A radiator expansion bottle is integral to a vehicle’s cooling system.
It increases the capacity of the radiator. Typically, it needs to be replaced at least once in a car’s lifetime.
What is a radiator expansion bottle?
A radiator expansion bottle, tank or reservoir is a clear plastic container located above the radiator.
It’s connected to the radiator by an overflow pipe. It collects the spill-over of coolant from the radiator and recirculates it around the engine.
It allows for the expansion of the heated coolant when the engine is on. It stores the excess fluid when the vehicle is stationary.
Symptoms of a faulty or damaged radiator expansion bottle
All components in the vehicle’s cooling system are subject to high temperatures.
Over time, the radiator expansion bottle is prone to developing cracks and leaks. This can lead to serious issues with the engine that may warrant expensive repairs.
Obvious signs of a cracked or faulty radiator expansion bottle include consistently low levels of coolant in the reservoir, an overheating engine and leaking coolant.
Leaks are identified by dry residue on the side of the bottle, and fluid pooling up around the bottle or beneath the car.
How to replace a radiator expansion bottle
Installing a replacement radiator expansion bottle is a job that can be tackled at home. The engine must be cool.
These two resources show you how to replace a radiator expansion bottle:
High-quality radiator expansion bottles for sale in South Africa
At Masterparts, we rely on strong supply chain relationships, forged over many decades, to offer the best aftermarket parts and spares – at affordable prices.
We offer radiator expansion bottles that are strong, durable and comprehensively tested, from well-known and trusted international brands, FEBI, Thermocool and Original Birth.
Where to get radiator expansion bottles from Masterparts
We offer door-to-door delivery of radiator expansion bottles and other automotive parts and spares. Alternatively, visit any of our branches across South Africa or in Windhoek, Namibia.
Radiator expansion bottles in and around Cape Town:
Radiator expansion bottles in KwaZulu-Natal:
Radiator expansion bottles in Namibia:
Masterparts stocks radiator expansion bottles for almost all vehicle models on our roads. Contact us if there’s a part you need and we’ll do our best to help.
