Category: Auto Repair & Services

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What Does It Mean To Be ASE Certified?

You’ve probably seen it posted at our shop, and mentioned online, that we are ASE certified. It is a huge accomplishment and one that we take seriously at Ryan G. Motorworks. But what exactly does it mean, and is it really something you should look for when having someone work on your vehicle? Is it even that important or something required to have?

ASE Certification LogoASE certification is a nationally recognized credential. It certifies that an automotive technician has had the training necessary to complete the jobs needed in the workplace. ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. While there are other programs and schooling out there for automotive technicians to obtain a degree or certificate program, ASE-certification is considered the gold standard for testing.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence began in 1972 and is an independent non-profit organization. Their mission has been to improve the quality of workmanship, vehicle repair, and service through the testing and certifying professionals.

What Does One Need To Be A Mechanic?

It might be surprising to learn that the standards for operating or working in an automotive shop aren’t that high. In fact, there is no requirement for certification to work in a shop. Many automotive shops will require their technicians to have completed high school and have their diploma, but other than that, not much else. Being ASE certified is optional. So why go through the program to get certified if you don’t have to?

Why Mechanics Choose To Get ASE Certified?

As mentioned, it is optional for mechanics to get their certification. But there are tons of reasons and benefits as to why they should. For just the mechanic, having ASE certification gives them a leg up on their competition. When you put head to head a mechanic that has been through the testing to determine they are qualified and have the stamp of approval, over a mechanic that doesn’t have the same

To obtain an ASE certification, automotive technicians will have to have had two years of job training or one-year job training with a two-year degree in automotive repair even to qualify. This standard alone is higher than the entry-level of working in a shop that requires a high school diploma and a background working with cars.

For the mechanic, the perks of being certified include easier employment and the ability to gain insurance if applicable. Most employers will look favorably on those that have completed the training because it signifies they know what they are doing. This can eliminate problems of a mechanic not understanding the complexities of newer cars while giving them advancements over other shops.

Not only do mechanics have to pass their certification tests to gain the ASE certified label, but they are also required to retest every five years to keep their certification. As automotive technology advances, the technician must remain up to date. The tests aren’t easy, either. The passing rate for test-takers is two out of three.

Why Should You Care If Your Mechanic is ASE Certified?

As a consumer, you should care if your automotive shop has ASE certified works because of the quality you can expect. What the certification means for you, is that the shop can handle your vehicle and has demonstrated the abilities and know-how to perform the work correctly.

The ASE test is made up of over 40 tests that all challenge a technician’s skills on a variety of vehicles and their systems. Not only is the ASE a test, but it also requires the mechanic to have years of on the job training. This gives the consumer peace of mind that their vehicle is in the best hand for repairs, servicing, and maintenance.

Ryan G. Motorworks is proud to have ASE certified technicians operating our shop. We deliver the highest level of service, and our customers never have to worry, their vehicles are in the best hands.

 

Ryan GMW is ASE certified. Schedule an appointment here or call (530) 305-2499 today!

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Different Types Of Tire Repairs

When it comes to your vehicle, the tires are one of the essential features. When they are new, you’ll notice that the driving experience is slightly enhanced. Likewise, when they are low on air or going bald, your vehicle might vibrate or not have as good of traction as it would with newer tires.

Different Types Of Tire Repairs

Car Tires

When it comes to taking care of your tires, accidents can happen that can cause your tires damage. When damage occurs, the tire will deflate, and as such, will create unsafe driving experiences. The most common issue for tires is getting a nail in them. In this situation, the nail is almost always still left in the tire and will need to be removed. But this isn’t always the case, and a hole can be created, making a slow leak.

A slow leak is repairable. You may notice that the tire will stay aired up for a few days, but start to go flat after sitting overnight. Punctures in the tire are repairable; however, if the damage is to the sidewall or in the shoulder, these are not advised to repair as it will affect reliability and safety. BMW tire repair should always be done in the best interest of the driver and passengers. If the repair is unsafe, it shouldn’t be done. The industry has set allowances that should be observed at all times.

