Overheating poses a significant threat to the longevity of your car’s engine. If your engine’s cooling system ever breaks down, you’ll need to stop driving at once or risk having your engine blow a gasket or seize up altogether. The radiator serves the vital function of cooling the coolant that keeps your engine from getting too hot. If your radiator ever experiences any of the following three problems, visit your nearest BMW dealer right away for radiator repair.
Does Your BMW Need a Radiator Repair?
Discolored Coolant
As the radiator is made from metal, it can gather rust, either internally or externally. External rust is relatively easy to spot and clean when you visually check your radiator. Internal rust can also be detected by keeping an eye on the color of your coolant. The coolant tank under your hood is usually transparent, allowing you to check the coolant inside.
Coolant should be a bright color, such as red, pink, green, or blue. If you see that it’s turning rusty brown, then you probably have an internally rusting radiator that might need to be replaced. If not dealt with, rust can eventually create holes in the radiator, leading to leaks. Modern coolant has effective anti-rust properties, but this quality can gradually fade with age.
Falling Coolant Levels
When checking the levels inside the coolant reservoir, pay heed to any surprising drop in coolant levels. This might indicate a leak. Coolant leaks often originate from a radiator cap or hose connection.
To know for sure if you have a leak, you can place a piece of cardboard under your car when you park. Then check it when you return for stains of a brightly colored liquid.
Cracked or Bent Fins
The radiator has many fins to increase the surface area that transfers heat out of the coolant and into the surrounding air. These fins are quite vulnerable and can sometimes become damaged by a bump, stone, or even high-pressure washing.
Radiator fins can also become clogged up by a buildup of dust, dirt, and organic matter. When these fins become clogged, bent, or broken, the coolant will no longer be cooling down properly. Your radiator will need to be cleaned, repaired, or replaced.
Have Radiator Servicing at Your Local BMW Dealer
As with any essential component of your car, periodical servicing visits are required. According to the National Automotive Radiator Service Association, your radiator and entire cooling system should be serviced every two years or more. You can also have your coolant flushed at the same time.
Have qualified technicians inspect and repair your radiator today at BMW of Bloomfield Hills. our customer service won’t disappoint.
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