How To Tell If Your Mini Cooper Thermostat is Failing in Los Angeles?

The main purpose of the thermostat in your Mini Cooper is to control the HVAC system operations. They are regulating the coolant temperature and enhance the engine performance at its best level. Over time, the extreme heat or lack of cooling system maintenance may wear out the thermostat.

When you will notice any types of problems in the heating or cooling system, then you have to check out the thermostat as soon as possible. Moreover, the thermostat is easily accessible and its replacement cost is very inexpensive. Neglecting the problem may lead to catastrophic engine failure with other problems.

How does the thermostat work?

The engine of the Mini Cooper needs to be run at a specific temperature depending on the make and model that would be ranged from 195F and 220F. For increasing the engine performance, you have to keep the engine temperature at a specified range.

So, every vehicle has a well-specified thermostat that is located between the engine and the radiator as well as regulates the coolant temperature and keeps them run at a certain temperature. Moreover, it can reduce emissions, improve fuel mileage, extend engine life, and burn off moisture very quickly.

Thus, the wax-filled brass tube of the thermostat is expanding the coolant and makes it gets hot. During the operation, the valve opens and allows the coolant to flow through the engine and radiator. To maintain the ideal temperature of the warmed-up engine, the thermostat stays open.

Common signs of a failed thermostat

Through the following signs, you can easily determine the failed thermostat in your Mini Cooper which needs the immediate attention of a mechanic.

Bad radiator

If you will notice shifting issues in the Mini Cooper while driving and then check the thermostat as soon as possible. The reason behind the shifting problems arising in your car is the contaminated fluid in the radiator. If you left it untreated, then it can cause cracks in the system.

On the other hand, when the radiator is clogged or the water pump malfunctions, then the passenger heater is not working and cause heating problems. If the heating system is leaking, then you will found red, green, or yellow stains on the ground. Due to the low fluid levels, the thermostat is not functioning properly.

Engine overheating

All we know is that the thermostat is controlling the fluid temperature from the radiator hose. If the engine is running at an optimum temperature level, then the coolant flow to the engine is regulated properly and controls its heat.

Due to any reason, if the thermostat becomes stuck in the closed position, then the antifreeze is unable to flow from the radiator and causes engine overheating problems. Engine overheating problems are also caused for other reasons such as leaking hoses. Check the thermostat when the engine overheating in Mini.

Fluctuated temperature

In your Mini Cooper, the thermostat needs to be timed perfectly for ensuring that the engine is receiving the right amount of coolant at the proper temperature. When the thermostat malfunctions, you will notice the engine temperature is changing intermittently and the temperature gauge respond abnormally.

If the thermostat is not stuck in any of the positions like open or close positions, then it is unable to read the engine temperature properly and cause overheating or overcooling problems. Temperature fluctuations problems can be caused in your car for other reasons, but don't forget to check the thermostat when it happens.

Rising temperature and poor performance

When the thermostat remains closed, you will found that the coolant doesn't escape to the radiator. As a result, the coolant in the radiator heats up and converts into steam. Thus, the rising temperature gauge in your car and water-filled radiator tank may indicate the failed thermostat in Mini.

On the other hand, when the engine temperature is fluctuating or overheated, then the engine performance is reduced automatically. Over time, you will notice that the fuel mileage is lower down and damage the major engine parts.

Leaks in the radiator cap

If the thermostat of your car is not functioning properly, then the high pressure will allow the hot coolant to escape from the engine coolant chamber. Eventually, the heated engine will raise the hot air and forms steams due to the boil of water.

As a result, the coolant heats up and cause leaks from the radiator cap. The radiator leaks of the vehicle are easily determined by the visible coolant under the vehicle in parking slots or garages and often from the white steam smoke produce from the engine.

Conclusion

Both the operations of the thermostat cause problems in your car such as the stuck open thermostat can prevent the engine to get enough heat for performing all of its operations efficiently and the stuck closed thermostat can cause serious engine damages as well as overheat very quickly. If you are living in Los Angeles, then consult with a reputed mechanic for inspecting the thermostat and fix it accordingly.

We at Carotech Automotive and Tires located in Los Angeles, CA have years of experience in looking after Domestic, Asian and European cars. All our technicians are highly experienced, certified and are passionate about cars.