How To Deal With Cooling System Failure in Your Mini Cooper

The job of an automotive cooling system is to remove the excess heat generated due to the process of internal combustion in order to maintain the engine operating temperature. It has seven main components- a radiator, cooling fan, radiator cap, hoses, water pump, expansion tank, and a thermostat. Besides, it also needs coolant to circulate throughout the system. Coolant is a mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol, chemical additives, and de-ionized water. It has a higher boiling point and lower freezing point due to which it could withstand extreme range of temperature. Besides, it also lubricates different components of the cooling system.

Malfunctions in any of the above-mentioned components could jeopardize the cooling system as a result of which the engine of your vehicle might overheat. Besides, an insufficient amount of coolant could also impede the cooling system. So, signs of cooling system failure in your Mini Cooper should not be neglected. Efforts should be made to identify and fix the malfunctions in the system. Moreover, check the coolant level regularly and refill or replace it if necessary.

Engine cooling system problems

Have a look at some of the most common cooling system problems in your Mini Cooper:

• Contaminated or dirty coolant
• Low coolant level
• Broken radiator cap
• Leaking hoses
• Internal coolant leaks
• Faulty thermostat
• Damaged radiator
• Faulty water pump
• Defective radiator fan

What happens when cooling system fails?

Engine overheating

The cooling system is responsible for maintaining operating engine temperature in a vehicle. The water pump circulates pressurized coolant between the engine and the radiator in order to keep the engine temperature stable. However, a defective cooling system fails to do its job properly as a result of which the engine temperature might rise unprecedentedly which could cause engine overheating in your Mini Cooper. So, if the readings on the dashboard temperature gauge rise, then something is clearly wrong with the cooling system of your vehicle that needs immediate attention.

Damaged head gaskets

Its job is to seal the gap between the engine block and cylinder head. By doing so, it maintains compression within the engine. A sudden rise in the engine temperature due to the failure of the cooling system could damage the head gasket. A cracked or defective head gasket could not maintain compression within the combustion chamber as a result of which the efficiency of the engine might decline. Besides, motor oil and coolant might leak into the combustion chamber through the cracks or leaks in the head gasket. Extreme engine temperature could also damage valve seals, piston rings, and other sensitive components of the engine.

Poor engine performance

An internal combustion engine needs optimal temperature to run efficiently. Fluctuation in the engine temperature at an extreme level could adversely affect the engine performance. So, if you notice a sudden fall in the power output of the engine, then something is clearly wrong with the cooling system of your vehicle that needs immediate attention. Moreover, you might also notice a rise in the rate of fuel consumption.

Damaged engine block and pistons

Extreme engine temperature could damage the engine block and pistons in the long run. So, early warning signs of engine overheating in your Mini Cooper should not be neglected. Efforts should be made to address the issue as soon as possible.

How to fix engine cooling system?

Failure of the cooling system could cause irreparable damages to the engine of your Mini Cooper in the long run. So, if you notice signs of cooling system failure in your vehicle, then contact a car repair shop near you to fix the defects in the system. Moreover, you should be aware of the basic car maintenance tricks to keep the cooling system operational. Check the coolant condition regularly and if it is old or contaminated, then replace it. Besides, you should consider flushing the cooling system.

Conclusion

The cooling system is responsible for keeping the engine temperature stable. By doing so, it ensures smooth engine operation. Lack of an adequate amount of coolant or failing components could jeopardize the entire cooling system which could cause engine overheating in your Mini Cooper. So, early warning signs of cooling system failure in your Mini Cooper should not be neglected. Efforts should be made to spot and fix the defects in the system as soon as possible.

We at Autowerks are family owned independent automotive service facility established in 1975. In addition to this, we also offer an economical alternative to the expansive dealer service of European automobiles. We specialize in repairing BMW, Jaguar