The Patch

The most common and best-known repair is a patch. These are used when an object has pierced the outer tire liner, and loss of air pressure occurs. A technician will need to take the tire off the wheel to examine both inside and outside of the tire. When a puncture happens, it isn’t the damage to the rubber that is the top concern. It is the damage to the cords running through the tire. You could keep putting air in the tire and driving, but the wires will start to separate more, and water will enter the tire, eroding it from the inside out.

To prepare the area for being patched, the technician will inspect where the puncture is, the only place a repair can be made is the crown of the tire, which is essentially the center of the tire tread. The hole will need to be drilled, then filled, then a patch on the inside applied. There are situations where a tire repair is not advised on the crown, and that is when there are multiple injuries overlapping or side by side.

Fix-A-Flat

Cans of tire repair contain a sealant to stop the leak and air to help blow the tire up. This takes time to cure and plug a hole to help the tire stop losing air. While these work for a short term fix, they should not be depended on for the long term. The spray-in sealant won’t help stop progressive damage that can happen with the cords of the tire, and you also may not know where the damage to the tire is, which could cause unsafe driving conditions.

Tire Plug

A cheap method for fixing a tire is a piece of rubber you shove into the puncture and a sealer that expands. This method gives false hope and is not advised by most mechanics. Again this is okay for short term use to get home, but you should seek a proper repair.

What To Know About Tire Shopping For A BMW

BMW Tires

BMW car tires are going to be different than the X5 model, simply because they are two different types of vehicles, one is an SUV, and the other is a car. The tire size will also vary in the kind of wheel you have and what you are hoping to achieve as far as the ride quality. Low profile tires will enhance the look of your vehicle, but won’t offer the same ride quality as the standard all-seasons tired that is preferred for most models.

What’s also different about shopping for tires is that there is such a thing as “BMW approved tires.” When shopping for tires, you can purchase tires made specifically for your BMW straight from the auto manufacturer. These were designed with your specific model in mind, and are made by the top brands in the industry like Pirelli, Michelin, and Goodyear. The top replacement tires currently are:

  • Continental ContiProContact
  • Goodyear Eagle LS-2 ROF
  • Pirelli Cinturato P7 A/S
  • Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 RFT

When it comes to tire repairs, patches are the most common and safest option. Stay away from tire plugs and tire fix in a can. You should note that not all damage to a tire can be repaired, and when it’s time to replace, you should use BMW approved tires for the best driving experience. If you are unsure about what tire size, type, or brand you should be using, Ryan G. Motorsports is here to help.

 

Ryan G. Motorworks is ASE certified, so, you can be sure of quality tire repairs and services. Book an appointment by calling (530) 305-2499 or selecting an appointment here.

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Who Can Service BMW Cars?

ASE Certification

BMWs are one of the most advanced pieces of machinery on the road today. Known for its advancements in drivability with a combination of the latest technology, BMW continues to be one of the most popular options on the market. However, they are also known for being one of the more challenging to work on. Many mechanics don’t want to touch the German auto. Whether it be because of uncertainty, the level of complexity or the amount that could go wrong, repairing one isn’t always a walk in the park. That is why when a BMW owner questions who can service BMW cars, it isn’t unwarranted. They want the best. They want someone that understands their vehicle and how to perform repairs and maintenance to the highest level.

It’s for sure that if you want the best results for fixing or maintaining your BMW, you want a BMW master technician. This is a prestigious honor that only those that have gone through extensive training have achieved. For a technician to earn the title of being a BMW master technician, they must:

The whole process for becoming a BMW master tech can take years, and many automotive mechanics don’t choose to pursue the specialty. Those that are passionate about the brand or find themselves working almost exclusively, such as those that work for a BMW dealership, will go after the certificate.

BMW Service Package

Maintaining your BMW is a huge part of keeping it on the road and helping it last for years to come. Those that don’t observe the BMW standards for service may find that their auto fails prematurely. If you are thinking about purchasing a BMW, it is good to know that you will likely need to visit your BMW mechanic every 10,000 miles or so. This reference point includes minor services like your standard oil change, inspection, and tire rotations. The average cost will run anywhere from $200-$400. However, if you find that it is time for more extensive maintenance, such as needing a transmission or coolant flush, the cost can rise to as much as $600.

