Many people dream of owning a BMW but are afraid of the responsibilities of maintaining a German luxury car. But do you know that there’s a way to take care of your car without needing to feel the pressure of the obligation? Getting a BMW extended warranty and insurance will keep your luxury vehicle protected. They also offer financial protection since you will not be obliged to dip your hands in your savings account.
However, do you know that there’s an even more effective way to maintain your vehicle aside from getting insurance and a warranty? Proper vehicle maintenance will ensure that your car reaches its peak performance. There are many areas to focus on if you want to prolong your car’s lifetime. Here’s a complete guide on how to maximize your BMW.
Follow the Ideal Service Schedule
Every engine produced by BMW is different, but all BMW vehicles follow the baseline preventive maintenance schedule. As a general rule, you need to bring your car to the authorized mechanic or garage every 5,000 miles. This is regardless of the manufacturer’s claim that BMWs have longer service intervals.
Because the BMW has a performance engine, it must comply with rigorous driving demands. That keeps the engine working harder and the engine oil getting stickier and dirtier faster. If the oil is not changed on time, there will be an engine issue, such as a crankcase pressure system and excessive oil consumption.
Inspect Tire Pressure
Unfortunately, many car owners don’t make a habit of checking their tire pressure regularly. Not only can this cause accidents, but it will also affect the overall performance of your BMW. Remember that your car has to compensate if one or two components are not working correctly. Underinflated tires will also reduce the fuel economy of the vehicle.
Check the tire tread depth, pressure, cracks, bubbles, and irregular marks. If you are buying a secondhand BMW, ask for a discount if the tires have signs of wear and tear. The tread depth should be at 1.6 mm. Anything lower than this can cause skidding and accidents.
Keep Fuel Levels Above Minimum
Don’t wait until the car has the empty fuel sign on before going to the gas station. Regularly check the fuel and don’t let it fall below a quarter of a tank. Aside from the risk of the car suddenly stopping, low fuel levels can also adversely affect the engine. Do you know that there are debris and particulates inside the fuel tank? When the fuel falls below the minimum, these particulates can contaminate the fuel line.
You’re not saving on fuel by letting the tank run empty. Low fuel levels have been found to cause overheating. Make sure the fuel tank is always full or above the minimum level to keep the engine cool.
Check the Oil and Filter
Every BMW owner must regularly check the oils and filters to keep the car running at optimum performance. Dirty oil and filter will affect the engine since dirt and soot can cause corrosion. You shouldn’t wait for the indicator light to turn on before checking the oil and filter. What are the signs that it’s time to check under the hood?
There are three signs to watch out for: the engine is louder than usual, smoke is coming from the exhaust, and the car sputters while driving. Have the oils and filters checked immediately when you notice one or more of these signs. You don’t want your BMW to develop more problems by neglecting these simple maintenance tips.
Wash the Body Regularly
You can opt to have a ceramic coating on your BMW because it has self-cleaning properties. Dust and dirt bounce off the car. But if that is not possible due to time or money constraints, just keep the car thoroughly cleaned. Regular washing is essential. Do it at least once a week. If you took the vehicle on an offroad trip, remove stubborn mud immediately because it can remove the gloss from your car’s exterior.
Also, take care of chips and minor scratches. Take the car immediately to a mechanic because these minor things can blow out of proportion if not appropriately addressed. Minor scratches can be covered up by paint, while larger dents need more serious attention.
There are special BMW car soaps and conditioners. You may want to look at these products because general detergents can strip the wax from the car. Also, make sure to keep the interior clean. It’s easy for the car to feel old and dirty when the interiors are disorganized.
Get Insurance and a Warranty
Not that you can drive a car without insurance, but you should also consider getting comprehensive car insurance. The good thing about comprehensive car insurance is that it also shoulders third-party expenditures. Some even come with legal representation fees, so you won’t have to worry about any legal expenses associated with your car figuring in an accident or injuring someone.
On the other hand, the warranty ensures that you don’t have to dip into your savings for some repairs and replacements. Depending on the coverage you buy, the extended warranty can pay for powertrains, transmission, engine, and systems. Other times, it will also provide roadside assistance, accommodation, and car rentals for when your BMW is in the garage.
Conclusion
Taking care of your BMW shouldn’t be overwhelming. In fact, it is not different from maintaining a standard car brand. Despite being a luxury car, a BMW requires much of the same thing—routine maintenance, regular cleaning, and inspection. If you keep these things in mind, your BMW will last a long time and possibly even exceed its lifespan.
Whoa! I was so surprised yesterday when I went to my cousin’s house because it turns out that he just bought a BMW car (albeit a pre-owned one). I quickly remember your reminder that we must never let our fuel tank empty to prevent any negative impact towards our engine. I guess sharing this article with him pretty soon would help him to carry out proper maintenance process later on.