All cars, especially high-end performance vehicles like BMWs, require a certain level of ongoing care and attention. When it comes to engine performance, almost nothing else is more important than fluid care. Your BMW utilizes several different fluids that cater to the different areas of your car. For instance, brake fluid helps keeps the brakes lubricated and pressurized. Engine oil keeps the moving parts of the engine running smoothly and free of excess friction and heat; and to regulate your engine’s temperature, it requires coolant.

All of these fluids and more must be kept at the right level and free from contamination. Any leaking fluid is a cause for concern; however, coolant leaks can have an especially significant impact on your engine’s operation. In this article, we’ll talk about why coolant is so important for your BMW’s engine, the most common effects coolant leaks have on BMW engines, and what you can do to prevent coolant leaks.

What Does Coolant Do for Your BMW’s Engine?

As your BMW’s engine burns gas and continually keeps internal parts moving, it creates a ton of friction and heat, which cannot remain in the engine, otherwise overheating can occur. With the help of the radiator and the water pump, coolant and water are circulated through the engine cooling off the excess heat the engine produces. In order for the cooling system to work properly, it is essential that the various components are kept in good condition over time. It is usually recommended to perform a coolant flush every so often, and to monitor the condition of the radiator and water pump continually. When coolant leaks occur, your engine lacks the proper ratio of coolant and water needed to adequately cool off the engine and can lead to concerning engine performance symptoms.

Most Common Effects of Coolant Leaks on BMWs

In BMWs, or any car for that matter, coolant leaks are a serious problem for engine performance. When your car’s engine can’t expel the heat that it generates, the engine is unable to perform and may shut down. These are the most common effects of coolant leaks on BMW engines:

Engine Overheating

As one might expect, if the engine can’t properly cool itself then it will eventually overheat. If you notice smoke coming from your exhaust or your engine, you might also notice that the engine temperature has shot up. When your BMW overheats, you’ll need to pull over and inspect for coolant leaks. It helps to keep an extra bottle of coolant in your car at all times.

Diminished Fuel Economy

If you’ve encountered a slower coolant leak, then the more noticeable effects might take a while to come up. Instead, you may notice a lowered fuel efficiency in your vehicle. While this can be due to any number of issues with your BMW engine, it’s important to note this symptom and get it checked out for leaks.

Contaminated Engine Oil

If the coolant leak is due to a faulty seal or valve, it is common for engine oil and coolant to mix. This is a huge problem, as it dilutes the engine oil and keeps it from being effective at its job. Furthermore, the natural properties of the coolant strip the engine of the oil lubrication and corrode the parts prematurely.

Why Ongoing Fluid Care is Essential for Your BMW

As we mentioned before, caring for all the various types of fluids your BMW utilizes is critical for its longevity, performance, and overall health. Fluid flushes, top-offs, and inspections can help prevent fluid leaks, engine overheating, and other concerning symptoms in your BMW.

How We Can Help

The BMW experts here at Cerrone’s European in Redwood City, CA, have helped BMW drivers from all over the area restore their cars to their optimal level of functioning. Simple ongoing maintenance tasks such as fluid flushes and inspections can keep your BMW in excellent condition year-round, and can significantly extend its lifetime. We have a passion for BMWs, and it shows in our dedication and exceptional quality of work. If you think your BMW has encountered a coolant leak, or any other type of fluid leak, please call us right away to schedule a diagnostic appointment.

* BMW F26 X4 image credit goes to: DarthArt.