Over this past weekend, the weather gave us a little taste of what’s in store for us this summer which means it’s time to start thinking about your summer vehicle maintenance. Whether it’s a cross-country road trip, a long weekend at the Jersey Shore or just running everyday errands, keeping your car in tip-top shape during the hotter months is very important. It doesn’t matter if you have a brand new BMW, or if you are the owner of one of the many pre-owned vehicles out on the road today; it’s important to have your car serviced and ready for summer.
High on the list of important things to check this summer are your tires. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind:
Check your tires’ treads. Just like after we drive so many miles, our vehicle tells us we need an oil change, you have to check your tires for signs of wear and tear. Some of the things that affect tire wear and tear are geographical conditions and driving habits. After the New Jersey winter, with all of its potholes, you want to check to be sure your tires aren’t bald or warn as this can be very dangerous, causing a tire to “blow out” which could lead to an even more serious situation. If the tires are bald, then you’ll need to replace them. If you aren’t sure, take the vehicle to a service department and have them look at it for you.
Check the air pressure in your tires regularly during the summer. Don’t check the pressure once at the beginning of the summer, and once at the end. Summer temperatures can fluctuate, causing changes in air pressure in a matter of hours since air expands when it’s hot. You must, however, check the pressure when your tires are “cold” to obtain an accurate reading.
Remember to keep your tires inflated at its proper PSI. Under-inflation could weaken the tire’s internal structure and eventually lead to tire failure. If a vehicle’s tires are overinflated they could be damaged more easily when encountering potholes or debris in the road, as well as experience irregular tread wear.
Proper tire alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering. Uneven front or rear tire wear or changes in your vehicle’s handling or steering response (for example, pulling to one side) can indicate bad alignment. If your wheels aren’t aligned properly, it becomes harder to steer and/or drive straight, which could make driving let’s say, on the Garden State Parkway, quite dangerous. This means your vehicle may need a “front-end” alignment or a “four-wheel” alignment, depending on what symptoms you are experiencing. Once again, check with your car’s service department.
Remember these safety tips when heading “down the shore” or, wherever this summer takes you! You’ll be glad you did. Happy driving!
Contact BMW of Freehold, one of your local BMW car dealerships to set up your BMW service.
