As the winter months close in, it may be time for you to consider making preparations to your BMW. Icy conditions make roads more dangerous to drive on, and certain conditions – as well as the steps taken to ameliorate them – can cause damage to your car over time without the proper care and attention. As such, it is wise to take the following steps, to ensure your BMW is well-prepared and in the best possible state to run effectively in the cold.
Change your Tyres
One of the biggest ways you can ensure the safe running of your BMW in winter is to change out your tyres for winter tyres. Winter tyres are softer than regular tyres, with more treads. The additional softness is caused by increasing the amount of silica in the tyre, allowing it to stay supple even as the temperature drops – and meaning the tyre will continue to grip the road. The deeper treads enable greater purchase in standing water, mud, snow and sludge, while the combination of tread depth and softness means the tyre can easier shake off compacted snow. A key distinction to make is that winter tyres are not snow tyres; they are an all-round tyre generally better suited to winter weather.
Change the Oil
Colder weather can be unkind to your BMW`s oil, especially if your oil has not been changed in a while. The older your engine oil, the dirtier it will be – having picked up debris from your engine block and its emissions over time. As temperatures drop, this dirty oil can get thicker and lose its lubricative qualities, making your engine sluggish and more prone to seizing. Replacing your oil ensures your engine runs smoothly
Maintain the Windscreen Wiper Blades
In the winter months, rubber is especially prone to failure; your windscreen wipers could stiffen with time and temperature, and if stippled with road debris, could eventually cause damage to your windscreen. Replacing your wipers regularly can prevent this, and also ensure you never have an obstructed view of the road in dangerous conditions.
Have Your Brakes Checked
Your brakes will encounter a lot more difficulty in the winter, especially from the grit lining the roads – the salt can accelerate rusting, meaning if your brakes are already old and on their way out they could well fail in wet or snowy weather. Check your brake pads, and replace them if necessary.
Store Winter Equipment in Your Car
Even winter tyres can`t guarantee complete safety in extreme winter weather and its after-effects, such as snow drifts and black ice. This is why you should create a winter driving toolkit for your boot ahead of the winter period. This kit would include snow chains for your tyres, recovery tracks to get your BMW out of ruts, spare grit and a de-icing solution for your windows and mirrors.
Book a BMW Service
The best way to prevent any unexpected incidents in the winter is to get your BMW booked in for a service at an accredited BMW centre, making sure your BMW does not have any lurking issues that could make driving in the colder weather dangerous. Having your BMW completely serviced and without issue will ensure you smooth driving throughout the winter period.
