Prepare Your Luxury Car for Cold Weather
Most cars are built to operate reliably regardless of the season, and that’s equally true of luxury cars as well. However, the stark cold of the winter months can wreak havoc on your prized luxury car and leave you stuck with costly bills for BMW repair. Fortunately, there are many steps a luxury car owner can take to avoid damage and poor performance brought on by cold weather. In fact, something as simple and routine as getting professional BMW service in Houston, TX, prior to the onset of freezing temperatures can make a huge difference in how your car fares.
By following an organized, deliberate winterizing protocol for your car before the cold sets in, you can keep it running smoothly as the mercury plummets and protect it from the ill effects that sometimes result from exposure to cold weather. Keep reading to learn what steps you should take to prepare your luxury car for the winter months.
Get Professional Service
The first step you should take requires very little effort on your part, as all you need to do is contact your local manufacturer-certified auto technician for regularly scheduled service. Your service tech will know exactly what needs to be done and when it needs to be done to winterize your car, so you’ll stay on schedule in terms of your routine maintenance. Also, servicing your car gives your tech a chance to perform an inspection of major systems to ensure none of them are susceptible to the winter’s rigors. Finally, a technician will know what steps need to be taken to ensure that the cold doesn’t damage your car and cost you in repairs.
Check Coolant/Antifreeze
Though you usually get fluids topped off during a service visit, you should still make sure to check fluid levels before a cold snap arrives, especially if your car idles for long periods, which can result in coolant loss over time. Antifreeze is critical because it prevents the water in your engine and coolant system from freezing, which could cause serious damage to the engine and cost thousands to repair. Simply check your owner’s manual to determine the proper coolant level and add the correct type of antifreeze if you find your level is low.
Check Your Battery
While many people think the summer months are hardest on your car’s battery, the winter months can be equally as torturous. Cold temperatures can reduce the output of your battery, which may make it more difficult to crank your car when the temperatures are low. This puts additional strain on the battery and can cause it to fail prematurely. The average quality battery lasts about five years, so if you’re battery is on the last half of that service life it’s a good idea to have it tested. If it’s not at maximum strength, go ahead and replace it to prevent being stranded on a cold roadside.
Build a Breakdown Kit
Even when you perform your due diligence to ensure your luxury car is properly winterized, things happen. Whether you accidently slide into a ditch while traveling an icy road, or you get stranded in a parking lot because of a dead battery late at night, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for unplanned situations. You can winterize your car and yourself by putting a small breakdown bag in your car that contains a few items guaranteed to hold you over in the winter temperatures while you wait for help to arrive. Include a blanket, gloves, a knit cap, a flashlight, road flares, handwarmers, water, and a snack to keep you comfortable until help arrives. If you live in an area where snow or ice may be an issue, pack an ice scraper, foldable shovel, and salt for melting ice.
If, despite your best efforts you still end up needing repairs as the result of winter weather, make sure to visit a shop providing the best BMW repair in Houston, TX. However, if you follow these tips and prepare your luxury vehicle appropriately, your car should make it through the winter months unscathed. To learn more about preparing your luxury car for cold weather, contact Bemer Motor Cars at (713) 266-2690.