Texas
In rear-end collisions, even minor accidents, the front radiator support in Mini Coopers is extremely likely to suffer damage. Damage to the support can ultimately lead to issues with the radiator. A faulty radiator lends itself to overheating, making your vehicle dangerous to drive. To avoid unsafe driving along with expensive repairs, it is essential to take your Mini Cooper to a trusted technician to have the support repaired or replaced immediately.
The radiator regulates the temperature at which your engine runs, and is one of the most important parts of your car. The front radiator support holds the radiator securely in place and to the engine, giving it some extra protection. Any damage to the front support can negatively affect your Mini’s cooling system, which may lead to pricey problems that are better to avoid.
Main Causes and Symptoms of Radiator Damage
There are a few various causes that result in front radiator support damage. Even without being in a crash, your front support may be damaged in some cases. If you experience any of the issues below, it could mean your front support needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Collisions: It’s important to drive safely to prevent accidents that lead to this kind of radiator damage. Rear-end collisions where you collide with the back of another vehicle are the main cause of severe damage to Mini radiator supports. There is often a lack of protection between the car frame and the engine, so even small collisions are dangerous.
- Loose support: If the front support becomes loose due to a fender-bender or otherwise, then the radiator itself can rattle and scrape against other parts of the car. If the hoses become loose as well, coolant will spill. If not packed in tight, radiator damage is unavoidable, which can lead to having to replace both the support and the radiator.
- Internal oil leaks: Leaks can erode the radiator support if left to drip or drain.
- Check engine light: The radiator is near the engine and its controls. Sometimes a faulty sensor may cause the check engine light to turn on. However, it could also be a radiator problem, so it is best to get it checked out.
- Shakes, vibrations, and noises under the hood: Sometimes small accidents can go unchecked, but if you start to experience unusual movement or hear unusual sounds, then the radiator or front radiator support could be damaged or out of place.
How to Avoid Front Radiator Support Damage
The number one thing you can do to prevent front radiator support damage is to simply be a good driver. It’s as simple as this:
- Pay attention to road signs and signals
- Follow the speed limit
- Use your turn signal every time
- Be alert when driving on busy roads or freeways
- Use caution when in parking lots or garages
Additionally, it is important for all Mini Cooper owners to keep up with regular service. Your Mini technician may notice issues that you might have overlooked. They are specially trained to notice small problems that can turn into expensive issues and want to help you remedy them before it turns into a more serious issue than necessary.
European Service Center Can Fix Mini Coopers
At European Service Center, our ASE-certified technicians specialize in Mini, BMW, Audi, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen repairs and services. We can help you identify the causes of any damage to your Mini Cooper’s front radiator support, and go over your options for repairs and replacement so you can get back out on the road as soon as possible.
Mini Cooper are stylish, sporty, and make a statement, and we strive to keep you and your Mini out on the road for a long time to come. We can handle all your Mini needs, from complex diagnostics to a simple tire rotation.
European Service Center is proud to service drivers in Atlanta and the surrounding areas, including Alpharetta, Chamblee, Norcross, Dunwoody, Buckhead, Roswell, Atlanta, GA. Stop in today or call us to have your luxury European vehicle serviced and see why we are the one-stop-shop for all your vehicle needs.