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When you’re out on the road with your dog, there are some essentials that you should bring along with you to make your dog’s experience on the road as comfortable as possible - and to save you a headache down the line (in the case of a seat cover)! Keep reading to learn more about the best types of things to keep in your vehicle to make your dog’s journey a little more comfortable and safe! A dog hammock. This is the ultimate in back seat upholstery protection. It hangs on the headrests of the back seat and the front seat and covers the entire back seat, protecting your upholstery from pet hair and scratches from wayward claws and teeth. A harness seatbelt. This is a contraption that connects to your pet’s harness and clips into the seatbelt buckle guy. This makes sure that your dog will be safe from moving around violently if you’re on rough terrain or in a collision. A water bowl (and food bowl) - collapsible bowls are a great idea when traveling because they stow away neatly and can be brought out when you need them. Remember that when you’re in the car, your dog should only have water because they do get carsick, just like humans! Save food for your walk breaks! A crate. If you’re not sure about having your dog in the car and restrained only by a harness, you might want to have them travel with you in a crate. Find one that’s sturdy and large enough for them to stand up, sit down, turn around, and lie down inside of. Blankets, toys, and other comfort items. Your dog likes to be comfortable, just like us, and so if they have a favorite blanket or toy you should bring it along with you on your trip! With these things in your car, your dog will be comfortable and well cared for. Coupled with a great canine first aid kit, you’re set for any adventure you and your dog go on! Have fun! Dogs Love New BMW’s!

When you’re on the road with your family, your first concern is probably to make sure that everyone’s having a good time and staying safe. However, emergencies happen all the time, whether they’re actual road emergencies or emergencies of boredom or even just a papercut that really really hurts. That’s where a good emergency kit comes into play! We’ve got recommendations for a kit that will take care of any emergency that might come your way while traveling - pick your favorites (or pick all of them) and stow them away in a zippable or otherwise close-able bag that can live in your vehicle until it’s needed. Take a look! First Aid kit. Some of the items to include are: Band-Aids Hand sanitizer. Antiseptic. Antibiotic ointment. Bug spray. Aspirin (or similar). Cotton balls. Gauze pads. Tweezers. Bandana. Ace bandage. Fire extinguisher. Choose a small one that is easy to store. Road flares (if not already in your tire-changing tools). Jumper cables. Rain Ponchos. Tarp. Flashlight and extra batteries. Rags. Duct tape Scent-free baby wipes. Drinking water and non-perishable snacks. Multipurpose tool. Travel In Style In A New X3!

Some people believe that spring is the season of flowers, warmer weather, shorter sleeves, and school vacations. Others believe that it’s the time for cleaning - and this blog is firmly with the latter party! This week, we’ll be talking about how to clean and refresh your garage from top to bottom, making sure there’s enough space for your vehicle and helping you get all the junk that accumulated over the winter out and gone for good. Keep reading for our tips, and make sure to share your results with us on Facebook! The very first thing you want to do is to take EVERYTHING out of your garage. Literally everything. Car, junk, trash, stuff you need… get it all outside into the driveway or onto your lawn and leave your garage totally empty. Then you should start to sort everything you’ve just taken out into two piles, one for things that you want to keep and one for things that you’ve been meaning to throw away or just forgot about. Throw those things away right now. Dispose of chemicals like paint safely, but just get it out of there forever. With your garage empty, you should sweep and vacuum the floor and dust the corners. If it’s a nice day, you could even hose down the floor! If you’re feeling super adventurous, consider applying an epoxy garage floor kit. It’s a lot of work and a lot of waiting, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for a really serious makeover. With the space clean, it’s time to take a critical look at your current storage solutions. If you don’t have shelves or wall storage, consider getting some! It’s a great space-saving hack to store things vertically. You can even store bikes on wall racks, which saves a TON of space. Finally, get everything back into your garage, organizing as you go. You’ll probably spot some things that you thought you wanted to keep but are really junk that you can just go ahead and throw away. You don’t need that in your life. When everything’s back in place (or has found a new home), park your car back inside! Service Your BMW Faster Than Ever!

