April is National Car Care Month

Winter has finally come to an end and spring is in full swing! There is no better time than April to get your car in tip-top shape for summer road trips or simply for driving around town! National Car Care Month in April is the time of year to give your car some extra attention. Basic maintenance is essential and can go a long way toward improving the safety and dependability of your vehicle, plus it helps avoid costly repairs down the road. Keep reading for a rundown of the car maintenance services we highly recommend for this time of the year.

Show Your BMW Some Love This April

It is important to make sure your tires, brakes, and windshield wipers are ready for the rain and take care of any issues that may have occurred or been ignored during winter. Our team here at Competition BMW of Smithtown strongly suggests scheduling a service to see a professional at our Service Center.

Basic Vehicle Maintenance For Spring

Check Tire Pressure & Tread Wear

Most tire damage and wear is a result of driving on tires that are improperly inflated. Tires that contain the specified amount of air pressure last longer and contribute to vehicle safety. Tires that are not properly inflated can lead to poor traction and an increase in rolling resistance. Frequent tire rotations are essential to the life of your tires. It is recommended to rotate your tires after driving 5,000 to 8,000 miles to prevent uneven wear. Contact our Service Team with any questions or concerns you may have.

Check Brake System

You may have used your brakes too often this past winter due to the snowy conditions. Icy roads adversely affect the car’s brakes due to the low friction between tires and the road. Most people change their brake pads after driving 10,000-20,000 miles and their rotors after driving 50,000-70,000 miles. You should also check to see if your brakes make a grinding noise or if your stopping distance has increased. We highly recommend seeing a professional to inspect your vehicle and help with these basic but very crucial maintenances.

Check The Exhaust & Battery

If you notice any unusual noises, it could indicate that your exhaust system may be damaged or have leaks. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected right away. A battery check will inform you if the connection is corrosion-free, tight, and clean. The battery should be securely mounted. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and replaced if necessary. Schedule a service online at our BMW Service Center.

Change Fluids

Check the oil, filters, and fluids. Oil should be checked at every fill-up. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended intervals. Brake, transmission, power steering, coolant, and windshield washer fluids should also be checked regularly. Your car’s filters, including those for the transmission, fuel system, and interior ventilation, need regular inspection and replacement.

Some of these maintenances can be done by yourself, but we highly recommend scheduling service with a professional for the best results. Stop by Competiton BMW of Smithtown and explore our large inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles. Test-drive vehicles like the 2021 BMW X3 or the 2021 BMW X1. Be sure to also check out our new BMW lease specials, service specials, and parts & accessories specials! Head to our blog for more helpful car tips like how to clean alloy wheels or how to change BMW key battery. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing you at our BMW dealership located at 599 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY!