What Leads to Coolant Reservoir Tanks Cracking in European Cars

European cars come equipped with highly advanced cooling systems that are responsible for keeping the temperature of the engine under check so that your vehicle doesn’t have to encounter engine overheating issues that result in a severe breakdown and complete engine failure.

However, European cars are particularly susceptible to coolant reservoir tank cracking, and this can have a huge effect on the cooling mechanism of your engine as coolant leaking out from the cracked reservoir is a major concern. In this article, we will discuss the leading factors responsible for coolant reservoir cracking in European cars.

Reasons Behind Coolant Reservoir Tank Cracking

Exposure to Intense Engine Heat

One of the biggest reasons behind the development of cracks in the coolant reservoir tank is linked to their constant exposure to intense heat generated by the combustion process in the engine. In fact, the continuous heating and cooling cycle tends to take a toll on the plastic material, and they become brittle over time.

Due to this, the plastic loses all its flexibility, and small stress fractures begin to form on the coolant reservoir tank of your vehicle. Now, if you are driving an old European car, then your vehicle is particularly susceptible to the problem because the years of thermal stress can adversely affect the reservoir’s structural integrity, and this is going to increase the risk of coolant leaks from your vehicle.

That is why getting your coolant reservoir inspected from time to time holds the key to preventing coolant leaks from your vehicle, as any cracks in the system can be identified and the reservoir can be replaced well in time.

Excessive Cooling System Pressure

The cooling system in high-end European cars is very sophisticated and designed to work under specific pressure levels. Now, when there is a drastic increase in your pressure levels beyond a certain limit, the coolant reservoir is subjected to a lot of stress.

In fact, this buildup of excess pressure might be caused by a faulty radiator cap, clogged cooling system passages, thermostat failure, and other underlying issues with the working of the cooling system of your vehicle. A properly functional reservoir absorbs the pressure continuously, which causes a lot of strain on the plastic housing.

Over the years, as your vehicle gains miles, the weak areas in the coolant reservoir tank begin to form cracks. In fact, it is seen that if the pressure issue isn’t addressed well in time, then the new coolant reservoir might also fail prematurely.

This makes it important to diagnose the unusual pressure conditions early on so that it can prevent damage to your reservoir.

Faulty Coolant Reservoir Cap

At times, it is seen that the coolant reservoir cap can be the cause behind the coolant reservoir tank developing cracks. Most drivers aren’t aware of the fact that the coolant reservoir cap plays a critical role in regulating cooling system pressure in their vehicle.

Now, when the cap fails to open or close properly in your European car, then the pressure level becomes unstable, which can affect the functioning of the cooling system. Moreover, if the cap remains closed, then it can lead to the buildup of excessive pressure within the reservoir.

If the coolant reservoir tank is subjected to these irregular conditions regularly, then it puts additional strain on the reservoir walls. This is when the coolant reservoir tank develops cracks over time. This makes it important to periodically check and replace the cap if it is faulty.

Inaccurate Coolant Mixtures

If you are using the wrong coolant type or the coolant-to-water ratio in your European car is incorrect, then it can adversely affect the functioning of the cooling system. Most European automotive manufacturers specify the coolant formulation that should be used in their vehicles.

Now, if you are using an improper coolant mixture, then it is going to increase your operating temperature, which leads to the development of corrosion in the coolant reservoir. This can definitely weaken the reservoir material over the years and lead to the formation of cracks.

That is why you must always stick to the manufacturer-recommended coolant for your vehicle as it helps prevent the problem.

Finally

These are some of the leading reasons behind the coolant reservoir tank cracking up in your European car. In fact, the moment you notice your engine heating up abnormally, you must get your vehicle inspected by certified mechanics immediately without losing time.

EuroService Automotive is Warrenton’s go to shop for European auto maintenance and repairs. We are experts in looking after Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, Mini and Volkswagen. At EuroService Automotive, our ASE certified mechanics.