When it comes to keeping your vehicle up to date, it is important to get your BMW the proper maintenance it deserves to sustain the level of reliable performance you have come to love. Any number of parts under the hood can become worn, but some aspects of your vehicle should be replaced immediately upon any problems being noticed.
One such issue is a coolant leak. Coolant is incredibly important to the overall function of your vehicle and any leak can lead to more serious issues with the engine of your BMW. If you notice any signs that there is coolant leaking from your vehicle, do not hesitate to take the car in right away to a professional service.
Coolant 101
Coolant serves one large purpose: to transfer heat from the engine away from it so that the engine can cool off and function properly. Your engine heats up quickly from the mini-explosions in the combustion chamber, and without coolant, your engine would overheat.
This liquid is specially made to run through the system and by the engine. As it passes, the heat is absorbed and it moves throughout the components under the hood. As the coolant moves, it heads towards the radiator where some of the heat is released through the grill of your car. If the coolant is not hot enough, a thermometer in the system will route the coolant to go by the engine and pick up more heat.
The lifespan of coolant should be years within your vehicle before it needs to be replaced, but sometimes coolant leaks can occur in the route it travels. Whether it leaks within the rubber components or gaps between the gaskets, coolant can leak for a number of reasons. It is important to spot right away when it is happening.
Common Signs of a Coolant Leak
Fortunately, coolant is a fairly obvious leak to identify and should not pose an issue when trying to find the source. The coolant itself is usually a bright green color that should be fairly obvious to spot if it is dripping onto your garage floor or the road.
That being said, smaller leaks can be harder to spot, but there is a warning indicator on most BMW dashboards that will alert a driver if the coolant levels are getting low. If this is the case, and you know you replaced your coolant relatively recently, then you may have a coolant leak that needs repair.
Another sign that the coolant may be leaking is rust or discoloration of the radiator under the hood. Should the warning light turn on, pop the hood of your car and check to see for any discoloration.
Common Causes of a Coolant Leak
Blown Head Gasket
If the head gasket on your vehicle is blown, coolant may have been leaking without you knowing. As mentioned, the entire system of tubes through which coolant travels is extensive. The head gasket is one of the more important parts and can get worn down over time. If this happens, coolant may leak.
Radiator Corrosion
It is possible that over time, your radiator may have corroded or rusted and a hole may have formed through which coolant has been leaking. This is a relatively simple patch job but can become more expensive if left unchecked.
Leaky Radiator Cap
The radiator cap does exactly what it sounds like and keeps all the fluid within the radiator in. Should you have a leaky cap, coolant could be leaking without you knowing.
Escondido German Auto for Your BMW Needs
At Escondido German Auto, we specialize in 
German cars and can diagnose as well as fix BMW issues. We have experience servicing cars such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, Sprinter, Volkswagen and have proudly served clients for years in the areas around Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center, CA.
We hope you choose us for your auto needs. See why we have such reputable reviews. Please feel free to give us a call or come visit us today to see why we are the best in the business. We look forward to earning your trust and patronage.