Vancouver and Burnaby BMW & Mini Repair Specialist

Car radiators keep your engine from overheating. Each radiator is designed to keep the engine at an optimal temperature as per the vehicle manufacturer's standards. They do this by circulating coolant through the engine and back again. Radiators serve an essential role in the maintenance of engines. An overheated engine often results in severe damage that may lead to expensive, time-consuming repairs. By pumping coolant around the engine, they draw off excess heat, maintaining an optimal temperature regardless of the weather conditions. How Do Radiators Work? Radiators work by passing a special fluid called coolant through thin metal fins. These fins let heat flow outside the engine block. When coolant gets pumped through the engine, it takes the heat away to the radiator, blowing air over the liquid. The heat gets exchanged with the air outside the car. A thermostat regulates this process. If the coolant goes lower than the specified temperature, it restricts the flow of the c ... read more

When driving your MINI, you're going to frequently step on the brakes when you need to decelerate or come to a stop. Each time you put pressure on the brakes, the pressure you exert should remain consistent. However, if your vehicle has a soft or spongy brake pedal, there's a deeper problem going on.   If any of your vehicle's brake system parts (master cylinder, brake calipers, brake fluid, or brake lines) are defective, it can lead to mushy brakes. Thankfully, you can rely on the technicians at Nixon Automotive to detect and fix your springy brake pedal to give you a safer ride. Below are some of the common causes of sponge-like brakes. The most popular explanation for a spongy brake lever is air trapped in the brake system. Brake fluid does not mesh well with air, causing it to become less effective.  Rusted brake lines can also develop small cracks that develop into leaks. If your brake lines are compromised, bend, and crack from vehicle accidents, making ... read more

When most people think about their BMW's electrical system, they immediately think about the battery. While it is normal to think that because the battery provides the charge to start your BMW and run its complex tech systems, the alternator keeps your battery working. The alternator is the component that charges it when your vehicle is running. Without a functional alternator, your car will only run for a short period and shut off all the time. When your engine is running, your alternator is "recycling" power to charge the battery. The alternator is locked in the engine compartment. If your alternator is not working correctly, you will see one or more of the following signs:  The battery warning light has turned on the dashboard Dead battery  The battery can't hold a charge and shuts off mid-drive Dim lights Malfunctioning electrical components such as power windows, power seating, radio, etc.  Odd sounds coming from under the hood Any of the sym ... read more

Temperatures are dropping, and you know that means it's fall time. But first and foremost, it's essential to start caring for your BMW at the start of the season. You might wonder, "what does my car need for the fall anyway?"  We've created a list below of essential items that you should inspect and check off to prepare your BMW for the fall season. The last place you'd want to be on a brisk fall day is to be stuck on the side of the road.    Car Battery  With the changing of seasons, it's a perfect time to stop in to see our team for a diagnostic test to ensure that your battery is healthy and ready to take on the colder weather. Our expert team can also make sure your cables and terminals are adequately tightened and free of corrosion.  Headlights  Your headlights might've started to look cloudy or hazy over the years of use. It is prevalent in vehicles that are always parked outside. While the days will only get sh ... read more