Winter Driving Tips

Face it: most drivers dread the winter months. After spending the summer heading to the beach, or spending the autumn frolicking in the leaves and peeping at the fall foliage, the harsh reality is the winter is here and it’s time to deal with it. In the winter, the driver depends on their car as a lifeline to the rest of world. Whether it’s heading to work, picking up the kids from school or from basketball practice, or just leaving the house to avoid cabin fever, your car needs to be maintained properly to ensure that everyday travels start off properly.

At Flemington BMW, your vehicle or “The Ultimate Driving Machine” is testament to craftsmanship and quality. By treating your car with care, you can squeeze more mileage and time with it. As the cold weather sets in it’s time to review the winter car tips checklist. Consider it a Christmas wish list for a car, allowing it to avoid breakdowns or getting stranded in a blizzard or the most inopportune times.

 
• All your fluid must be checked. That means motor oil, batteries, antifreeze (coolant) and windshield wiper fluid. During your winter tune-up, a trained BMW mechanic will perform the diagnostics to determine if the car’s fluids need changing or topping off. Most drivers get their car’s oil changed every 3,000 miles or a handful of times per calendar year. By flushing your antifreeze every two years, it’s a safe bet you are doing the right thing.
• Make sure the lights are functioning properly. Brake lights, blinkers and hazard lights are warning signals. Also see if the high beams work and the lights are aimed properly.

 

• Tires need attention too. Worn tires are an accident waiting to happen. Think of this: When you least expect it, an icy or snowy surface can send your car careening into another vehicle, guardrail or into a ditch on the side of a remote road. Take two minutes to inspect your tire treads by inserting a quarter into it. If Washington’s head is exposed, start shopping for new ones. Also maintain proper air pressure in all four tires. Tire pressure should be checked weekly. Remember, tires are where the car meets the road and a proper grip in winter months is essential.

 

• Heater and defrosters are vital in cold weather. Before it gets too cold, double check that heat is being evenly distributed from the dashboard and floor vents. Also, ensure the defroster is normally switched on each morning to rid the car of newly deposited snow and ice. The quicker it sends warm air onto the windshield, the quicker a motorist is driving to their destination.

 

• Inspect your windshield wiper blades for frayed edges that won’t properly clean the windows, often leaving streaks or smudges.

 

• Exhaust systems need to be checked for leaks that lead to carbon monoxide, filling the cabin when the windows are closed.

 

• Miscellaneous items such as a bag of kitty litter in your trunk will or sand in the trunk give the tires better traction on icy roads. Drivers might want to have de-icing fluids and window scrapers for proper removal. In the trunk, a warm blanket is a good rule of thumb in case you are stranded without the luxury of heat. Have a least a liter of water and purchase hand and foot warmers.

 

• Other items to store in the trunk should include additional clothing, gloves, wool hat, snacks, flares, jumper cables, flashlight and spare batteries. For some who reside in a remote area, a snow shovel—space providing—is optional.

 

• Experts say that depending on the amount of gas left in the tank, drivers can run the engine for 10 minutes per hour to keep the cabin warm. Warning: Be sure the exhaust pipe remains clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide from entering the cabin.

 

• It might be a good idea to plug a few phone numbers such as AAA, your BMW dealership and a local taxicab service into your cell phone, or at least have them handy.

 

• Lastly, keep the gas tank at least half full. This prevents moisture from gathering in the gas lines, which lead to freezing and eventually cracking.

 
For more tips on caring for your BMW during the winter months, contact your trusted friends at Flemington BMW today!

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