Where to Fix Your MINI’s Thermostat Leak in Jeffersonville

While the most common cooling system issue to be experienced by modern MINIs are coolant leaks, vintage models of MINI are known to develop thermostat leaks. In most brands of car, wear and tear when the vehicle becomes aged is usually signified by a trip to the scrapheap.  However, MINIs of all ages are treasured because of their pop culture history. This means that there are a lot of old school MINIs on the roads today. With that, thermostat leaks are definitely something occur. Let’s discuss the reason for thermostat problems, the signs and symptoms of failure, and where to go for help.

The Function of the MINI’s Thermostat

The thermostat in your MINI is designed to regulate the coolant flow throughout your engine. This means that in regards to your engine’s health, and your entire car, the thermostat has a vital role to play.

Terms you might hear when dealing with thermostat failure include that the unit is stuck open or stuck closed. This is because the thermostat operates as a valve. When the engine is cold, the thermostat closes to prevent coolant from entering the engine, which allows the engine to warm up. When the engine is too hot, the thermostat opens, which allows the coolant to circulate and bring temperatures down.

This constant motion of opening and closing the thermostat helps keep your MINI’s engine at the right temperature. If thermostat gets stuck in either of the positions, the temperature will be thrown off balance. As the thermostat has to open and close often, it can be prone to wear and tear over the years. This can lead to leaks.

Causes of a Leaky Thermostat

There are three key causes for thermostat leaks in your MINI, making this problem easy to diagnose for quick repairs:

1. The thermostat housing has developed cracks.
2. The thermostat is stuck in the closed position.
3. The thermostat is stuck in the open position.

A failing thermostat needs to be replaced because it will compromise the temperature control of your engine. An engine that tries to run cold will struggle and develop part wear, and an engine which frequently overheats is at risk of severe damage. Having your MINI’s thermostat replaced can save you lots of money, as the cost of a new engine is thousands of dollars.

Contemplating DIY Repairs

If you are a MINI enthusiast, you may want to consider attempting repairs at home. If you have the knowledge and the tools, this can be a great way to save money, and if motoring is your passion can be a fun afternoon task as well.

However, if you don’t possess the know-how or the tools, thermostat repair really isn’t something to do at home. This is because messing around with anything that protects the health of your engine, your MINI’s most expensive part, without the correct knowledge will likely only end in disaster. You may cause more damage and need for more expensive repairs down the line.

Also, thermostat repair requires a whole host of special tools and equipment such as a socket set, drain pan, gasket scraper, carburetor cleaner, and a bench vice, to name just a few. This means that purchasing all these supplies will likely cost you more than just biting the bullet and seeking professional repairs. And remember, thermostat leaks don’t occur all that often in vehicles, so you’d be investing money in tools that may then sit around your garage collecting dust.

Mike Johns Imports

Mike Johns Imports are here to repair and service your MINI’s thermostat leaks. We serve the residences in and around Crestwood, Hurstbourne, Jeffersontown, Louisville, St. Matthews, or Jeffersonville, IN. We have been voted Jeffersonville’s number one auto repair shop. There is no reason to pay for dealership prices and suffer long wait times in crowded lobbies. Mike Johns Imports are German motoring specialists and are so confident in our extensive knowledge base that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee as well as a competitive 2-year/24,000 mile parts and service warranty as a guarantee for our work. Come to our location or call us today to schedule an appointment for your MINI’s servicing needs.