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Otto's BMW Service - Summer Tips
Q: What should I do to prepare my BMW for hot weather driving and the vacation season?
A: Your BMW does not require any seasonal maintenance, however, if it has been more than a few months since your last service visit there are some items that should be checked especially on older or higher mileage vehicles.
1) Battery. Have your vehicle's battery and electrical system tested. Contrary to popular belief, most batteries succumb to the heat of summer not the cold of winter. As well have the alternator, starter and belts checked for potential problems.
2) Antifreeze/Coolant. Have your coolant checked for potency. Too strong a potency reduces the ability for coolant to carry heat away from the engine and could cause overheating. Also beware of old and worn coolant, it can look great but chemical breakdown can cause the acid level of the coolant to rise and that can lead to corrosion, leaks and ultimately, breakdown. 2004 and later BMW’s are equipped with permanent antifreeze that does not require replacement but a top-off with a less than perfect mixture could lower the freezing point or cooling ability so even permanent coolant should be checked. 2003 and earlier require coolant replacement every 4 years regardless of mileage.
3) Tires. Air pressure is the single most important factor in keeping your tires in good condition and doubly so in the summer. Low pressure causes tires to run hot and heat will contribute to excessive and uneven wear. BMW recommends tire pressure checks as often as every 2 weeks. Also have your tires inspected for wear, damage and dry rot caused by aging. Tires worn to as much as 2/32” above the wear bar will noticeably loose traction on wet pavement.
4) Air Conditioning. A broken Air Conditioner can ruin a trip. Although no regular maintenance is required, an A/C performance check may uncover a small problem that could get bigger. In addition to cooling your vehicle's Air Conditioner dries air and that is critical in keeping windows fog-free in wet weather.
5) Windshield Wipers. Typically, we don't think about our wipers until the weather forces us to. It's probably a good idea to have them replaced if they haven't been changed in 3 months or more.
6) Body. Don't forget your vehicles body and paint work. Summer sun can dull your vehicle’s finish A coat of good quality wax provides a U-V protective coating and makes it easier to wash off bugs and road tar. A thorough detail will save wear and tear over the long run.
7) Overall Check. Have a qualified technician who is familiar with your BMW perform an overall inspection and prioritize anything that could possibly cause a breakdown or unsafe condition. Sitting by the side of the road or in a parking lot can be dangerous so don't leave anything to chance.
The old saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is especially true when getting your car ready for harsh weather. Otto's BMW: Service Department offers a Seasonal Check that will cover all these inspections. You may find yourself facing some unexpected items but having your vehicle checked early in the spring will give you time to budget for needed or upcoming repairs and maintenance before summer sets in. |
