What are the methods to deal with overfilled coolant?
3 Answers
You can directly use a syringe to extract the excess coolant until the liquid level is below the maximum mark (MAX). Below are three precautions for refilling coolant: 1. Always pay attention to the scale mark when refilling coolant to avoid overfilling or underfilling. 2. Overfilled coolant: Under continuous high-temperature operation of the car, the excess coolant is prone to overflow from the pressure relief valve (due to thermal expansion). 3. Underfilled coolant: It fails to achieve the cooling effect, making it easy for the temperature to rise excessively during high-speed operation. Additionally, the viscosity of the engine oil will decrease, leading to wear and tear on engine components over time.
Last time when I was repairing my car, I encountered a situation where the antifreeze was overfilled. The solution is actually quite simple: it's best to wait until the engine cools down before handling it to avoid burns. Use a specialized fluid extraction tool or a clean hose to siphon out the excess liquid to the appropriate level, making sure not to exceed the maximum line marked on the radiator. If any spills occur, promptly clean the stains around the engine compartment to prevent corrosion of components or dirtying the ground. If you can't siphon it out, it's recommended to drive to a repair shop and let the technician handle it, as they can check if the pipes are clogged. Remember not to overfill when adding antifreeze, as excess not only wastes it but may also cause damage to sealing gaskets or lead to leaks, affecting the performance of the cooling system.
Last time I accidentally added too much coolant to my new car, which made me a little nervous. After checking the information, I found that: first, let the engine cool for a few minutes, then use a syringe or a kitchen straw to manually remove the excess part to the middle position of the radiator. The excess coolant will flow out through the overflow pipe, so there may be marks on the garage floor. Wipe them off immediately with a wet cloth to prevent mold. When checking the coolant level, don't add it too quickly, and follow the recommended amount in the vehicle manual. This often happens when adding coolant in summer, as thermal expansion and contraction can easily cause the liquid level to rise. It's okay to pour a little more than needed.
