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New tires sold in the U.S are required to have small indicators molded into the tread design and across the tire called wear bars. When your tires wear down to the point where your wear bars are at the same height as your tread, they no longer meet the minimum required tread depth and the tires must be replaced. When the tire treads are worn down, it is dangerous and can be illegal. With worn down tread, your tires are more prone to losing traction in rain or snowy weather. Water is meant to escape through the treads to allow the rubber of your tires to meet the ground. When the water cannot escape, the tire floats on the water, which causes hydroplaning, making the driver lose control of the vehicle. There are several ways to check your tire tread depth, the most popular and well known being the penny test. To perform the penny test, turn a penny upside down and insert it in between your tire treads. If all of Lincoln's head is exposed, it's time to replace your tires. This trick is fool-proof because there is 1/16 of an inch between the top of Lincoln's head and the edge of the penny, which is the minimum legal limit for tread depth. At Competition BMW of Smithtown Tire Center, we can take care of all of your tire needs. Some pros of bringing your vehicle to us are making sure you buy the correct tires for your BMW model, expert installation from our trained technicians, and competitive tire pricing. Your safety is our priority so call us today to schedule an appointment! (888) 874-2022

Apple seems to be an up and coming company when it comes to the automotive industry. Launched in 2014 after a lengthy development process, was Apple CarPlay. What is Apple CarPlay though and how does it work? In short, it gives iPhone owners a quick and convenient way to access the data stored on their mobile devices. CarPlay makes driving a whole lot safer by reducing distractions, according to Apple and AAA, and it’s much more user-friendly than many infotainment systems. This is because motorists can access a wide variety of features without touching their mobile device, or taking their eyes off the road. If you’re ready for ios directly on your dashboard, here’s everything you’ll need to know. What can CarPlay do? Apple CarPlay performs many of the same functions as an iPhone. Motorists can use the software to get immediate directions, make calls, send and receive text messages, and listen to music or podcasts. The features are displayed on a readily useable interface with large icons that are instantly recognizable to iPhone users. Most of CarPlay’s features can be accessed by using Siri, Apple’s digital assistant. For example, the driver can say “Call Michael” or “Get directions to Bahama Breeze restaurant” and Siri will obey. A driver who is equipped with voice recognition can navigate the software using the touchscreen embedded in the dashboard, or the various knobs and buttons found on the steering wheel and center console. The iPhone’s screen is locked when CarPlay is active. A small section of third-party apps that are compatible with CarPlay is iHeartRadio, Spotify, Audio Books, Audible, Google Maps, and Waze. However, the vehicle settings are not a part of CarPlay, so the driver would need to exit the application in order to adjust things such as, the climate control, radio stations, or switching to a different driving mode. Every iPhone, iPhone 5 and up, is compatible with CarPlay, although the device must have ios 7.1 or newer for the app to work. Some cars support wireless CarPlay, too. In vehicles that do not support wireless CarPlay, the iPhone needs to be directly hooked up to the car using a certified Lightning-to-USB cable. This means that you should plan an upgrade if you’re still sporting a 30-pin-to-USB iPhone. Once you decide on purchasing a BMW that is equipped with Apple CarPlay, setting it up is quite simple. There are seven simple steps to connecting your iPhone to Apple CarPlay. Check your Competition vehicle’s CarPlay compatibility Open your iPhone’s settings Tap General Tap CarPlay Select turn on Bluetooth or USB only Enable your Competition vehicle Select your Competition vehicle from available vehicles Competition BMW of Smithtown, serving all of your automotive needs.

