A shiny new BMW in the driveway is a dream for many. BMWs are some of the most coveted luxury vehicles. The sleek, sporty cars are both reliable and powerful. BMW is an established company with a reputation for producing stylish, quality vehicles. What’s not to love?
Perhaps the biggest downside to owning a BMW is the high cost of maintenance. While they are reliable cars, their advanced engineering and premium parts and technology make repairs more expensive than your average Toyota. A BMW extended warranty can help to cover the cost of repairs and maintenance.
Keeping your BMW adequately maintained can be a hassle, but it’s definitely not something you should neglect. Regular maintenance will ensure that your car is safe and lasts a long time. Any problems that are left unresolved can become even bigger if you don’t take care of them right away. You’ll save money in the long run if you keep up with your car’s maintenance.
Most car maintenance will have to be taken care of by a professional. However, there are some things you can do yourself to keep your BMW pristine. Here are some things you should regularly maintain, along with a few things you can do to take care of your BMW.
1. Oil Change
Getting your car’s oil changed is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your car in good shape. It’s also extremely important; skipping oil changes can lead to serious engine problems or even complete failure. You can get your BMW’s oil changed at a BMW-approved dealer or mechanic.
Your BMW’s owner’s manual probably recommends changing your oil every 15,000 miles. But depending on your driving habits, you should probably get your oil changed at 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Also, your car’s Condition Based Servicing (CBS) system should let you know when it’s time to get an oil change.
2. Tires
It’s vital to regularly rotate your tires and check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires can cause problems and even increase your chances of getting in an accident. Checking your tires regularly can also help you spot a puncture before your tire blows out.
Tire rotation will help your tires last longer. Typically front tires wear out faster than rear tires, so if you rotate your tires, you shouldn’t have to replace them as quickly. Most drivers should rotate their tires every six months or more if they put a lot of mileage on their BMW.
3. Brakes
Brakes are one of the essential mechanisms in your car. Brake failures can be disastrous, so to avoid a scary incident, it’s best to keep your brakes in good condition. You’ll need to get your brake pads inspected regularly, perhaps every time you go in for an oil change or tire rotation and if you hear any strange noises when you brake. You’ll also want to get your brake fluid checked. If your brake fluid becomes contaminated, it can cause your brakes to fail.
4. Engine
Instead of waiting for the check engine light to flick on, get your engine checked any time you get some maintenance work done on your car. If you can catch a small issue before it turns into a costly problem, you’ll save money, and you’re less likely to experience a breakdown on the road.
5. Transmission
BMW claims that their car’s transmissions are a lifetime fill and that it’s unnecessary to change the fluid and filter. But car experts will tell you that you need to get your transmission serviced if you don’t want to pay to replace it at 70K miles. It’s best to flush the transmission fluid and change the filter every 50K miles to keep your car running smoothly and avoid transmission problems.
More Ways to Take Care of Your BMW
Taking care of your luxury vehicle is more than getting regular maintenance done. There are plenty of things you can do every day to keep your car in impeccable condition. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Choose quality fuel. Taking care of your engine starts with filling your tank with quality fuel. Not all gasoline is created equal. Some stations don’t mix their fuel right or filter it well. Filling up dirty fuel can cause problems in the future, so choose a reputable station.
- Take care of your BMW’s interior. Whether you have fabric or leather upholstery in your car, it’s critical that you take good care of it if you want it to last. Keep it clean and treat it to avoid stains and cracks. There are plenty of products that are specially designed for cleaning different types of interiors.
- Be careful at the car wash. Many automatic car washes can do more harm than good. They might leave scratches on your paint if they’re dirty. Choose wisely where you go to get your car washed, or even better, wash your car by hand.
BMWs are wonderful cars, and if you’re fortunate enough to own one, take good care of it. Use the suggestions in this article to get the most out of your vehicle.