Tips From the Pros of Jeffersonville to Avoid a Thermostat Failure in a BMW

The thermostat is a very crucial component of every vehicle. It is required for a vehicle’s proper functioning, and its absence significantly impacts your vehicle. A BMW’s thermostat detects and regulates temperature change in the engine by circulating coolant into and out of the engine compartment.

The thermostat has a valve that opens and closes to regulate the engine temperature to create a perfect running temperature for the bay. A failed thermostat puts your engine at an increased risk of overheating. Hence, performing routine maintenance will help preserve the functioning and ensure the longevity of the thermostat.

Causes of a BMW’s Thermostat Failure

A lot of factors can be the root cause of a thermostat failure because the thermostat, like other components of the vehicle, has its breaking point. This is determined by the intensity or length of usage. Discussed below are the leading causes of thermostat failure in your BMW.

• Natural Wear and Tear: Over time, vehicle parts and components wear down due to constant use, and your BMW is no exception. The repeated use of the thermostat gradually causes it to wear down and consequently fail.
• Coolant Leaks: Coolant is circulated into the engine whenever the thermostat detects that the engine temperature rises to cool down the engine. When coolant leaks occur, there is an absence of the coolants required to cool down the engine. The absence of coolant to cool down the engine causes the vehicle to overheat.
• Sludge: Sludge is a sediment fluid created by certain vehicle components over time. The sludge buildup compromises the thermostat, allowing contaminated materials to clog the system. The thermostat begins to malfunction because the coolant movement through the system is obstructed, which consequently causes the thermostat to fail.
• Manufacturer’s Defect: There is also the possibility of your thermostat having a pre-use defect, that it has been faulty right from the production plant. All manufacturing companies engage in mass production, so there is a possibility for an error. Although a manufacturer defect rarely happens because the vehicles also undergo human inspections, including the thermostat, there is also the place of human error.
• Faulty Installation: Thermostat installation is not the easiest of things to do, so you are advised to employ a professional. When the thermostat is installed wrongly, it starts to malfunction, and if the wrong installation is not corrected, it can cause it to break down.
• Overheating: Overheating can cause the thermostat to fail because the thermostat is designed for certain temperature levels that are usually exceeded when it overheats. When the vehicle’s engine overheats, it can damage the thermostat as those parts struggle to cope with such intense temperatures.

Signs that your BMW’s Thermostat is Failing

Whenever you notice any of the symptoms discussed below, it is an indicator that your thermostat is failing, and you should visit a BMW specialist as soon as possible to avoid causing severe engine damage.

• Coolant Leaks: This is one of the apparent symptoms of a failing thermostat. While the coolant leak may have emanated from other sources, it could also have been from your thermostat.
• Overheating: When the engine begins to overheat after a short drive frequently, it is a good indication that your thermostat may have started to fail.
• Erratic temperature change: When the engine’s temperature changes erratically, this is a sign that you should visit a BMW specialist immediately for proper diagnosis.

Need a Solution? Let Mike Johns Imports Help

Driving your vehicle with a faulty thermostat puts other parts of your vehicle at an increased risk of damage, especially your engine. At Mike Johns Imports, we offer high-quality service and repairs for all BMW and MINI models to help preserve the performance capabilities of these vehicles.

At Mike Johns Imports, we pride our expertise and rich experience dealing with these brands. We offer A/C repair, brake service & repair, check engine light maintenance, cooling system service, oil change, transmission repairs, and more.

We are located in Jeffersonville, IN, and the go-to shop for all services and repairs in Crestwood, Hurstbourne, Jeffersontown, Louisville, and St. Matthews. Please call or visit our shop to book your next service maintenance.