At Competition BMW of Smithtown, we make servicing your BMW a priority. If you require service on the road, you can give BMW Assist a call and they will be able to bring your BMW to the nearest BMW dealership where your warranty will be honored. THE FAST SERVICE MENU: Oil Service Air Filter and Microfilter Check and Replacement Front and Rear Brake Pad Change Halogen Light Bulb Replacement (Non-Xenon, Non-Laser) Individual Tire Replacement Wiper Blade Replacement Brake Fluid Flush Oil and filter changes for peak performance. To keep your vehicle performing to the best of its ability, the oil, and its filter should be changed regularly. Accept nothing less than the engine oils specifically designed, manufactured and tested to bring out the full potential of BMW engines. Original BMW Engine Oils display excellent viscosity for rapid lubrication, consistent cold start performance, and wear protection to help prolong engine life. Comprehensive and quick service. BMW technicians will perform a comprehensive Multi-Point Inspection during your visit and notify you of any services or repairs that your vehicle may require. With Express Service by BMW, you’ll get it all done in about an hour. (Actual times may vary. Participating dealers only). Getting the level of care you deserve. When you come to Competition BMW of Smithtown, your vehicle will be serviced by skilled, expertly-trained technicians, using only genuine parts and the latest diagnostic tools. Most dealerships offer loaner cars, as well as a comfortable lounge with a television, free WiFi, and more. BMW Certified Classic Centers. A Certified Classic Center uses only 100% Original BMW Parts and BMW approved equipment. All parts come with a two-year, unlimited mileage limited warranty.* Senior Technicians bring unparalleled knowledge and expertise, having received special factory training for BMW Classic vehicles. Click here to find your nearest BMW Certified Classic Center. Competition BMW of Smithtown, serving all of your automotive needs.

Earth day is on April 22nd and Brookhaven National Lab is celebrating in a unique way. Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is a multipurpose research institution funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. They operate cutting-edge large-scale facilities for studies in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, applied science, and a wide range of advanced technologies. In honor of Earth Day, Brookhaven National Lab is holding many events that include: Office Sustainability Showcase and Seminar on How to Purchase Products (With John Collins, Strategic Programs Manager, Procurement and Property Manager). April 19th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, Bldg. 555 Outside Hamilton Seminar Room. Learn about green office products and how to buy Environmentally Preferred Products (EPP) at the Earth Day Sustainable Office event! All Lab employees are invited to learn more about “green” office supplies, ask questions, and refresh their knowledge on how to purchase EPP. The EPP presentation will be in two parts: The first part of the presentation explains EPP compliance requirements. The second part focuses on how to buy items or services that meet the compliance requirements and specifications. A must for all buyers and those who request office supplies, computers, laptops, tablets, and imaging equipment. Light refreshments will be served and there will be door prizes. Environmental Vendors April 19th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Berkner Hall Lobby – Lewis Rd. Upton, NY 11973. Come visit several vendors for Earth Day. These will include informational vendors like the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Town of Brookhaven. The Long Island Aquarium and Quogue Wildlife Refuge will encourage you to visit nature. And the Shinnecock green Indian Nation will discuss the restoration of Shinnecock Bay and their Aquaculture program. Brookhaven Lab Annual Office Swap April 19th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Berkner Hall Lobby. A great annual tradition: The Office Swap. Support Brookhaven Lab’s Housekeeping Standard to help ensure a safe, healthy, and clean environment for all workers. Clean out your office, conference rooms, and supply closets and get rid of clutter! Bring unwanted supplies to Berkner Hall Lobby and swap or just take what you need – for free! And bring your toner cartridge numbers so you can search for compatible swap items! Recycling Display April 19th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Berkner Hall Lobby. Do you know which paper, plastic, and metal items you can recycle? (It’s most of them!) See a display and ask questions of our experts. They’ll show you the value the Lab gains from its recycling program, and show you how easy it is for you to participate in its success. Photography Contest Display and Winners Announced April 19th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Berkner Hall Lobby. Check out the wonderful photography taken by Brookhaven Lab staff, contractors, and visitors who participated in the “People’s Choice” Photography Contest. How did you vote? Come see the winning photos! RideShare Service April 19th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Berkner Hall Lobby. Visit the MetroPool table to learn how the 511 NY Rideshare program works. Seek out rideshare partners using the 511 NY Rideshare Matching Service and learn about the 511 NY Rideshare Guaranteed Ride Service available to all Lab staff who rideshare. Green Vehicle Showcase April 19th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Berkner Hall Circle. Come by to see what’s new in the world of electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Learn about the benefits of owning an energy-efficient vehicle and how you can help reduce air emissions while enjoying increased fuel economy. E-Waste Drop Off April 19th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, Berkner Hall Circle. Start your spring-cleaning at home! Come drop off your personal electronic waste (E-Waste) and learn how to recycle E-Waste in an environmentally responsible manner. E-Waste includes computers (laptops and desktops); peripherals (printers, scanners and fax machines); monitors (CRTs and flat screens); and cell phones. Remember to clean your electronics first. Free Data Wiping Tools for Personal Use Competition BMW of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.