservoir is an important part of your vehicle's cooling system, so it must be in good working order. As soon as you notice any problems, inspect the car as soon as possible to avoid damaging the engine.
