Ever since the reintroduction of the Mini, the manufacturer has provided a number of models that are fashionable and fun to drive. However, as the first generation of new Minis, a number of common issues have surfaced that owners of these vehicles need to be aware of. By staying on top of any problems with your Mini Cooper, you’ll have the opportunity to have a competent Mini mechanic repair them before they become greater headaches.
If you own a Mini Cooper, one of the issues to watch for is water in the transmission system of your vehicles.
Implications of Water in Your Transmission System
The presence of water in the transmission fluid is quite damaging. The transmission is made up of delicate elements that deteriorate quickly when exposed to water. Here are some major ways it could damage your vehicle:
- Water in your vehicle’s transmission impedes driving: If the transmission’s friction plates get contaminated, the transmission will no longer be able to shift into any gears. Water in the transmission is a recipe for disaster; even a small amount causes major issues.
- It is very expensive: Once any amount of water has gotten into the transmission to the point where it is affecting operation, it must be rebuilt. It doesn’t take much, as little as a drop of water can be harmful to your transmission system. If you take care of the problem right away, the damage to the majority of parts will be limited, and you’ll save plenty of money for yourself.
- It affects the clutch plates: When water enters the automatic transmission, the clutch‘s friction lining is damaged and it destroys the adhesive that holds to the clutch plates. This water will usually leak out and create white sticky lumps in various parts.
- It causes rust to the car parts: Furthermore, water causes rust to form on the metal sections of the device. The extent of the damage will be determined by the quantity of water and duration of time it has been inside the unit, this will be resolved by overhauling. This overhauling certainly has to be done by an automobile expert.
How does water enter into your Mini?
Water can enter a transmission system in a variety of ways, and it is difficult to tell how water originated. However, there is a possibility that water can enter from an external source or the radiator.
To ensure an identical barometric pressure in the transmission, all transmissions contain a vent. When a car is driven into flooded streets, and the level of water is above or at the vent level, the liquid cools the unit, then lowers the inner temperature, and draws water into the transmission. This becomes a considerable problem, which is part of the reason why driving through flooded streets is a danger.
Rainwater can leak into the other fluids, like transmission fluid. This occurs commonly through holes or a leak in the tubes. Some vehicles have been recalled due to a misaligned dipstick tube that allowed water to enter the transmission system and caused great damage to the vehicle.
Das European Autohaus: Your Mini Experts in Spring
The presence of contaminants in transmission fluid is extremely hazardous to your Mini. 
If the problem is not rectified quickly, the transmission friction plates may split up, and the transmission will not shift gears on demand. This will start to corrode the iron almost immediately and cause you expensive repairs.
For years the team at Das European Autohaus has worked tirelessly to provide drivers throughout Spring with a reliable, affordable alternative to the dealerships. Specializing in European vehicles, our mechanics have decades of experience working with the most popular and well- known European brands such as:
- Audi
- BMW
- Mercedes
- MINI
- Porsche
- Volkswagen
Contact us at Das European Autohaus today. We are here to fix your cars, and we urge that you come in for a complete diagnostic at Das European Autohaus, serving Spring and Houston, TX. Our mechanics offer a total service and repairs for the most popular European brands of vehicles and we are ready to fix your vehicles at affordable prices.
