Overfilling coolant in a car might not look like much of a problem. But, depending on how much extra you add, it could lead to almost immediate issues.
In short, it’s not necessarily dangerous to you, the driver, but it will quickly damage your engine and vehicle. It could also be fatal to anyone or anything ingesting leaking antifreeze.
Don’t take the risk, even if it’s only marginally above the ‘MAX’ mark. It’s there for a reason.
Interested to know more about overfilling car coolant?
In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about overfilling coolant.
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What Is Coolant?
Coolant is the name for a combined mixture of water and antifreeze. It flows through your engine, removing heat. This is then dispersed into the atmosphere at the radiator.
All internal combustion engines need some kind of cooling system. These days, the vast majority of those used in cars are ‘water-cooled’ (i.e., they require coolant).
Like everything on a car, you must maintain coolant levels in the closed system. Too little, and there won’t be enough to cool your engine. Too much, and the system will overpressurize.
What Is The Coolant Tank?
You’ll notice a coolant tank in your engine bay. It’ll be filled with a colored liquid and usually has a telling label (like ‘Engine Coolant’) and a warning icon.
Look at your owner’s manual to find out which bottle has your coolant. You’ll see a diagram with labels.
This tank is known as a coolant reservoir, recovery tank, or overflow tank. It allows the system to remain closed and pressurized while still providing room for the liquid to expand slightly.
Older models have expansion tanks designed to expel excess pressure to the atmosphere instead. Cars don’t do this anymore for (very understandable!) environmental reasons.
Note: although most cars have reservoirs nowadays, people still use the term ‘expansion tank’ to refer to it.
You must always be careful when opening the coolant tank or radiator cap. Because the system is pressurized, steam and hot water vapor will fly out when it’s hot.
Before opening the cap to top your coolant up, wait for the engine to cool. Then, cover it with a thick cloth. This way, you’ll protect yourself from potentially serious scalds.
How Much Coolant Is Too Much?
Your coolant levels should be between the ‘minimum’ and ‘maximum’ marks. Your car might use different terms (‘Full’/’Empty’, ‘MAX’/’MIN’, ‘F’/’E’, etc.).
These levels usually refer to the car being cold. Again, you can check this in the owner’s manual.
You’re all good if the coolant levels are between these two marks. If it’s at all higher, you have too much.
Simple.
What Happens If I Accidentally Overfill My Coolant?
The system will become overpressurized if you unintentionally overfill your car’s coolant tank.
You can expect to see the following symptoms. The severity, and the speed with which they develop, will depend on how badly you’ve overfilled the coolant.
You’ll need to remove some coolant from the system to reduce it to a safe quantity.
Coolant Leaks
When the pressure within the coolant system is too high, it puts too much strain on each individual part.
For example, the clamps and hoses are designed to accommodate a certain pressure level. The same applies to the water pump, radiator, radiator cap, gaskets, and so on.
Coolant could leak through at any weak point.
You’ll see your coolant levels have dropped when you come to check them. You might also notice:
- White streaks in the engine bay
- A sweet aroma coming from the front of your car when it’s running
- Overheating
- A puddle underneath your engine (if left running)
Failing Coolant System Components
As mentioned above, the extra strain on the system might make components fail or work below optimal efficiency.
The most likely weak points are:
- Hoses – watch for brittle rubber, cracks, and bulges
- Clamps and seals – can you see any new evidence of coolant leakage? A few old streaks aren’t unusual.
- Radiator cap – is there evidence of white drip marks or evaporation when the engine’s hot and running?
You might also find a problem with the radiator itself or the water pump.
Any broken or breaking coolant components need to be replaced.
How Do You Remove Coolant From The System?
So, you’ve overfilled your coolant? Oops!
No worries, though! It’s simple enough to remove.
Here are a few thoughts on what to do next.
Call For A Mobile Mechanic
You could call a mobile mechanic if you’re worried about removing coolant from your system.
In most cases, there’s no need – a friend or family member can probably offer as much help (for free).
A mobile mechanic is a pricey option, too.
They’ll use a suction pump (as below) to gently remove enough coolant until it’s safe.
Although it’ll only cost a few dollars in labor rates, there’ll be an additional callout fee. It’s best to avoid this, if possible. This isn’t a complicated job and requires no professional skills.
Use A Gentle Suction Pump
At most automotive hardware stores, you’ll find some kind of hand vacuum pump. A simple turkey baster or large syringe would also work.
Stick this in the coolant reservoir and remove as much liquid as necessary. (Don’t forget to throw it away or keep it in the garage as a tool from now on!)
It’s usually a good idea to stop at the ‘MAX’ mark. That way, you’ll know if the levels are going down.
These basic plastic tools shouldn’t cost you any more than $10.
Ensure you dispose of the coolant legally, following local environmental legislation. You’d usually need to head to a recycling center of some kind.
Completely Drain The System
This is entirely unnecessary, but it is an option if none of the others are available.
It might be a good idea if you’re due for a coolant flush anyway.
You or a mechanic will simply wait until the engine’s cold. They’ll then remove a clamp and hose at the bottom of the engine and drain the coolant into a tray.
The hose then gets reconnected, and the coolant is topped up from scratch.
Can You Drive With Too Much Coolant?
No – you shouldn’t drive your car if the coolant levels are over ‘MAX’.
In reality, you’d probably get away with it. Probably! Not definitely! Driving slowly and at low loads to your nearby hardware store or mechanic should be fine.
But it’s not worth the risk! It’ll take a matter of two minutes to remedy this issue. When the repair is so easy, why would you drive?
Ask a friend to pick something up from the hardware store for you. Alternatively, if you can wait a day, order something on Amazon. It doesn’t need to be anything too fancy.
Properly disposing of the coolant should be high on your agenda, though. If you haven’t run the car yet, keep it in a safe storage container, ready for use at your next top-up.
Conclusion: Is Too Much Coolant Dangerous?
The coolant system is sealed and pressurized (‘closed’). It’s designed to work at a specific psi (between 13 and 16 – or about 1 bar – usually).
Anything above or below the expected average pressure will be damaging. Depending on the severity, you might see instant problems, or they could take some time to develop.
Leaks and overflows onto the ground could also be fatally toxic to animals (including pets) and even children. You must thoroughly clean up any leaks immediately (without washing it down the drain!).
If you’ve overfilled your coolant, don’t panic! Avoid turning your engine on. Follow the simple steps above to remove it; your car will be as right as rain.
