All machines with multiple modules and moving parts experience natural wear and tear and a complex machine such as a BMW vehicle will need regular service and maintenance performed by BMW repair shops. This is why visits to the BMW repair shops is imperative for every owner of a BMW vehicle if they desire smooth operations from their vehicles and avoid lots of unexpected BMW service.

Through regular service and maintenance, the BMW service systems are checked for current and potential problems to make the car safe, reliable and more efficient. It is the surest way to avoid inconveniences caused by unnecessary breakdowns in the future.

Other than this, quite a number of reasons abound as to why a BMW owner should adhere to regular BMW service by BMW repair shops. They include but are not limited to the following-:

Oil changes

One of the things and most essential is usually done during regular BMW service visits to the BMW repair shops is to change the car’s oil. The purpose of the oil is to ensure that the car’s engine is properly lubricated and in a position to function smoothly at all times. Oil change is necessary because, with time, the effectiveness of the oil reduces due to contamination by small bits of the metal from the car’s engine. The heat generated by the engine also decomposes the oil to make it thinner and less effective. When that happens, the oil can no longer lubricate efficiently hence the need for change.

Air Filter Change

Changing the air filters is another reason why a BMW car requires regular BMW service visits to the BMW repair shops. Continued usage of the car leads to dirt and dust clogging the air filters. When the filters are clogged, there is a significant reduction in the horsepower generated by the vehicle and this will eventually affect the overall performance of a BMW engine.

How frequently the filters are changed, however, depends on the number of miles driven and the prevailing atmospheric conditions. For BMW cars, it is recommended that the filters should be changed after every 5,000 miles, but when regularly driving in severe conditions such as very dusty roads, then the filters should be changed more frequently.

Brake repair and maintenance

Though modern BMW cars have very advanced braking systems, it is still vital to visit the BMW repair shops to have the brakes checked on regular basis. This will not just ensure the brakes are kept in good condition at all times, but also will help you avoid expensive repairs due to massive brake failures in the future. The frequency of checking on the brakes is hugely dependent on your driving styles. If you are very aggressive behind the wheels, then you will make more frequent visits compared to a less aggressive driver.

The post Regular BMW Service is Required to Keep it in Top Shape appeared first on Sonoma Auto Tech Auto Repair.

Observing regular car tune up is vital for getting the best performance from the car and also for increasing the lifespan of the vehicle. Car tune up may be as simple as a basic inspection or may sometimes involve a complete overhaul of the car.

Car owners with tight budgets are in the habit of neglecting regular car tune up, but unknown to them, poorly maintained cars are responsible for thousands of collisions every year. A study conducted by Care Car Council – an advocacy group, revealed that the cost of injuries resulting from poorly maintained cars stands at $2 per year.

In 2012, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association discovered that underperformed car tune up grossed to about $62 billion. From these findings, there is no doubt that consumers need to take regular car tune up seriously.

To keep your car performing optimally and to enhance its lifespan, there are specific routine maintenance practices worth observing. Therefore, always refer to the owner’s manual and make a habit of taking your car to the auto maintenance shop at the suggested intervals because this is the most appropriate way to keep your vehicle in top shape and avoid constant problems with the vehicle’s engine.

Oil and Filter Change

Oil and filter change is one of the most common car tune up practices you should do to your car. The oil is vital in lubricating the entire engine thus reducing friction and wear, as well as carrying heat away from the critical parts to ensure optimum temperature are maintained within the engine. A regular change of the engine oil will reduce the instances of rust and corrosion and also reduce the noise generated by the engine. In conjunction with the oil filter, impurities and contaminants will be eliminated from the engine.

Tire Check

The entire weight of the car rests on the tires. Hence the tires are vital for the overall performance of the vehicle. With regular tire checks, the auto maintenance shop can look for and identify potential problems such as under-inflated tires which can be a danger to the safe stopping of the car. Underinflated tires may also change the shape of the tires since they become flattered to the ground and make the shoulder of the tires to wear out quicker.

Overinflated tires, on the other hand, also have their major shortcomings. For instance, they will make the tires stiff and rigid, and this will compromise the vehicle’s contact with the ground. This will ultimately lead to uneven tire wear. It is therefore essential to maintain optimum tire pressure for the car to keep stability, enhance fuel economy and improved performance.

Brakes

The brakes are one of the most critical components of the car. The braking system in most cars today are very advanced and come along with lots of impressive features. Nonetheless, it still is imperative to ensure regular car tune up to ascertain that they are working in excellent condition and to avoid any potential problems they may develop. In case you notice any operational issues on the brakes, you should always seek help in the nearest auto maintenance shop.

It is recommended that the brake is inspected at least twice a year to check the hydraulic system as well as the operating hardware. Friction materials such as rotors, drums, shoes and pads should constantly be monitored since they experience a lot of wear every time the braking system is in use.

Other Car Tune Up Services

The other additional car tune up services worth observing include-:

• Checking the coolant liquids to ensure they are filled up to the correct levels
• Checking wiper blades and replacing any that is worn out
• Checking the batteries
• Checking the hoses and belts regularly for leaks or cracks respectively
• Checking replacing old spark plugs

Save time and money

To have a safe car and reduce the chances of making costly repairs, observe regular car inspection and car tune up from a reputable auto maintenance shop. This will save you a lot of time and money.

The post The Importance of a Regular Car Tune Up appeared first on Sonoma Auto Tech Auto Repair.