What is an overflow tank?
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What is an overflow tank?

The car?s cooling system is one of the most vital parts in the car. The coolant is a mixture of 50 % water and 50 % anti freeze. When the coolant is heated is expands and most systems have an expansion tank that allows storage space for the coolant. The tank is plastic and it is connected to the radiator but there is also an overflow tank which catches the access coolant that the expansion tank cannot hold. Not very car has an overflow but it is extremely helpful to the cooling system.

How does an overflow tank work?

The overflow tank or expansion tank is found in almost all cars. The overflow tube that goes from the radiator filler neck to the bottom of the tank. The coolant travels back and forth, as the coolant expands it comes out of the radiator and into the tank. Once the system cools down the coolant is drawn back into the system by a vacuum. It helps maintain the engines temperature.

How to check the anti freeze in the over flow tank?

It is very important that the anti freeze in the engine gets checked from time to time. On the tank itself there is are two words the work min for minimum and max for maximum. The coolant should not have a any oil on it at all. The coolant should be clean and clear, it could be a different color depending on the manufacturer. If you see any oil in the coolant then there may be a problem with the engine or the radiator such as a blown head gasket. Make sure the tank is above the minimum and below the maximum.