While you can expect your BMW to last for years to come, it won’t make it there without proper care. Brand new BMWs still come with their no-charge maintenance for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, but beyond that, it is the responsibility of the owner. Having someone you can trust for reliable repairs is vital, just as having a shop you can trust not to overcharge is essential to the pocketbook.

Certified BMW Repair Shops

A frequent question received by certified technicians is where to service BMW car if repairs or maintenance is needed. This is often a difficult question to answer, as most people assume the only option for these services is the BMW dealership. While the dealership would like you to think they are the ONLY choice for repairs and maintenance, they aren’t. In fact, there are other options out there for automotive work on your BMW that doesn’t come with the hassle of scheduling appointments week in advanced, when all you want is a simple oil change.

To service a BMW, a technician should be certified, as noted above, but they don’t need to be working at a dealership to deliver the same level of service, if not better. Ryan G. Motorworks owner, Ryan Gangemi, is a proudly certified BMW master technician.

 

In order to book for an appointment, just call Ryan G. Motorworks at (530) 305-2499 or simply setup an appointment here.

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What Is The Difference Between The Driveline, Drive Train, & Powertrain?

Many people who own a vehicle do not actually have an accurate understanding of the differences between the driveline, the drive train, and the powertrain. As such, this can make it hard to know what type of repair services your vehicle will need when something goes wrong.

Luckily, here at Ryan GMW, we specialize in providing all types of BMW service and repair work, including powertrain, drive train, and driveline repair. But what are the differences between the driveline, the drive train, and the powertrain, and why is it important for you to understand these differences as the owner of a BMW vehicle?

Why You Should Understand The Differences?

As a vehicle owner, you might not be sure why you need to understand the differences between these three different components and terms. After all, you might be thinking, you only want to drive the vehicle; if it goes wrong, that is the job of the mechanic to diagnose the problem and not you.

Well, not entirely. While it might not be necessary for you to understand all of the terminology and intricate nuances used to describe vehicles and their components, being able to accurately explain a problem to your mechanic will make everyone’s lives easier.

After all, if you start explaining a fault with one of the systems and then drop your vehicle off at the garage with a different problem to the one that you have described, the garage workers will then have to spend more time working out what was actually wrong with the vehicle, potentially putting away any tools that they might have prepared in advance to fix the anticipated problem—which will only end up costing you more money when it comes to paying the final bill (as well as irritating the workers in the garage, which should ideally be avoided as well).

What Are The Differences?

There are a number of subtle differences between the driveline, the drive train, and the powertrain that you should look to understand if possible. These differences are subtle but are still worth considering if you are to get an accurate understanding of the different systems in your vehicle’s engine.

5-Spoke BMW Wheel

The Powertrain

First of all is the simplest of the three different terms: the powertrain. The powertrain is little more than the name given to all of the different components in your vehicle’s engine that make it, well, worked. Without the powertrain as a whole, the car would simply be unable to move very well.

The powertrain includes the following different components of the engine:

  • Transmission
  • Axles
  • Engine
  • Driveshaft
  • Wheels
  • Differentials

Clearly, each of these different components is essential for the car to run as it is supposed to. After all, without the wheels you would end up simply skidding down the road on the belly of the vehicle (for a short while until the immense friction caused the vehicle to explode, anyway); equally, without the engine working as it ought to, the vehicle wouldn’t be able to start at all in the first place!

The Drive Train

The drive train is the next term that you need to understand. It is, in fact, just as easy to understand as the powertrain; the drive train is made up of all of the different features of the powertrain, but with the engine excluded. In other words, the drive train includes:

  • Transmission
  • Axles
  • Driveshaft
  • Wheels
  • Differentials

The only real difference between the drivetrain and the powertrain is that of the lack of an engine. Think of it this way: the powertrain includes all of the different components that power the car, while the drive train includes only those components which are needed for steering and maneuvering the vehicle.

The Driveline

The driveline is the most basic of the three different components, and is made up of the following components:

  • Axles
  • Driveshaft
  • Wheels
  • Differentials

Primarily, the driveline is used for the control of the driveshaft, meaning that it does not include the engine or the transmission. On this logic, it can be thought of as either the drive train, but without the transmission, or the powertrain without the engine and the transmission.

