BMW OR MINI COOPER RADIATOR REPAIR & REPLACEMENT

When a family member has a fever, it is a way for their body to tell them that something isn’t quite right. You know how lousy they feel and you probably call the doctor.  When your BMW or Mini Cooper is running a temperature the same thing is kind also true.  But while your body can usually heal itself sometimes you need help from a doctor to find out what is up and how to get better.  Your vehicle can’t fix itself.  If the radiator on your car isn’t functioning properly, it depends on you to pay attention to the visible signs and dash gauges that there is a cooling system problem.  It might be time for a radiator repair.

How Radiators Work

The radiator is an important part of your vehicle engine.  It removes the heat generated by the engine and uses liquid coolant (called antifreeze) and airflow through the radiator core to reduce the amount of high temperatures that are generated.  There are several parts of an engine cooling system. The radiator is the main part.  When your radiator starts to fail your vehicle’s cooling system will struggle to keep engine temperatures at normal and safe operating levels.

Symptoms of a failed or failing radiator

The temperature gauge is one indication you might need a radiator repair.  There can also be visible signs around the radiator and the engine area. When a radiator starts to fail, some of the more visible signs are:

Leaking

You will see coolant water dripping under the front of the car after the engine is turned off. This is commonly a light green/yellowish color and has a sweet odor. You may also see liquid appear around the radiator edges or hoses where they connect to the engine. Some smaller leaks can be repaired; larger leaks may require a radiator replacement.

Rust and/or Corrosion

Rust and corrosion can occur if the radiator coolant isn’t changed regularly.  If the coolant inside the radiator has indications of rust or is turning into sludge, it is time to flush engine coolant. Sometimes the best solution is to replace the radiator.

Clogged radiator

Two of the most common types of clogs that can occur in radiators are debris buildup on the radiator’s face and buildup in the radiator’s internal core. Dirt and debris can buildup on the face of the radiator restricting airflow. With insufficient airflow, the radiator can’t do its job of removing heat from the coolant water. To fix this problem, the technician will spray water or compressed air from the backside of the radiator to remove the debris.

How we do Diagnostic Testing on the Radiator

If the temperature gauge has been reading higher than normal, bring your vehicle in for a radiator checkup. We do diagnostic testing with specialized equipment and determine where the radiator cooling problems are.

Our trained and certified technicians will perform several tests to diagnose the issues with the radiator cooling system. Sometimes just performing a visual check of the engine area will give them the clues they need to get started in the right direction. Our technicians will also check your engine oil and transmission fluid levels.

Call us to setup an appointment for troubleshooting and repair

If an overheating radiator issue is left untreated, it could cause additional damage to the engine and increase repair costs.  Call us at Beyer Motor Works. We can diagnose the problem quickly and let you know if you need repair or replacement. We can help save you time and money.