The engine of your BMW constantly generates heat when it is running as a result of the combustion process. If your car is not able to cool itself properly, you will experience engine overheating. This problem is faced by most BMW drivers and must be taken care of quickly to avoid damaging the engine. Let’s begin with the signs of overheating to watch out for and then proceed to how you can solve the problem.
Signs That Your BMW Is Overheating
- Temperature Gauge: The temperature gauge on your BMW’s dashboard does a good job by showing the engine temperature at any given time. If the level of the gauge is getting close to the red zone or indicating abnormally high temperatures, it means that your BMW is overheating. Do not let it slide, take immediate action to prevent the problem from getting out of hand.
- Warning Lights: Apart from the temperature gauge, some BMW models have warning lights to give drivers a sign if there is an engine overheating. These warning lights usually flash in bright colors or display a message on the dashboard to call the attention of the driver. If you do not heed these warnings, it can lead to engine problems to the extent that you may have to spend so much on repairs. So, it is very important to pay attention to overheating lights.
- Steam or Smoke: Visual clues such as steam or smoke coming out of the hood are clear signs of an engine overheating. If you notice any steam or smoke while driving, please pull over to a safe spot and turn off the engine immediately. It is extremely dangerous to keep driving an engine that is overheating as it can lead to permanent damage to your BMW engine.
How To Address Overheating
- Check Your Coolant Level: The most common reason for overheating in a BMW engine is a low coolant level. Coolant, also called antifreeze, is designed to regulate your engine’s temperature. To check the level of the coolant, open the hood and look for the coolant reservoir. If it is below the minimum level marker, you’ll have to top it up with a mixture of coolant and water.
- Inspect for Leaks: Cooling system leaks can cause serious problems like overheating. Look under your BMW for coolant puddles, and carefully inspect the hoses, radiator, water pump, and other components for signs of leakage or damage. If there happen to be any leaks, they should be repaired or replaced.
- Test Your Thermostat: A thermostat that is not functioning correctly can cause your engine to overheat by not allowing coolant to flow properly. You can access your thermostat condition by starting your car and idling it until it reaches normal operating temperature. After that, check the radiator hose by touching the upper part if it is warm. If the hose is hot it most likely means the thermostat is functioning perfectly. However, if it is cold the thermostat might need to be replaced.
- Flush Cooling System: Contaminants and debris can get in the cooling system and obstruct its effectiveness, leading to overheating problems. Flushing the cooling system includes the removal of the old coolant and flushing out any solid particles that may be present in the radiator and hoses. This process allows the coolant to restore its normal circulation and transfer heat to the radiator. Once the cooling system has been flushed, it is important to refill it with a new coolant of the correct type as recommended by BMW. Make sure the job is done by a reliable BMW mechanic.
Who Should You Trust With Your BMW Repairs?
At Bimmer Performance, we are proud to be your trusted partner in all your BMW repair and servicing requirements. If you notice any signs of engine overheating or other issues, don’t waste time bringing your BMW to our service center. Our technicians go through Worldpac classes and this enables them to offer your vehicle the best service possible. Whether you’re in Sugar Land, Mission Bend, Cinco Ranch, Katy, or Houston, TX, we are here to serve you and ensure that your BMW will be back on the road in perfect condition. Give us a call today on 281-948-2913 to book your appointment and see why we are chosen by drivers from the area.