The Best Garage in Dania Beach for Your BMW’s Coolant Leaks

If you’re noticing coolant leaks in your BMW, make sure you address this issue quickly. Coolant leaks will invariably lead to engine overheating, which can become a very serious problem. In this article, we will look at coolant-related car troubles and what to do about them.

Coolant, also called antifreeze or radiator coolant, is a fluid that is used in your car to mitigate temperature build-up in the engine. It is a mixture of water and antifreeze, which is a glycol-based chemical. Different brands of coolants will add various additives, such as rust inhibitors and dyes.

How Does the Coolant Work in a Car’s Cooling System?

When your car is on, the coolant is passed through the different hoses all around the hot engine block. A water pump, which is part of the cooling system, forces the coolant through the cylinder block. As the coolant passes through the engine via the pipes, the fluid absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it into the atmosphere.

Why Do We Need Coolant in a Car?

Extreme temperatures in the engine can cause severe engine damage. The two main reasons coolant is absolutely vital for your car are mentioned below.

• Regulates Temperature: During hot weather, it keeps the engine cool, and during cold weather, it helps keep the engine from freezing.
• Protects the Engine: Coolant lubricates several parts of the cooling system of the engine, such as the head gasket, water pump and other areas. It also protects certain engine parts from rust and corrosion.

Causes of Coolant Leaks

Here are some reasons you may find your Bimmer is leaking coolant.

• Loose Radiator Cap: A broken or ill-fitting radiator cap will definitely allow coolant to escape.
• Faulty Water Pump: When the seals and gaskets are no longer working, coolant could leak out from the weep hole of the water pump.
• Head Gasket is Blown: If the head gasket is not functioning as intended, coolant can seep out and mix with engine oil, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
• Worn Seals and Gaskets: There are many seals and gaskets throughout the cooling system. If any of these fail, you may notice leakage.
• Rusted Radiator: A corroded radiator can easily develop holes that could spring a leak.
• Damaged Expansion Tank: This is a reservoir that receives excess coolant to prevent over-pressurization. If this vessel is cracked, you will lose coolant.
• Compromised Hoses: Over time, hoses become brittle and can crack or break. This is a common reason for coolant to dribble out.

8 Signs That There is a Coolant Leak

These are indicators that your Beemer might be leaking coolant:

• Engine Overheating: This is a clear sign that the cooling system is not working. Make sure if coolant is leaking.
• Low Coolant Level: If you’re losing coolant faster than intended, there is most likely a leak somewhere.
• Puddle Under the Car: If you see a puddle of greenish/yellowish, luminescent fluid pooling under your car, that’s coolant dripping out. You might also see coolant pooling around the engine block. Be careful not to touch it. Keep children and pets away from it. Coolant is highly corrosive and fatal if ingested.
• Sickly Sweet Smell: If you can smell a strange sweet smell coming from the puddle, you know that’s a coolant spill.
• Coolant Staining: If there is a slow seepage, you may only see stains on or around the engine and radiator. The stain will be the same color as the coolant you’re using.
• White Smoke: White smoke from the tailpipe usually indicates coolant is running through the exhaust system, in other words, there is a leak.
• Bubbling Radiator: Air or exhaust gasses can cause bubbles in the radiator. A leak is usually the cause of this.
• Dashboard Warning Light: Any number of warning lights can come on due to a coolant leak. You may see a red coolant leak light, temperature warning light, or check engine light (CIL). None of these should be ignored.

If you notice any of these issues with your Beamer, bring it in to us, so that we can diagnose and repair the problem. If you have your BMW on a regular maintenance schedule, we can catch these problems at an early stage, and you can avoid costly damage to your car.

At Motronix, we have a modern garage with highly trained mechanics. We can take care of all your car needs. Call us or book an appointment to visit us in Florida. We have locations in Dania Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood.