Failure of the radiator expansion tank MINI Radiator Expansion Tank Checkcan cause severe issues to your Mini if not detected early enough. Here at Import Specialty Service, we have the expertise to accurately diagnose and repair problems with Minis. If you are experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above then it is advised to bring your vehicle to us so it can be checked. Our experts have been serving European and Asian car owners in Nashville, TN since 1994 and will make sure that your Mini will remain as cool as a cucumber. Book your next Mini service now!
Is your Mini losing coolant without an obvious leak? If you are always refilling your coolant yet you cannot seem to locate the source of the leak, your radiator expansion tank could be to blame. A crack or break in this cooling system part can result in the slow leakage of the coolant and ultimately result in overheating of the engine . Here is a breakdown of what a radiator expansion tank does and the symptoms that you should watch out for to know the tank is failing.
What Is the Radiator Expansion Tank?
Your Mini’s radiator expansion tank is responsible for the performance of the engine cooling system . It stores some amount of coolant when the coolant in the engine increases due to heat or expansion then releases these coolants when the engine temperature has decreased due to cooling. This system assists in regulating the amount and pressure of the coolant to ensure that the engine does not overheat. That is why, if the expansion tank is not functioning properly, your engine could be in a dangerous position.
Signs Your Radiator Expansion Tank Is Failing
- Coolant Leaks: One of the first things that will indicate that your radiator expansion tank is faulty is if you see a leakage of coolant. If you see green or orange colored liquid on the ground under your Mini, then it could be that the expansion tank has a leak. Expansion tanks made of plastic deteriorate with time and often crack up at extreme temperatures leading to leakage of coolants.
- Engine Overheating: If the engine of your car is prone to overheating most of the time, then you might have a faulty expansion tank . The tank is responsible for storing and controlling the amount of coolant and if the tank is faulty then the engine may not receive sufficient coolant to cool it. Overheating can cause more problems to the engine and that is why it needs to be fixed as early as possible.
- Low Coolant Warning Light: Some of the latest models of the Mini brand come with a low coolant light. This light usually means that there is an issue with your cooling system. It could be that the car just needs some more coolant added to the system, but the expansion tank should also be looked at for any signs of leakage or damage.
- Visible Cracks: If you take your car for a service and open the hood to check the expansion tank, you might find that the plastic has developed some cracks or has changed color. These tanks over time become fragile and any sign of a crack on the outer surface is an indication that the tank requires replacement.
What Factors Make Radiator Expansion Tanks Fail?
- Age and Wear: The material used in the construction of the expansion tank is plastic which degrades over time and becomes brittle . This brittleness makes the surface prone to cracking and leakage, especially in older vehicles.
- Extreme Temperatures: Fluctuations in temperature also affect the plastic tank by exerting pressure on the walls of the tank. Your expansion tank may be more likely to fail if you reside in an area that has a very cold or hot climate.
- Poor Coolant Quality: When using the wrong or inferior quality coolant, there might be some chemical reactions that may lead to the deterioration of the plastic used in making the expansion tank. One should always ensure that he or she is using the right type of coolant for the Mini since the use of the wrong coolant will cause early wear of the cooling system parts.
You Can Count On The Mini Experts At Import Specialty Service
If driving at night feels harder than it should, vehicle issues like cloudy headlights or moisture might be the problem. Read more.
At Import Specialty Service, we know the routine maintenance requirements of European and Asian imports like the backs of our hands.
The health of your cabin air filter can seriously impact your health and the air quality of your car’s interior.
BMW owners know not to settle for less. Don’t take your vehicle to any old shop in town—bring it to Import Specialty Service.
Is your Infiniti’s navigation system your primary means of navigation, only to become unresponsive, provide incorrect directions, or not load maps at all? Infiniti has developed an infotainment system that is supposed to enhance the ease of driving, but it can be a lot to deal with when it develops some issues. A poor navigation system is quite irritating, especially if you are in an unfamiliar area or on a tight schedule. If you are having issues with your car’s navigation system, you are not alone. Many other users of Infiniti cars have also complained of the same issue. Some of the problems reported by many Infiniti owners include slow response, wrong information on the map, or even complete system breakdown. Here are the causes of these glitches and how to rectify them so that you can have a reliable system again. Why Does the Infiniti Navigation System Go Bad? Software Bugs and Outdated Maps: Infiniti’s car navigation system utilizes software that requires updates at some point to work as expected. If the system has not been updated for some time, it may contain errors or outdated information on the map, affecting the directions and roads. The system may also lock up or crash due to software errors. Interference of GPS Signal: A bad GPS signal can be a major issue affecting the navigation of your Infiniti. This can occur when driving through tunnels, big buildings such as in towns or cities, or areas with bad satellite signals. Sometimes, it can be due to a faulty GPS antenna that stops the system from getting the correct location information. Electrical Issues and Wiring Problems: The navigation system utilizes several electrical connections and circuits. If there is a problem with the power supply or faulty wiring, the system may not work as expected. Some issues include the screen fading, the system freezing, or the audio getting interrupted. Hard Drive or SD Card Failure: In some Infiniti models, the maps are stored on the car's navigation system's hard drive or SD card. If this storage device is damaged or corrupted, the system may take a long time to load the map or freeze. A faulty hard drive can also cause slow boot time and interrupted navigation capability. Touchscreen Issues: Other issues reported by Infiniti owners include unresponsive buttons or a frozen screen. These can make it difficult to enter the address displayed on the screen or even to change the settings. These problems can be caused by software issues or physical damage to the screen. How to Troubleshoot Infiniti Navigation System Problems Check GPS Signal Strength: If the system frequently loses signal, try going to a more open area to enable the GPS to lock on to satellites. Some problems may require a technician to check the GPS antenna for defects. Restart or Reset the System: If you experience a few minor issues while using your car's infotainment system, you can turn off the car and then on again to solve the problem. If the issues are not resolved, a system reboot may help fix them in the software. Check Touchscreen and Buttons: If controls do not respond, this may be due to software problems or button damage. A professional inspection is needed to determine whether certain parts need to be repaired or replaced. Ensure You Have the Latest Software and Maps: It is always recommended to have the latest software installed in your car to avoid any hitches. Companies like Infiniti release new software to patch up some glitches and enhance other features. For more information, visit Infiniti’s website or go to a professional service center to get it done. How Import Specialty Service Can Help
As the chill of winter fades, it's time to prepare your car for the warmer months ahead. Here’s what you need to know to keep your BMW, Mercedes, Audi, or other imported vehicle running smoothly this season.
In this blog, we will explain how the traction control system works, how to identify that it is faulty, and how to go about fixing it.
Let’s look at how to spot a problem with the drive belt, and what can be done about it, or even better, how to avoid those problems.
By taking your vehicle to a mechanic with the right expertise, you can ensure long-lasting clean, quiet exhaust from your car.
If your Hyundai shows any of the following signs, you should have the door lock system inspected as it could mean a potential failure