The cooling system of your BMW is like the sweat gland of the body; it helps to cool down whatever is getting hot. It does this by circulating a fluid known as coolant, which is a mixture of water and antifreeze, around the engine to absorb heat, and then pumping this to the radiator where the heat is dissipated to the air. Without this system, your engine can get very hot and that can cause serious damages in the engine.
What Causes Cooling System Leaks in BMWs?
- Worn or Cracked Hoses: Coolant hoses in BMW automobiles are always under high pressure and temperature stress. As the rubber ages, it can become brittle, crack or even soft. Once a hose deteriorates or develops a crack, coolant can drain quickly, resulting in low coolant levels and possible overheating.
- Broken Water Pump: Water pumps keep water circulating through the engine but as it deteriorates, particularly in high mileage BMWs, the water pump can start leaking around the shaft or seals. A small crack in this car part can affect the way the cooling system controls the temperature of your BMW’s engine.
- Rusted or Cracked Radiator: Radiators are responsible for the dissipation of heat from the engine coolant. However, it can be damaged by the debris on the road or deteriorate from within through corrosion. Small openings that may seem harmless could rapidly develop into large ones, which would cause loss of coolant.
- Cracked Expansion Tank: Many BMWs have a plastic expansion tank that is used to accommodate the excess coolant. These tanks can corrode from inside because of age and heat and they can start leaking slowly without anyone noticing it until the day they burst.
- Loose Hose Clamps: Hose clamps are used to hold the coolant lines firmly in place and if they are worn out then they will not be able to do this properly. These clamps may deteriorate, become rusty, shift position or lose tension over time. When that happens, coolant starts to leak around the area where the hoses attach to fittings or any other engine part. A small leakage at a clamp can bring pressure down and cause variations in temperature in the entire cooling system.
Diagnosing Cooling System Leaks
The first thing that needs to be done to repair a coolant leak is to determine where it is coming from. A pressure test may be carried out by technicians to determine if the system can be pressurized and will not leak. If the pressure drops, they will check areas of weakness such as the hoses, clamps, water pump, the radiator, and the expansion tank. In some cases, a special dye may be added to the coolant, and a UV light is used to track even the smallest drop. This method is useful in identifying slow or concealed leaks that may not be easily detected through a simple visual examination.
How to Approach a Leakage in the Cooling System
If you see leakage of coolants, the dashboard warning lights, or if the temperature of your BMW is not stable, don’t just ignore it. Take your BMW to a certified technician as soon as possible. If the coolant is allowed to continue leaking while the car is being driven, the engine will overheat and could result in problems like warped components, blown head gasket, or total engine seizure. Using the wrong type of coolant, not seeking professional help or applying some makeshift solutions can worsen the situation. It is always advisable to have the system checked and fixed by a competent technician using the right spare parts and method.
Let EuroService Automotive Fix Your BMW’s Cooling System Today
At EuroService Automotive, we understand the importance of identifying and repairing any leaks in the cooling system as early as possible especially on vehicles such as BMW. Our shop is located in Warrenton, VA and we have modern tools and genuine parts to ensure that the cooling system of your BMW functions effectively. Whether you are from Haymarket, Bristow, Gainesville, or Manassas, you can trust us to provide your BMW with the best care. We ensure that you understand what has happened, the extent of the problem and how we can get your BMW back on the road safely. If you have seen a leak or any of the signs mentioned above, it is high time to act. Bring your vehicle to us and we will ensure that the engine is well cooled and that your drives are stress free.