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BMW is a thrilling performance vehicle to own. Not only will you be riding in style as you cruise the roads, you can rest assured in the fact that they are also built for safety. Regardless of the model you drive, each BMW will provide you with an exceptional performance standard for as long as you own it, especially when a proper maintenance schedule is kept.

Even with your servicing diligence, there may be additional issues that occur. One of them is a coolant leak. Below you will find out more about what the coolant does in your BMW and what can cause a coolant leak to occur.

The Purpose of Coolant in your BMW

The coolant’s main function in your BMW is to keep the engine cool. It flows through the engine to absorb all the excess heat that comes from the engine while it is running.

The coolant is stored in a reservoir that is attached to the radiator so it has to go through the radiator in addition to the engine. After the coolant is done circulating through the engine, it reaches back to the radiator and is cooled down by the intake of air that the radiator is supplying from the outside of your BMW. Then the coolant continues to circulate through the engine, constantly absorbing the heat and then being cooled down again once it is back at the radiator.

Hole in the Radiator

As the engine is working, it is constantly emitting heat. In order to prevent the engine from overheating, a mixture of coolant and water is circulated through. As this mixture is flowing through the engine, it is bound to get hot. As previously stated, this is why the coolant also passes through the radiator, because the radiator is going to chill the coolant again. This way, the coolant mixture can continue circulating through the engine and be successful in keeping the engine temperature at a stable level.

When there is a hole in the radiator, a coolant leak will occur in your BMW. So instead of the coolant chilling back down to continue its circulation through the engine, it begins to leak out of the radiator. A hole in the radiator can occur over time with general wear and tear. A hole can also appear if debris or rocks come in forceful contact with the radiator. Regardless of how the hole got in your BMS’s radiator, the coolant will eventually leak out, which can lead to the possibility of an overheated engine.

Incorrect Radiator Cap

The radiator works as a pressurized system, and in order for this system to function properly, the cap that holds the coolant in needs to be just right. If the radiator cap is the incorrect size, when the coolant enters the system, it will leak out through the cap. This will be due to the fact that when the coolant heats up, it can cause an overflow if the cap is not in place. Without the correct cap, coolant will spill out the top instead of remaining circulating through the system.

This same issue can occur if the radiator cap is broken. With a crack or hole in the cap itself, the radiator system will not be pressurized. Thus, leading to spillage of coolant.

Fixing the Coolant Leak

Addressing a coolant leak as soon as you become aware of it is the best way to keep your BMW functioning at its optimal level. It is important to know the reasons behind a coolant leak, but it is also helpful to know what signs to look for. If the coolant leak is big enough, you will see evidence of it underneath the front of your BMW.

You will also be notified of a coolant leak via your BMW’s dashboard. The temperature gauge will not stay level. It will remain toward the hotter end of the scale because there will be no coolant running through the engine to keep it cool.

If you notice any of these signs, it is time to bring your BMW in for servicing from a trusted and skilled technician. At Glenwood Foreign Car, we will provide you with just that. All of our technicians keep current and up-to-date certifications so they are fully equipped to diagnose a coolant leak in your BMW.

We value you as a customer, so we strive to make the repair process as smooth and easy as possible. With our location easily accessible from the areas of Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA, you will be able to make an appointment with us today to have your coolant leak fixed.