BMWs seem to be prone to having cooling system issues. Even though you have a high-performance German-engineered car, you may find your Beamer leaking coolant or other types of cooling-system-related issues. In this article, we will discuss how to tell if you have coolant-system-related problems and what to do about them.
What is a Cooling System in a Car, and What Does It Do?
The cooling system of a car is made up of several components that work together to create a closed loop, which keeps the engine cooled. The coolant in a modern car is a mixture of antifreeze, water, and additives. This vital fluid is stored in the expansion tank. The coolant is pumped through hoses to the engine block, where it helps cool off the engine by absorbing its heat. Next, this heated fluid inside the hose passes through the radiator, where it dissipates the heat, cools off, and returns to the tank. The cycle begins again. In the winter, this same fluid helps keep the engine from freezing. The coolant is also responsible for warming up the cabin of the car by circulating to the heater core in a similar manner.
Some Signs That the Cooling System May Be Compromised
If you see any of these problems, you may have a malfunctioning cooling system. Make sure you address the issue immediately, as this can cause some severe damage to your Beamer.
- Leaking Coolant: If you notice a greenish, iridescent fluid pooling under your car or around any of the engine components, you are looking at coolant. Please be safe. This is a very corrosive and toxic component and can be deadly if ingested. Keep children and pets away and try not to touch the fluid.
- Engine Overheating: This is a clear indication that the coolant is not performing its job. There could be several reasons. It’s best to have your Bimmer checked out.
- Not Enough Coolant: If you notice the coolant level is low, please fill it up. This is a simple task that could save your engine.
- Temperature Gauge Points to ‘H’: If the temperature gauge is in the red zone or on ‘H”, it clearly means that the engine is overheating. Pay immediate attention to it. Overheating can cause irreparable engine damage.
- White Smoke from the Tailpipe: If you see white smoke from the exhaust, that’s because coolant has seeped into the combustion chamber. This is a bad situation.
- Heater Isn’t Working: If your heater doesn’t heat, then most likely it’s being caused by a faulty coolant system.
- Gurgling Noises: If there are air bubbles in the coolant, you may hear strange gurgling noises, which is a terrible situation.
- Strange Smells: Antifreeze has a sickly sweet odor. If you can smell it, that means coolant is oozing out.
- Steam or Smoke Coming Out of the Hood: This is dangerous. It clearly means your BMW’s engine has overheated. Do not try to open the radiator if you see steam or smoke.
- Poor Fuel Efficiency: If the cooling system is malfunctioning and the engine runs hot, you’ll get bad gas mileage.
- Fan Running Constantly: When the engine isn’t cooling off, the fan may want to run constantly to compensate for it.
- Engine Refuses to Start: If it is due to overheating, it could mean there is severe damage already. Of course, there may be other reasons for your car to not start. You won’t know until you’ve had your Beamer inspected by a professional mechanic.
- Check Engine Light (CIL): When you see this light come on, never ignore it. Your Bimmer is telling you there is something wrong. The problem can only be correctly diagnosed by attaching an OBDII scanner (On-Board Diagnostic) to your car and deciphering the codes. We can certainly help you with that.
Why Your Cooling System May Have Issues, and What to Do About It?
If any of the parts that make up the cooling system is damaged, you could have cooling or heating issues. Make sure you keep your BMW on a regular maintenance schedule and get the radiator, water pump, coolant, thermostat, and fans in good working order. We can definitely help you with this.
We at Milestone Motors are the European car specialists. Our highly trained mechanics are here to help you with all your car issues. Call us or book an appointment to visit us. We have locations in Palm Beach, Wellington, West Palm Beach, and Royal Palm Beach in Florida.