By understanding these differences, you will be able to have a far better understanding of the way in which your car works. In turn, this will help you to understand problems that might be developing with your BMW so that you can work to avoid making them any worse in the time that it takes you to pull over at a safe position or otherwise get your BMW into a garage for powertrain, drive train, or driveline services.

Indeed, while a powertrain problem could pretty much include an expansive list of different possible faults, it is helpful to be able to understand that a problem with the driveline is likely to be in relation to the driveshaft of the vehicle.

In order to setup for an appointment, simply book here or give us a call at (530) 305-2499  today.

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When To Book BMW Service?

In order to keep your BMW in the best condition possible, it is vital that you ensure that you get your vehicle serviced as regularly as it needs. Frequent servicing of your BMW will help you to get early stage problems fixed before they can grow and develop into a more serious issue. But when it comes to booking in your next BMW service, it can be hard to know how often you ought to be doing so; none of us have the time to waste on getting our vehicles serviced unnecesarily, so how can you tell when to take BMW in for a BMW service?

When it comes to ensuring that your BMW is kept in good condition, you need to know how often you ought to be getting a BMW service carried out on your vehicle. While it will be obvious that a service will be required when a BMW repair is needed for an obvious fault, it can be harder to know when and how often you should get your BMW service carried out if the vehicle is in a seemingly good condition. None of us have the time to waste—in our busy modern world—to be without our vehicles unless it is absolutely necessary, so knowing how often you ought to get a BMW service carried out will be helpful in regards to keeping your vehicle running efficiently and safely.

Why Should I Get My BMW Serviced

BMW M4DiFor someone who has just recently bought their brand new BMW, it can seem a little unnecessary to get the vehicle serviced. However, regular servicing of your vehicle is critical if you are to be confident that your vehicle will be able to stand the test of time and be safe to drive.

So, why do you need to get your BMW serviced, and why should you go directly to a qualified BMW automotive service shop for this instead of just taking your BMW to your local auto repair technician?

Servicing your car on a regular basis is vital to ensuring the safety of your vehicle, as routine car servicing can help you to be made aware of any potential problems which might be gradually developing without you even being able to tell. Many problems in a vehicle will be the result of gradual wear over time, and for someone who is driving the vehicle on a regular basis, these slow and steady changes will often be unnoticeable until it is too late and the vehicle or its component has fully broken. As such, a BMW service will help you to avoid having to pay out for costly and time consuming BMW repair work—meaning that regular and routine BMW servicing will help you to stay safe while driving and doing so will be likely to save you money in the long run as well!

But why must you take your vehicle to an authorized BMW service provider? Why can’t you just take your BMW to your local auto specialist?

BMW specialists are far more qualified to work on your BMW than a regular auto specialist, due to the fact that they specialize in understanding and working on BMW vehicles. Every brand of vehicle will operate in slightly different ways, and when you’ve spent so much money on such an expensive vehicle as a BMW, it is vital that you always get the best service possible!

When To Take BMW In For A Service

Getting your BMW service or BMW repair work carried out by a qualified BMW auto specialist—such as us at Ryan G. Motorworks—needs to be carried out on a regular basis in order to be able to notice any potential problems before they can develop into something more costly or dangerous. While there is no general recommendation for getting your vehicle serviced—the amount of wear and tear will rely heavily on how you use your vehicle and how hard it has to work—but it can usually be said that a vehicle should be serviced after every 12,000 miles or on an annual basis (whichever occurs sooner is a fairly safe bet).

For newer models of BMW vehicles, the highly specialized and beneficial BMW condition based service feature will help you to keep an eye on the condition and level of wear and tear that your vehicle is experiencing. If the condition based service highlights an area that might be problematic, you should get your BMW service and BMW repair work booked in with your local BMW specialist as soon as possible in order to prevent further problems from developing or worsening.

 

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What Is BMW Condition Based Service?

Mechanic's Tools

For owners of BMW vehicles, there is a revolutionary feature that can be taken advantage of, and this feature is known as the BMW condition based service. But what is the BMW condition based service and how can you make the best use of it in order to ensure the safety of your BMW?

One of the most important features on a BMW vehicle is the condition based service. This BMW service is designed and developed in order to make it easier for BMW owners to be able to understand the condition that their vehicle is in, thusly making the owner aware of any potential problems in advance—and these problems can be fixed by a licensed BMW automotive service shop such as us at Ryan G. Motorworks in a timely fashion.

