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.

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BMWs are well-known for the incredible performance and reliability they offer. Made to last and packed with intelligent innovations, a well-cared for BMW is unlikely to ever let you down. However, in even the very best cars, sometimes problems just happen. When not attended, issues can result in you being without your car until repairs are paid for out of pocket. One such common problem is coolant leaks. While they may seem irksome or minor, it is important that they are not ignored. In this article, we will learn about coolant leaks, how to identify them, and where to go for help.

What is the purpose of coolant?

Coolant, or antifreeze, is a brightly colored liquid, most often pink or green. It has a distinctively sweet smell. It is a mixture of distilled water and alcohol with added dye, for safety reasons. The primary role of your coolant is to absorb the tremendous amount of heat created by a running engine. This is done by cycling the coolant around the engine in a continuous cycle, being cooled back down by the radiator after each loop.

The coolant can also help prevent freezing within the engine system, which is why it contains alcohol. This is useful to drivers in cold areas, as the alcohol prevents the liquid from freezing over, meaning the coolant can be effective all year round.

How to Tell if you have a Coolant Leak

Due to its intentional bright colour and distinctive smell, coolant leaks are usually quite easy to spot and diagnose. To confirm your suspicions, place a piece of cardboard under your BMW when it is parked overnight. In the morning, you can study the liquid leaking from your vehicle more closely and make your conclusions. Alternatively, if the liquid is dark, then it an engine oil leak, but if it is clear and without odor, your leak will be transmission fluid.

How do coolant leaks impact upon your BMW?

While they may appear a minor issue, coolant leaks are a serious issue and should be dealt with swiftly. They greatly impede your engine performance, and in a worst case scenario, they can cause complete and irreparable engine damage.

1. Engine Overheating

As the coolant’s main job is to cool down your engine, one of the first signs of a leak in the system is usually overheating. This can manifest in many ways, such as smoke emitting from under the hood or a spike in the engine temperature. If this happens, you’ll have to pull over and assess the issue.

2. Poor Fuel Economy

If your leak is slow, then clear signs such as overheating may not show at first. Instead, you’ll most likely notice a decrease in fuel efficiency due to the engine not being able to operate at peak performance. Bad gas mileage can also be caused by many other issues, but if you’ve ruled out the most common culprits, then it could be caused by leaking coolant.

3. Contaminated Engine Oil

Depending on the cause of the leak, you might notice that your oil and coolant has mixed. This is a serious issue, as it dilutes the engine oil and prevents it from doing its critical role effectively. The coolant can also corrode and damage the interior of your engine if left unremedied.

Causes of Coolant Leaks

There are 2 main reasons behind coolant leaks that drivers should be aware of:

1. Holes or Cracks in the Radiator

If the radiator becomes worn or corroded, it may develop leaks or cracks which can allow coolant to escape. This causes the pressure inside the system to drop, impacting upon the radiator performance. This problem can also be caused by damaged incurred when driving, such as impact with rocks or debris.

2. Faulty Head Gaskets

Faults in the head gasket can cause internal leaks, which is the most common cause of engine oil contamination and will need expert care to fix.

Act Swiftly

If you suspect a coolant leak, it is essential that you do not delay in seeking repairs. While symptoms might seem minor at first, it is important to remember that they will only get worse and can critically impact the health of your vehicle.

For BMW repairs and services that you can trust, visit Glenwood Foreign Car of Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA.

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