Why is antifreeze thrown out of the expansion tank

The obvious reason that the level of antifreeze in the tank rises sharply may be a problem with the tank itself.

Every car has a cooling system. All elements are closely interconnected. If antifreeze is thrown out through the expansion tank, then this can cause additional problems.

Reasons for the release of antifreeze from the tank

The cooling system consists of several elements. Antifreeze is poured into a special tank. The car owner periodically adds coolant, but it is important not to exceed the established limits.

If antifreeze is squeezed out through the expansion tank, then there may be several reasons for this phenomenon. Let's analyze each of them in detail.

A significant antifreeze leak can lead to engine overheating, damage to the cooling system, and even poisoning of passengers and the driver.

Expansion tank problems

The obvious reason that the level of antifreeze in the tank rises sharply may be a problem with the tank itself. Usually the tank is made of durable plastic. But if the manufacturer uses low-quality material, cracks or leaks may develop.

Vehicle expansion tank inspection

Determining the cause of problems with the tank is easy. A leak can be detected at a glance. Small drops may run down the sides of the container. Traces can also be found on the bottom: puddles begin to accumulate under the parts.

Antifreeze squeezes out of the tank for the following reasons:

• The plug is screwed on tightly. As the liquid expands, it rises and begins to flow out of the container.
• The valve inside the tank has failed. Then the pressure inside rises, and the liquid goes beyond the permissible limits.
• If the tank is made of low-quality plastic, then a crack will form after overheating.

To simplify the leak detection procedure, it is recommended to fill the system with coolant with a fluorescent additive. The slightest smudges can be easily detected with the help of an ultraviolet lamp.

For example, in a VAZ car, if a valve malfunctions, the expansion tank may explode. Then white hot steam will come out from under the hood space.

Disruption of coolant circulation

In working condition, the cooling system is a closed structure with coolant circulating after the engine is started. If the tightness is not broken, then the antifreeze is constantly moving. Part of the composition evaporates due to high temperatures, so the owners have to periodically top up the liquid.

Antifreeze leak under the hood

If the circulation stops for some reason, but the motor continues to work, then the entire system gradually becomes unusable. Violation of tightness can be diagnosed by the appearance of traces of antifreeze under the bottom of the machine. In addition, a change in the color of the smoke coming out of the muffler indicates a leak.

Antifreeze leak

When antifreeze is thrown out through the expansion tank, the cause may be an increase in pressure inside the tank. Then the liquid can pour out through the neck or flow where parts of the system are damaged. Cracks in the tank or abrasion of the pump seals often result in complete or partial leakage.

Signs of ejection of antifreeze from the cooling system

The problem of squeezing antifreeze out of the container is typical for such car brands as VAZ 14, Lada Kalina, Nissan, Mitsubishi Lancer, Hyundai, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan, Lada Granta and others.

How can you diagnose an antifreeze leak:

• Smudges remain under the bottom of the car after the start of the movement
• Emits a dense cloud of colored smoke from the exhaust pipe
• Inside the cabin, the temperature changed noticeably, the radiator stopped working in normal mode.

In some cases, a change in the level of antifreeze inside the tank itself can tell about problems with the expansion tank or problems in the cooling system.

Antifreeze in the expansion tank

The best option is to add antifreeze as it evaporates. If everything is in order inside the system, then the procedure is carried out every six months. When problems occur, antifreeze is used up faster and requires constant refilling. The problem with engine overheating is added to the alarming symptoms. Colored smoke appears from the exhaust pipe, it becomes noticeable that the stove inside the car is running at low speeds.

How to prevent the problem

The expansion tank is an integral part of the cooling system. It is subjected to serious stress, as it is located next to the engine. At maximum speed, when the motor heats up to the maximum temperature, the parts near it must be serviceable and durable. Only in this case, stable operation of the entire system is possible.

To avoid problems, purchase expansion tanks made of durable quality materials, periodically inspect the elements. An important preventive measure will be the correct dosing of antifreeze.

See also: How to put an additional pump on the car stove, why is it needed

If you fill in too much antifreeze, then the liquid, which will increase in volume during operation, will not have free space in the expansion tank. This will inevitably lead to the creation of excessive pressure in the cooling system.

Experienced car owners know that they need to pour so much coolant so that the mark does not go beyond the minimum or maximum values. In addition, it is important to remember the characteristics of liquids in various weather conditions. When it's hot outside, the antifreeze evaporates intensively. If the air temperature drops, the liquid in the tank expands.

There may be several reasons why antifreeze is thrown out through the expansion tank. To avoid costly repairs, it is important to detect the problem in a timely manner.

Why does antifreeze throw antifreeze out of the expansion tank