Why Is It Important To Pay Attention To The BMW Condition Based Service

The BMW Condition Based Service is designed and developed in order to make it possible for BMW owners to be able to understand the statistic of their vehicle better, thusly helping to improve the vehicle’s maintenance. There are a number of problems that a vehicle can suffer, but these issues might go unnoticed by the untrained eye until it is too late; knowing when there might be a problem will allow you to get your vehicle to an approved BMW Auto Repair store.

At Ryan G. Motorworks, we understand how important your BMW is to you. You’ve spent a lot of money and time on finding and buying your perfect BMW, and any way in which you can help to prevent problems from occurring will be highly valuable in order to ensure that your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy for as long as possible.

What Is A BMW Condition Based Service

The BMW condition based service is a feature which newer models of BMW vehicles are equipped with. The BMW Condition Based Service has been designed to allow for BMW owners to better understand the systems on board the vehicle, which will, in turn, allow owners to detect any issues as they are developing.

This ‘early warning system’ will be highly beneficial for BMW owners, due to the fact that any problems can be rectified and fixed by your local automotive service shop in a more timely fashion, which will, in turn, help to reduce the risks associated with problems and will help your vehicle to remain strong and roadworthy for longer. After all, isn’t it everyone’s goal to make the most of their BMW—and this incredibly useful BMW service will help in regards to allowing a BMW owner to achieve that goal.

How Does The BMW Condition Based Service Work

The BMW condition based service works in such a way that it can monitor the status and strength of a number of the BMW service features in your vehicle, such as the level of engine oil and brake fluid available. The BMW condition based service also monitors and checks on the condition of certain technologies, which can include the front and rear brake pads and your BMW’s exhaust systems.

While most of the time carrying out these checks will not yield any results or highlight any areas that might be of concern, there will inevitably be an issue with your vehicle at some point in time which could be picked up on early by using the specially designed BMW condition based service. In fact, frequent and regular usage of the BMW service can prove itself to be vital in terms of ensuring that your vehicle remains safe to drive, and will allow you to take the appropriate action in regards to getting any problems fixed in advance—something which is undeniably critical if your vehicle is to stand the test of time.

The condition based service works through the use of a simple traffic light style system, wherein any parts of the vehicle that are working as they ought to are indicated with a green “OK”. Areas that may have errors or faults that need to be checked out by a BMW Auto Repair shop will instead be marked up with an orange triangle symbol, which clearly shows any areas that are in need of work.

When To Book Your Vehicle In For A BMW Service

The BMW condition based service is an active process and continually monitors and analyses the systems in your vehicle in order to ensure that everything is running as it should, and in the case that a fault or wear is detected, it will alert the owner of the vehicle that the time is right to get the BMW booked in for a service at their local BWM Auto Repair Shop.

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Car Noises & What They Mean

Your car can make a whole host of different noises. While some of these can be indicative of a healthy vehicle and engine, others can be hinting at a problem. All car owners should be well versed in the healthy range of car noises, as well as knowing the obvious warning signs to look—or listen—out for.

When it comes to keeping our vehicles in tip-top condition, knowing what each of the different sounds your vehicle is making might mean can give an excellent DIY diagnosis for problems. Furthermore, understanding which noises are perfectly normal is a skill which will save you lots of time and worry!

What Noises Are Abnormal?

When it comes to your vehicle, there are many noises which might sound alarming—especially if it’s your first car—but are actually completely harmless, or sometimes even indicative of a healthy and functional set of systems! By contrast, though, there are many sounds that are rather alarming as well.

Droning

If you find that your vehicle is making a peculiar droning noise as you drive—one which notably gets louder when you try to accelerate—could be indicative of poor quality tiers. Often, these tiers will either be feathering or otherwise old and irregularly worn. Either way, this is an easy problem to fix; just change your tiers and, in future, keep a closer eye on their condition.

‘Bird calls’

If it sounds like you’ve got a stowaway (of the feathered variety) in your engine, then don’t panic—you probably haven’t secretly turned the engine on with a nest full of chicks in your engine, but rather, your engine’s serpentine belt has slipped or is getting damaged through repeated use.