Some of us might be the type of people who like to fix things ourselves instead of calling in the pros. I know my dad has been like that for basically my entire life - he’d try his hand at everything from the shower to the “kitchen remodel” to under the hood of his car. Well, sorry Dad, but there are some things in your car’s engine that you shouldn’t be touched unless you are actually a qualified automotive professional. Check out what they are if you’re similarly repair-minded, and if you need a fix then call the pros at Flemington BMW! First of all, don’t touch the transmission. Don’t even change the fluid. If you make a mistake with the transmission you’re in for a much more expensive repair than you had on your hands before you decided to try and repair it. Your windshield is another thing that you need to bring to glass professionals. Even those store bought kits that say they fix cracks, well. A professional will get the job done seamlessly, and the kit won’t provide satisfactory results. Just get a pro in there and you’ll be set. Anything to do with wiring should be off-limits; trying to tinker with anything in the car that has a lot of delicate electronics is a bad idea. So no putting in a new sound system on your own! Do you know how bad electrical fires are? Stay away! Don’t think about touching the fuel pump, either. This is not only a very precise part, but it requires precise installation and even the smallest mixup can total your engine from the inside out. The final thing to take to the professionals is engine diagnostics. This should be a no-brainer. The little code reader you can get that turns off the check engine light doesn’t actually fix anything, so why waste money that you could spend on getting what’s making the light come on repaired? Get Service With Us For Less!

The month of March has everyone thinking green, so save some green with these new BMW specials only at Flemington BMW. If you’re looking for adventure in every drive, then the new 2018 BMW X1 xDRIVE28i is for you! This Sport Activity Vehicle balances thrills with peace of mind. Offering more passenger space and ample cargo room, the new BMW X1 xDRIVE is designed for every road trip. You can lease for as low as $363/month for 36 months*. Next up is the 2018 BMW 3 Series 340i xDRIVE sedan*, the most popular and iconic of the BMW lineup. Whether you’re cruising through the city, or down to the shore for the weekend, this BMW will turn heads no matter where you’re going. It’s never been easier to stand out with affordable lease options as low as $485/mo for 36 months*. Another option is the new 2018 BMW 5 Series 530i xDRIVE sedan*. Not just a statement piece, this BMW is a driver’s paradise with easy to use navigation, communication, and entertainment. Lease your New 2018 BMW 5 Series xDRIVE for as low as $527/mo for 36 months*. With summer just around the corner, start thinking about road trips to the beach. You’ll arrive in style in your new BMW from Flemington! *All specials expire on 4/02/2018. See specials page for details. Save A Little Green This Month

Have you ever pulled into the parking lot, thought you had a space on lock, and then when you pulled up to turn in saw there was someone there parked too far in, an abandoned shopping cart taking up space, or it was just too tight because the cars next to the space were parked badly? Don’t be that person who everyone secretly hates in the parking lot. Here are some etiquette tips to make sure your parking lot manners are in tip-top shape. Make sure you’re parked straight. Always check to make sure you’re inside the lines of the space you’ve chosen. A good idea is a couple of cheap convex mirrors stuck to the bottom outside corners of your side mirrors. These are usually inexpensive at the store and make a world of difference when parking. They also let you see if you’re in the middle of the lane on the highway, as well as letting you see the curb when you’re parallel parking in the city. Don’t abandon a shopping cart. Usually, stores have corrals for their carts, and it’s just a matter of good citizenship to put your cart into one of them after you’ve finished unloading your purchases into your vehicle. It’s usually not a good time for anyone if you don’t see it in time and hit it - your paint can get scratched, your sidewalls can get dented… not fun. If you spot one in a parking space and you’re not battling for territory with other vehicles, have your copilot get out and move the cart so you can take the spot. That’s two birds with one stone - the spot is yours AND you’ve returned the cart to where it belongs. Use your turn signals. If you’re in a busy lot and see a spot you want, just turn on your signal. It’s easy and lets people know what you’re trying to do. Parking can be confusing - make it easier for your fellow drivers by signaling. Don’t park too close to someone else. Or park too far into a spot. Or across multiple spots. There’s a golden rule of parking - be the driver you want to encounter. Think about how you’d like everyone to park, and then do it. Maybe you’ll start a trend of great parking! You’ll be a national hero! It starts with a single decision to park well. Park far. We’re all trying to get out and get active more and more these days. So maybe instead of duking it out for the closest spot to the entrance, park farther away. There are fewer cars to contend with, more spots to choose from, and you’ll get a little physical activity in as a bonus. Hopefully, some of these rules will be helpful to you! And remember - when in doubt, park far out! Park A New BMW In That Garage

