Winter is coming and it’s best we start preparing for it now. And this week we are bringing you some important tips to make sure you stay safe on the roadway when weather conditions start to take a turn. Use the tips below as a refresher and be sure to service your vehicle this month before the winter weather hits. Or upgrade your ride altogether. Perhaps a new X5 or X7 has been on your list - come see our team for a test drive and let us help you upgrade today! Flemington BMW's Winter Driving Tips: Always buckle your seat belt and require your passengers do the same. Reduce speeds. Remember that the posted speed limit is for ideal travel conditions. Allow for extra travel time or consider delaying trips if the weather is inclement. Don’t use your hand-held cell phone while driving, as mandated by law. Use your headlights, as required by law. Be alert and allow more distance between your vehicle and others. Use your brakes carefully.  Brake early and carefully as it takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions. Don’t use “cruise control” in wintry conditions. Be courteous to other drivers. Keep to the right except to pass, using turn signals to alert other drivers of your intentions.

One thing about driving that gives a lot of people trouble is driving after dark. Some of us just have bad night vision, and even though the sun goes down later this time of year, we know that some of you are inclined to drive late into the night to get to and from barbecues, fireworks, and while you’re on the road on a long-haul trip. Luckily, we’ve got some tips for you that might help make driving after dark a bit easier! The first thing is that if you’ve gotten yourself “night driving glasses” that are tinted in any way, well… those were a scam. I am sorry to tell you this. The pigment that forms the tint blocks light from your eyes, and while that’s useful on a sunny day you shouldn’t have anything that blocks light. Simply put, light is what lets you see things, so when that light is blocked you’re not going to see things as well. That being said, if oncoming headlights do tend to dazzle you a bit, focus your vision on the white line at the side of the road when passing a vehicle going the opposite direction. This lets you stay in your lane while not giving you the spots in your vision that come from looking right at bright lights. You can also flip your rearview mirror, or find an auto-dimming mirror (or a vehicle with one that comes standard!) to help with lights from behind. Finally, if you feel that it’s just too unsafe for you to drive at night, then don’t. Schedule yourself so that you won’t have to, and if you know you’re going to be out after dark, arrange for a ride or call a ridesharing service or taxi, or take the bus if it’s available! Or, just stay home and read that book that’s been sitting on your shelves for too long. You know the one. It misses you! Our Pre-Memorial Day Sales Event Is Here!

Checking your vehicle’s tire pressure is actually more important than you probably thought. In fact, during the winter months, you should be checking your tires every day before you head out. You're probably thinking what? Every day before I leave is a lot. Yes, it can be but also doing this quick check will better your drive and enhance your safety out on the road. This week we want to tell you why you should be checking your tires PSI and why it’s so important. Trust us, it’s most definitely worth taking the few seconds to take a quick glance! Proper PSI will help optimize performance and your vehicle's fuel efficiency. This is especially useful if you tend to run your A/C or heat for long periods of time and increasing gas prices). Avoid sidewall flexing and tire squirm when properly inflated. Avoid potential dangers like collisions, blowouts, heat build-up, and potential rolling hazards. Correct PSI improves durability and performance designed to match the specific needs of your vehicle. PSI stabilizes the tire’s structure, blends responsiveness, traction, and handling. Extreme temperatures and driving conditions will affect your tire’s PSI. Underinflated tires can wear prematurely due to being soft and unable to maintain their proper shape. Overinflated tires can wear unevenly due to being rigid and hard. It can also lead to a tire blowout. If your vehicle has been sitting for a long period of time, chances are the PSI is incorrect and you will need to fill up the tires. Vehicles that sit without being used have a tendency to have under-inflated tires. Your tires will last longer and the tread won’t wear out as easily if your tires are always properly inflated to the correct PSI. Service Your BMW With Us Today!