Protesting At Turning

If your vehicle seems to protest you turning the steering while by making a whining noise, this can be indicative that the hydraulic powered steering has been locked. Furthermore, if you hear peculiar clicking noises when you attempt to turn the car, you could bet that there is probably a problem somewhere with your CV Axle, most obviously when it is damaged and leaking/wasting precious oil reserves.

Low-pitched bangs

If you’re hearing a worrying number of clangs and clunking sounds as you’re driving—particularly over bumps or potholes—you may be looking at an issue with your vehicle’s suspension. The exact location of the issue can’t be pinpointed further that, though, without further examination as there are many individual components.

Grumbles and rumbles throughout the night

When it comes to rumbling noises coming from your vehicle, particularly when it’s at rest, then you should be on the lookout for an exhaust leak in one of your vehicle’s gaskets. This should be repaired by a qualified technician straight away!

Wobbling Noise

We’ve all heard of a wobbling Washington machine at some point, but if that sound is happening to your vehicle, it could mean that the tiers are getting loose, or that they may even fall off! This is usually an easy fix, though; just jack up the vehicle to take the pressure off the wheels and tighten the wheel nuts that have come loose.

When it comes to keeping your car running, you should listen out for strange sounds at all times. Being a more proactive owner will help you to stay on the road for years to come.

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How To Find The Right Mobile Auto Service?

Owning a BMW definitely comes with bragging rights among your peers! Everyone knows a BMW when it passes by. As such, if your pride and joy needs a service, you should never compromise on quality.

When it comes to getting a reputable and trusted mechanic to work on your BMW, you need to be confident that you are hiring someone who can be trusted to take the highest level of care and attention to detail for your vehicle. At Ryan GMW, we guarantee to provide an exceptional BMW service every time!

So, why should you hire a BMW specialist over taking your vehicle to a standard provider? And what benefits can a mobile mechanic offer over a normal mechanic?

Why A Mobile Mechanic?

Mobile mechanic services are convenient and easy to arrange, due to the fact that the mechanic will travel to your property in order to carry out the necessary services on your vehicle. Furthermore, mobile mechanics are still equally qualified and regulated as traditional mechanics, and this means that you can be confident of a high quality service every time that you need one! The lack of a premises means that, typically, mobile mechanic services will also be chapter for a similar if not identical service that you would expect.

A BMW Mobile Mechanic is perfect for your needs as they provide exceptionally high standards of quality customer services and most mobile mechanics can offer the full works of mechanics solutions from the comfort of their own homes. A mobile mechanic is also on call 24/7, and while this alone isn’t so peculiar, our inflatable boats require little more than a minute or to of preparation time—which means we can work to save you more fast, before the tide pulls you right out!

Why Should I Hire A BMW Specialist Mobile Mechanic?

The warm weather has been acting as a sort of ‘call to arms’ for many people, and as such, it may be time to bring out the BMW again to wow your peers. Bragging rights are encouraged! After potentially a number of months of being cooped up in your garage, however, it is always wise to get a BMW specialist to have a look.

A BMW specialist can provide a far more thorough and detailed service than an ‘all round’ mechanic can, understandably. Specialists know where their strengths and weaknesses lie and, furthermore, understand the nuances that make up a BMW, which allows them to provide a much better standard of service for your BMW than a ‘jack of all trades’ provider could. In fact, a skilled BMW technician could easily restore the vehicle to the same exceptional standard as you saw when the vehicle itself was brand new!

Conclusion

Before taking your BMW out for a spin, you ideally should get it checked over by a BMW specialist who will be able to provide an in-depth survey of all of the parts of your BMQ. Doing so will help you to ensure that your pride and joy drives smoothly and gently on even the toughest of terrain, whilst helping to maintain those bragging rights that so many BMW owners seem to live for!

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DIY BMW Oil Change

The oil in a car’s engine serves a number of functions, including lubricating the moving parts (which are placed under immense pressure whenever the car is running); keeping the engine clean by preventing the buildup of debris and flushing any grime away; keeping the engine cool so that it can run at a stable temperature; improving the gas mileage of the vehicle; and promoting the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.

