Denver Auto Repair

An empty coolant reservoir means the cooling system is losing fluid or not pulling it back into the radiator as it should. Sometimes the cause is obvious, like a wet hose. Other times, the leak hides under engine covers or the coolant is burning inside the engine, where you cannot see it. Here is how to read the clues, what to check first, and when to schedule a proper pressure test. Why a Coolant Reservoir Drops to Empty The reservoir works with the radiator to capture expansion when the engine is hot and return coolant as it cools. If the hose between the reservoir and radiator is cracked, the system ingests air instead of coolant on cooldown, and the bottle stays low. A weak radiator cap can do the same by failing to hold pressure and vacuum. In our bay, we often see both together after a season of heat cycles. Common Leak Spots You Can Miss Small leaks evaporate before they hit the ground. Look at the seams of plastic radiators for a pale whit ... read more