Basic Car Maintenance Everyone Should Know

Most people use their car every day without a second thought. They will get in, turn the key, and head out on their way. It’s almost always the case, unless you are a car person, that you don’t think something is in need of repair till a light shines or a weird noise starts to occur. Afterall keeping up with a vehicle requires some amount of attention. But what if you could minimize the likelihood of an expensive repair, by doing only simple maintenance items? In this post, we will look at simple car maintenance items you can do that will potentially save you from experiencing a catastrophic event or costly BMW car repair.

CHECK TIRES

Tires are the essential features of your vehicle. They are what makes contact with the ground. Having good tires versus a bad one can make a huge difference. Have you ever experienced a tire blow out, or know someone that has? At high speeds having a tire, blow can be incredibly dangerous. It can also do much more damages than just having a flat tire. Almost all tire blowouts can be avoided by simply checking your tires periodically, and having them replaced when needed.

A good rule of thumb is to inspect your tires every month for wear, tread, and that they are correctly inflated. The tire sidewall will tell you the max psi they should be filled to. Overinflating can be just as bad as under, so it is best to stay a little below the max. Check for signs damage to the tires as well; if anything looks suspicious, you can take it to our German auto repair shop.

CHECK THE OIL

There is no way of avoiding the topic of engine oil when talking about the maintenance of a vehicle. It is the fluid that keeps everything in your engine working the way it should. Oil reduces friction of the metal movable parts within, and it an absolute must. Checking the oil isn’t as tricky as it sounds. Most vehicles are equipped with dipsticks that are labeled check oil on them. In fact, the dipstick will also have at the end clues as to if you are low on oil, clearly marked, low. If there is one maintenance item you should routinely do, and be in the habit of doing is checking the oil levels. If you find that your car is consistently low on oil, it could signal a leak or possibly other issues within the motor.

CHECK COOLANT LEVELS

Lastly, make sure to maintain adequate coolant in your vehicle’s cooling system. Each car requires a different type of coolant. BMW recommends the use of their own specially formulated coolant for their vehicles to run at their best. TIP: Use caution when checking your coolant levels. Never try to open the radiator cap if your car has been running and reached it’s operating temperature. In doing so can cause injury. The coolant is a pressurized system. When it is hot, pressure builds, the second you turn the cap it will spray out. At close to 200 degrees, this is something you don’t want touching your skin. Instead, wait until your car has had time cool down or even better let it rest overnight and check before starting it in the morning.

Conclusion

Maintaining a good running vehicle is as simple as checking its primary components. These simple car tasks only take a few minutes and are well worth the time. Many repairs, breakdowns, or troubles can be avoided with proper care.

BMW Maintenance Tips

When you own a BMW, there are a few things you will want to do over the course of your ownership to ensure that it is running at peak performance as well as being a safe driver for you and your family. A reputable BMW shop will be able to assist you with all of the maintenance your car will need. Below are some of the best maintenance items that should be done routinely as part of owning a BMW that will last for years to come.

Have Regular Oil Changes Done

It will be the hands down best service tip you will ever do for your vehicle’s engine life. The engine is the heart of the car and one of the most expensive repairs you would ever have to do. To avoid major issues, giving your BMW regular oil changes will extend the engine’s life while giving you added performance as well as better fuel economy.

Replace or Clean your Air Filter

Your engine runs with a combination of air and fuel, and a dirty air filter will give you less performance and fuel economy. Periodically changing or cleaning your air filter will give you many benefits as well as allowing your engine to breathe easier. If you have replaced your stock air filter with an aftermarket one, like a K&N air filter, it will need to be cleaned, not replaced. A stock air filter will need to be changed out for a new one. It is one of the easiest maintenance items you can do to increase your horsepower as well.

Check the Status of your Tires

Tires play an intricate part in how your car will drive. If your tires are too worn or are wearing unevenly, you will feel it in the way your vehicle drives. It is best to replace your tires when they have worn down, and periodically rotate and balance them for an even wear on all four corners. One other aspect you shouldn’t overlook is your tire pressure. It is best to check your tire pressure somewhat frequently to make sure all tires are the same pressure and meet manufacturer specifications.

Check and Double Check your Fluid Levels

You may be accustomed to only checking fluids if something isn’t running right. It is an excellent idea to regularly stop and check the levels at least every three months. You should check your oil, transmission, coolant, power steering, and brake fluid levels. If you do it all at the same time, it will make it easier to monitor their levels.

Conclusion

Owning a BMW is a great adventure, and if you are good at it, it will be good to you. So check, replace, refill these items when needed. The best possible tip doesn’t put off repairs. If your BMW is making noises, take it to a reputable BMW auto repair shop to have it looked. These tips will help prevent large issues as well as help your BMW last longer.