Though BMWs are known for their reliability and style, there is one problem in particular that BMW drivers tend to run into, especially during the hotter months: cooling system issues. Today we’re going to walk you through what the cooling system is, what signs might tell you it’s malfunctioning, and how to get help when you need it.
The Function of the BMW Cooling System
In this situation, we’re not talking about your vehicle’s air conditioner, which is in charge of keeping the air inside the cabin cool. No, we’re talking about the thing that regulates the temperature of the engine and keeps it from getting too hot— or too cold!
To operate as efficiently as possible, the engine needs to stay within a certain temperature range. Getting too hot can damage the engine, lower the fuel efficiency, and, if left unfixed, can lead to costly repairs down the line.
The cooling system is what prevents that, by making sure the engine never gets too hot.
How to Tell the Engine Cooling System Isn’t Working
Luckily, detecting when the cooling system stops working isn’t that hard in most cases. There are some easily identifiable symptoms to watch out for, and if you tell these to your mechanic when you bring your car in for repair, they can help cut down on the amount of diagnostic and repair time that’s necessary.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of cooling system problems:
- Coolant leaks. Coolant can be a lot of different colors, from green to pink to yellow, and it usually has a sweet smell. If you notice anything like that pooling under your car, that’s a pretty good indication that your engine’s cooling system is damaged or cracked somewhere. This could be from the hoses, the radiator itself, the water pump, or other places.
- High engine temperature. Many cars allow you to see the engine temperature on the dashboard. If the reading that you see is consistently much higher than it should be, your coolant isn’t doing its job.
- Steaming hood. Steam coming from under the hood of the vehicle is an indication that the engine is overheating, which means that something is wrong with the cooling system. If you notice this issue, bring your BMW in for repair as soon as you can.
- White exhaust smoke. Similar to the steaming hood, white exhaust is a sign of an overheating engine. White smoke can also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a cracked head gasket, so if you notice this symptom it is best to get it into a garage as soon as possible.
- Cracked hoses or other parts. If you notice a leak, there is likely a reason for it. Looking at the hoses, water pump, or radiator can help tell you if there’s something wrong. Even if you haven’t noticed any coolant leaking, damaged hoses or other parts will only continue to wear down, which will eventually lead to a leak.
To prevent these issues from arising, the best thing to do is to keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule that BMW suggests. Regular upkeep will keep your car in the best shape it can possibly be and give you the chance to drive it for much longer.
Similarly, regular maintenance means that you and the mechanic will be able to catch potential problems earlier on, which will save you a lot of money in car repairs later on. That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of inspections, routine maintenance, and repairs.
The coolant system is a vital part of the BMW’s internal components, since leaving it unfixed can mean disastrous things for the engine. If you notice any of the symptoms we talked about, or if your car just seems to be acting strangely for any other reason, you should bring it in to get checked out by a professional.
Where to Go For Help
Located in Los Angeles, California,
Carotech Automotive and Tires is proud to provide top-notch service to all our customers. We have extensive knowledge of many different car brands, including domestic, Asian, and European brands like BMW. Because of this expertise, you can trust that we will have the right tools to do the job. If you’ve been having coolant problems with your BMW, or if you’d just like to learn more about what we offer, feel free to give us a call.
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