A road trip is an exciting adventure that can create unforgettable memories. If you’re planning a road trip in your BMW, it’s a good idea to make your car safe and ready. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road, miles away from home, with a broken-down car. In this article, we’ll discuss how to ensure your BMW is safe and ready for that exciting trip.
Check Your Fluid Levels
It’s important to check your BMW’s fluid levels before any long road trip. The fluids that you should check include oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. These fluids are crucial for your car’s performance and safety, so it’s important to ensure they are at the appropriate levels.
Inspect Your Tires
Before any long road trip, you should inspect your tires. Check for any signs of wear, such as bald spots, cracks, or punctures. If your tires are worn or damaged, you need to have them replaced before your trip.
Your tire pressure also needs to be properly inspected to ensure it is inflated to the recommended pressure. The spare tire has to be properly checked as well.
Check Your Brakes
Your brakes are essential for your safety while driving, so it’s important to ensure they are in good condition before a long road trip. Check your brake pads, rotors, and calipers for any signs of wear or damage. If you hear any unusual noises when you apply the brakes, you will need the help of a qualified technician to diagnose and fix the issue before you embark on your trip.
If your brake pads are worn, you’ll hear a squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes. The rotors should also be smooth and free of any grooves or ridges. If you notice any damage or wear on your brakes, have them replaced before your trip.
Test Your Battery
Your car’s battery is essential for starting your engine, and it’s important to ensure it’s in good condition before a long road trip. Test your battery’s charge with a voltmeter or have it tested by a mechanic. If your battery is weak or dead, replace it before your trip.
To test your battery with a voltmeter, turn off your car’s engine and turn off all electrical accessories. Connect the voltmeter to the battery terminals and note the reading. If the reading is less than 12.6 volts, the battery may be weak and should be replaced.
Check Your Belts and Hoses
Your BMW belts and hoses are responsible for keeping everything running smoothly. Belts that are worn or damaged can cause your car’s engine to overheat or the alternator to fail.
Hoses worn or damaged can cause coolant leaks or overheating, which can damage your engine. Inspect these components for any signs of wear, cracks, or damage. If you notice any issues, you need to have them replaced by a professional before your trip to save you from unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs on the road.
Check Your Air Conditioning
If you’re planning your road trip during the summer months, it’s essential to make sure your BMW’s air conditioning is working correctly. Turn on your air conditioning and check that it blows cold air. If it doesn’t, you may need to have it serviced as driving without air conditioning during the hot summer months can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, especially for children and pets. Don’t forget to also check your car’s cabin air filter, which can affect the performance of your air conditioning system.
Dell’s Service Center Will Prepare Your BMW for a Safe Road Trip
Here at Dell’s Service Center, we aim to give our best service and ensure our customers have the best experience while driving on the road. Our technicians are highly trained with decades of experience in fixing the BMW Brands. We are always pleased to serve the residents of Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sturgeon Bay, WI. Call us or visit us today to get your BMW properly inspected and fixed before you embark on that exciting trip! Our repairs are affordable and quick, so we won’t keep you tied down. Contact us today for peace of mind.