One of the most important things to think about when you’re driving is safety - this is something we all know, right? If we don’t, then that’s a whole different problem. Part of that focus on safety is making sure that you have enough fuel in your vehicle to keep it going. There are several negative consequences of driving without enough fuel… and while you may think that we’re being alarmist, well, we’re not. Take a look and see for yourself why you should never let your tank get below 1/4 full. First of all, running on empty (or close to empty) will make your fuel pump burn out and die long before it’s supposed to. Every part in your vehicle has a life expectancy, but you reduce that by driving on empty with your fuel pump. The gas that it pulls through acts as a coolant, and when there’s not enough gas to pump, it starts sucking in air. The air creates heat, which makes the pump burn out. It’s an expensive repair, too, so that’s one word of warning for you. Secondly, your fuel gauge isn’t completely accurate. How accurate can it be without offering you a precise digital readout? And when it’s moving around and expanding with heat? Don’t trust the “E” if only for the fact that you could have 50 or 0.5 miles left in your tank, and there’s only one way to find out which it is. Never let your tank get below a quarter full, especially in the winter. The last thing is just as important as the former two. Sediment collects at the bottom of every single gas tank, and when you’re low on gas, the only fuel your engine has to use is the stuff with all the gunk in it. That gunk gets stirred up and sent through your fuel lines and fuel injectors and clogs up the works very effectively. So, if you make a habit of driving on empty, then you’re not cleaning out your gas tank (I am the kind of person who would try to sugarcoat it that way), you’re necessitating a full engine flush way sooner than you’d normally need to get one… which is generally never. Fill up your tank when you’re down to a quarter tank of fuel left. You’ll thank me when your vehicle purrs like a kitten for the rest of its life. Service Costs Less With Us!

Two important safety features of your vehicle are your windshield wipers. Did you know that? Whether you knew it or not, it’s still true. That’s why you need to make sure that your wipers are in good shape by checking them out at least once a month. Do you know what the warning signs are that your wipers are on the way out? Do you know what the factors are that go into your wipers’ lifespans? Take a look! When you’re checking out your wiper blades, look for these things: Broken frame – detachment of frame arms at joints or connection points. Metal Corrosion – especially at joints and claws. Visible cracks, tears, and missing pieces in the rubber squeegee’s edge. Flex rubber squeegee back and forth to see if it is still flexible. Aged squeegees will have difficulty conforming to the shape of your windshield and create streaks. Check squeegee wiping edge for rounded edges which can prevent the wiper blade from making strong contact with the windshield and reduces wipe quality. Tug to ensure wiper blade has been securely installed on the wiper arm. Check that squeegee is secure in the wiper frame.* Your wipers can break down due to several factors that are kind of unavoidable if you use your car at all (and some, even if you don’t use your car): Sun: Ultraviolet light and ozone deterioration Oil: Car waxes and exhaust hold rubber-deteriorating oil Airborne debris: Sand, mud and dust carried in the wind Moisture: Acid rain and salt water (in moist air both near the shore and inland)* Finally, these are the warning signs that you should look out for to know when it’s time to replace those wipers: Streaking occurs when the rubber squeegee dries, hardens and cracks. It can also be caused by tree sap, road tar and other foreign substances collected on either the glass or the blade. Skipping occurs when the blade develops a curvature from lack of use (e.g. left in the ‘parked position’ for an extended length of time). Wearing occurs with extensive use and is when the rubber edges are rounded instead of squared. Splitting is caused when the sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate the rubber squeegee, causing it to breakdown and separate from the frame. Bent Refill Vertebra and Bent Frames cause inconsistent contact with the glass surface, creating streaking or skipping.* Some tips for making sure your wipers stay in great shape throughout their lives? Clean your windshield every time you fill your gas tank. Gently wipe the rubber squeegee with a damp paper towel to remove any loose dirt or oil. Never use your windshield wipers to de-ice your windshield. Instead, either use an ice scraper or use your defroster to melt snow and ice. Pull your wiper blades away from the windshield during winter months to prevent ice build up on the rubber squeegee and to prevent them from sticking to the windshield.* *Information from: https://www.rainx.com/tips-information/wiper-blade-maintenance-tips/ Talk To Us About Wipers!

