subject: How To Keep Repair Costs Way Down On Your BMW [print this page] How To Keep Repair Costs Way Down On Your BMW
All vehicles should be maintained on a regular basis to avoid a larger and more expensive problem. This rings true even more so for imports vehicles, especially the BMW. BMW is not the average vehicle and the costs for repairs aren't average either. The following is a simple maintenance list that will help avoid costly repairs:
Check Your BMW's Fluids
Oil: Check the oil when the engine is warm. Oil expands when it's hot and contracts when it's cold; different temperatures will give you different readings. It's wise to always keep two quarts of oil in your car. Be sure to look in your BMW owner's manual to tell you what type of motor oil your engine requires.
Brake Fluid: Check the brake fluid when you check all the other fluids. It's easy to do and only takes a minute.
Coolant: Antifreeze, or engine coolant, is the most important part of your BMW's cooling system, which protects your engine from overheating. This should be checked periodically, but caution should be used when checking it. Because of the heat and pressure that build up while car is running, owners should wait 30 minutes to an hour before opening up the system to check/fill it.
Power Steering Fluid (if applicable):Checking power steering fluid on most cars is easy, though not all cars have it.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (if applicable):If you have an automatic transmission, you'll want to check the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) every month and whenever the transmission isn't shifting smoothly.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid(if applicable): If your BMW has a hydraulic clutch, the fluid must be checked monthly to ensure that it's full and there aren't any leaks.
Windshield Washer Fluid:Keeping your wiper fluid tank full is simply a good habit to get into.
Other Areas to Check on Your BMW
Check Your BMW's Hoses:Old radiator hoses or loose clamps can cause a coolant leak, which will lead to overheating and expensive repairs. Check hoses periodically and replace them if they're aged or leaking.
Check Your BMW's Belts: If your belts make loud sounds when you press on the gas pedal, they are too loose and most likely need to be tightened or replaced. Get into the habit of checking out the belts on your BMW from time to time and have all the belts changed periodically to ensure you can avoid major repair bills.
Check for Leaks: If you notice that any of the fluids in your BMW are low, there's a good chance there's a leak.
Check Your BMW's Battery: Visually inspect the battery for corrosion at the cable ends.
Check the Lights: The dash lights, headlights, taillights, brake lights, back-up lights and turn signals always need to be in good working order.
Listen to Your BMW: Listen to the engine with the car on and hood up. After a while you'll get used to hearing what sounds are normal and be able to hear new sounds that are unfamiliar.
Check the Windshield Wipers: Look for dry or cracked areas, indicating that the wipers need to be replaced, and make sure they have good contact with your windshield.
Check the tires: Inspect all the tires including your spare for uneven wear or sharp objects lodged in the tread such as a nail or a screw. Check the tire pressure as well.
This checklist should help avoid breakdowns and some of the avoidable major repairs on your BMW.
