The thermostat of your Mini is an essential part of the cooling system. It is a small valve that opens and closes in response to the general temperature of the circulating coolant fluid in the engine. When the thermostat closes, it prevents coolant from flowing so the engine can warm up to optimal temperature. Then the thermostat must open up to keep the engine cool and allow the proper flow of the coolant around the engine while it’s running.
If the thermostat starts leaking, your car will overheat and cause systems to fail. It can even cause the metal in your engine bay to warm due to extreme heat. Hence, pay close attention to the temperature gauge on the dashboard, and if you notice any irregularity in the temperature, bring it to our professionals for a quick inspection.
Signs of Thermostat Leaks
If the coolant of your Mini is leaking, your car will give off some signs to alert you. When you notice any of the symptoms listed below, contact our experts to take a look at immediately:
- If you’re conversant with the sweet smell of coolant fluids, your Mini will smell like coolant when it is parked due to a leak. Also, the heater vents of your car may have a chemical-based odor when you sit down in your cabin.
- Depending on the color of the coolant fluid in your car, you may find a puddle of pink, blue, or light red fluid underneath your vehicle when you park. This type of leak may need a tow, if too much fluid has leaked out of your Mini.
- Your engine may constantly overheat or become too cool. If you notice a sudden rise or sudden drop in the temperature gauge of your Mini, bring it in.
- If you check the temperature housing, you may find brightly-colored coolant around it.
Endeavor to have your car checked out immediately when you notice any of these signs. Driving with an overheating engine can lead to huge repair bills and it can even endanger your life if your car catches on fire.
How to Fix Thermostat Leaks in Your Mini
The best way to repair a thermostat leak is to replace the whole thermostat. Finding the leak and sealing it is a lot of work, and it will not last long. That is why complete replacement is always the best option.
- Wait until the engine is completely cool, as touching it while hot can cause burns. Loosen the coolant and drain the coolant fluid until it is below the thermostat housing.
- Remove the thermostat and gasket from the thermostat housing. Note that some Mini models have two thermostats, and both might need replacement.
- Clean all the mounting surfaces on the thermostat housing to clear all the old gasket materials. Install a new gasket first before installing the new thermostat in the correct position. The temperature sensor should face downwards towards the engine.
- Tighten the thermostat housing bolts using a calibrated inch-pound torque wrench according to the manufacturer’s instruction.
- Refill the cooling system with the recommended coolant fluid.
- Start the engine until it reaches its optimum temperature. Recheck the coolant level in case the fluid needs topping.
- Last, confirm that coolant fluid is flowing freely through the radiator to ensure the thermostat is open while the engine is running.
Bavarium Autoworks: Your MINI Experts
When it comes to taking care of any European vehicle, including your Mini, they require 
a high-quality service with expert knowledge in your make and model. Since there are many auto shops out there with only a few who actually know what they are doing, you want to ensure that you entrust your services and repairs to an experienced mechanic.
While others do the bare minimum and call it a day, we offer the best repair and maintenance services at Bavarium Autoworks. We are the #1 leading auto repair shop in your area, and all our mechanics are ASE-certified. We employ the latest factory-grade tools and equipment for our repairs and services.
Bavarium Autoworks is located in Mountain View, CA, and we are the go-to European auto shop for drivers in the surrounding areas of Cupertino, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, and Saratoga. Whether for standard services or unusual issues troubling your car, our mechanics are here to help. Please call or visit our shop today to schedule your car’s next appointment.