If you’re like me, you were once a person who just let the pros handle every aspect of vehicle maintenance, and never thought about looking under the hood… like, ever. Well, for me those days are over. I have decided that it’s important to know about what’s happening in my vehicle’s engine, because it is, and the first step that I’ve taken is to learn about all of the fluids in my engine. It’s really fascinating! Of course, when I first popped the hood to start my self-education, everything seemed like a weird mechanical spaghetti, but it’s starting to make sense to me. Take a look at my list of the fluids that are essential to your vehicle’s operation, and where they are located and what exactly they do! Oil Your oil cools your engine, lubricates moving parts, and keeps the moving parts clean. You should change it regularly based on dealer recommendation and check it monthly! Coolant Coolant regulates your vehicle’s temperature. It is located in a reservoir near the radiator. If the level is low (level is indicated on the reservoir) take the vehicle to the shop to get your coolant topped up. Power Steering Fluid This helps you steer the vehicle. It’s located in a reservoir at the base of your windshield. Do the same as above, if the level is low take your vehicle to the shop to get the fluid topped up. Brake Fluid Brake fluid helps braking mechanisms work properly. If the level is chronically low, your brakes could be wearing out. Windshield Washer Fluid As you probably know, this helps clean your windshield of dust, debris, bug guts, etc. If you run out, get more at your local gas station and just refill the clearly labeled tank. Schedule Your Service Online

Winter’s still here, unfortunately, but that doesn’t mean you (and your vehicle) shouldn’t be prepared for whatever’s still left to come at us. Check out our tips on how to make sure you’re ready for any cold weather that’s headed our way - that is, in terms of making sure your vehicle is in the right shape to handle it! Get your coat, scarf, hat, gloves, and go out to check these things. Make sure your radiator and coolant are in good shape - i.e. the level of your coolant is where it should be and your radiator is in working order. Use your garage! Clean it out if it’s full and start parking your car in it. If you don’t have a garage, use a car cover! Check your defrosters and make sure they work properly. Fill your windshield washer fluid, preferably with fluid that contains nontoxic antifreeze. Check your windshield wipers and consider replacing them with wipers specifically meant for winter use. Check your battery, which means checking the connections and the electrical system as well. Replace your battery if it is dying. Get Your Vehicle Serviced While You’re At It

Traveling with a human’s best friend - a dog! - is one of the greatest joys in life. However, you need to make sure that they are comfortable and having a good time! Here’s how! If your dog is sick, they should not be traveling. Hire a dog sitter or find a good place to board them if you’re going to be away for a while. A trip to the vet is also strongly encouraged if your dog is feeling ill and it’s not a result of a health condition. Make sure you have plenty of water for your dog to drink on the trip. The best water to bring is either filtered/distilled water or the water you typically give your dog at home, which might be water from your tap. Dogs have sensitive GI tracts and can react badly to the minerals and particulates in “new” water. If you travel with your dog in a crate, make sure that their crate is large enough for them to stand up, sit down, turn around, and lie down in. Put some soft blankets or towels in the bottom and give your dog their favorite toy for the ride. If your dog doesn’t travel in a crate, get a harness tie-down so that your dog can’t wander and injure themselves in the car. Letting your dog stick their head out of the window is not a good idea. There’s a lot of dirt and debris on the road (and bugs in the summer) that can get into your dog’s eyes and ears and cause injury. Finally, stop often for potty, water, and exercise breaks. Feeding your dog while traveling is a bad idea, so stick to water and exercise. You might need a stretch as well if you’re taking a long trip! Keep Your BMW Healthy Too!

When you are driving at night, the most important thing to have on your side is a good source of light - in the case of your car, those are your headlights. If your headlights aren’t working properly, then you won’t be able to drive safely. That’s just a fact. Check out some of the situations you might have and what they might be caused by, and then stop down at Flemington BMW to have us get you back on the road and shining brighter than ever! If one of your headlights is out but the other one is working fine, then you probably have a burned out bulb on your hands. It could also be another component in your headlight assembly. If neither of your headlights are working, it could maybe, maybe, be two burned out bulbs, but a much more likely scenario is that you have a relay or control switch that is either malfunctioning or broken. If your headlights work fine but are dimmer than normal, the first thing you should do is clean them off with some cleaning solution and a clean microfiber cloth. If they’re still dim after you clean them, look and see if the plastic of the headlights is yellow and/or chipped and scratched. If it is, then ask us about reconditioning your headlights! Finally, if your headlights are working but go dim in specific situations, such as when you’re accelerating, then it could be that you have a problem with your charging system. If you’ve got headlight problems, we have solutions! Schedule a service appointment online right now! Click Here To Schedule Your Appointment!