As time passes, some of the oil is burned up in the fuel tank when the engine ignites, and whatever is left becomes less effective as is sits around in the oil tank, ageing. It is for this reason that the car’s oil levels and oil quality must be given just as much care and attention as the other parts of the engine, and needs frequent topping up or changing.

In your new BMW, it is recommended that your first oil change should be approximately a year after you purchased it, or 10,000 miles, whichever is sooner. This is usually offered as a complementary servicing by a BMW garage. However, other car manufacturers suggest that your oil should be changed every six months or after 5,000 miles.

Knowing which the most accurate estimate is hard to say, and it varies between every model of car. Checking the manual for your vehicle will give you a better idea for when you should consider first changing the oil, but this will again depend on how you use your vehicle and the conditions in which it is kept. Older cars will go through oil faster than a brand new one, and cars used for intensive haulage or off-roading will also have a higher requirement for fuel. In these cases it may be desirable to change the fuel as frequently as every 1,000 miles.

Whilst it is desirable to get your car’s oil changed by a licensed garage, it is still possible to do it yourself from the comfort of your own garage:

  1. To begin with, ensure that you are working on hard, flat ground and that the existing oil will be cool by leaving the car turned off for a while. Even a short drive can heat your car’s oil up to the whopping temperature of 480°F (250°C).
  2. First, drain the existing oil from the oil tank from the bottom of your car.
  3. Remove the old oil filter (you may need to use an oil filter wrench).
  4. Lubricate the rubber gasket on the end of the filter. You should use some of the new oil to do this.
  5. Fill the new oil filter until it is about ⅔ full.
  6. Screw the new oil filter back into place by turning it in a clockwise direction. Screw it on as tightly as you can by hand.
  7. Refill the engine with oil. Always check first how much oil your engine will hold and fill to ¾ of that volume.

Managing the oil well for your car by not letting it get so low that the oil alert appears on your dashboard may seem expensive and time consuming in the short term. However, as time goes by you will reap the rewards in the form of a healthy and long-living engine which does not need for numerous repairs and replacement parts.

 

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Automotive Tips & Tricks: A Must-Know For Every Vehicle Owner

Anything that you can do to make life with your vehicle easier or make components last longer is a beautiful thing. Have you ever wondered if there was a solution to keeping your doors from freezing overnight in winter? Or perhaps if there is a way to prevent bug guts from sticking to the paint? Numerous tips and tricks have been discovered over the years that make caring, driving, maintaining, and owning your auto more joyful. Check out a few of these must know tips and tricks!

BMW Leather Interior

Instant Solution to Icey Windshields

Is there anything worse than going out to your car in the morning, trying to get to work, and realizing you need to spend ample time unthawing your BMW? Windshields can get icy overnight and is a time-consuming hassle to deal with. But with this trick, you will pay less than a minute and have ice-free glass. Keep a spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol either in your car or in the house, and just apply the solution to the ice. Watch as it quickly melts, and you’ll be soon on your way, sans the scrapping.

Skip The Dealership For Fob Battery Replacements

Replacing your BMW or Mercedes fob battery can cost more than $100 when taking it to the dealership. However, if you do it yourself, it is merely the cost of the battery. At most hardware stores you can pick one up for under $10. Most fobs have an indention that allows access to the battery storage, with a smaller flat head, or your nails (if strong enough) you can pop the back to replace. Simply take the battery to any automotive parts store, and replace with the same model. This trick is a great way to avoid a trip to the dealership while saving you big time on a small replacement part.

There Is No Replacement For Oil Changes

Taking care of your German auto should also contain oil changes. It is the primary service that every car needs because oil is what keeps the engine running smoothly. There has been some debate on how often a vehicle owner should have this service done, with newer models claiming that every 10,000 miles with synthetic oil are perfectly fine. However, to play it safe, especially if your car has over 100,000 miles on it, replace oil every 5,000 miles to ensure your engine’s longevity.

Keeping Leather In Excellent Shape

German autos almost always are outfitted with beautiful leather interior. However, leather is prone to cracking and sun fading, unfortunately. Skip the automotive care aisle, and use at-home products that will prevent these common issues from happening. Olive oil, commonly used in cooking, is perfect for conditioning leather. Directly apply a small amount to a micro-fiber towel, and work into the leather. Baby oil will also work. These oils will not only take care of leather but also can remove scuff marks!