Category: Auto Repair & Services

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How Important is Having Your BMW Maintenance Performed?

How Important is Having Your BMW Maintenance Performed?

No matter if you own a 3-Series, 5-Series, or a BMW X5, caring for them is essential to their longevity. For each model, BMW recommended services are just a part of ownership. The manufacturer has created guidelines whether time or mileage that features of maintenance should be performed. While it can feel like you are taking your vehicle into the shop on a regular basis, most of these services aren’t time-consuming to have done and are extremely beneficial.

For new BMWs, you will find that the recommended service is not only something you should do to keep it running like new, but is also mandatory as a part of most warranties. The reason being is that if you don’t keep up with the BMW recommended services they can’t guarantee that anything wrong might happen, such as engine trouble or faulty braking.

 

BMW Maintenance Schedule

Like other auto manufacturers, BMW has a set of maintenance items that need to be done on a regular basis to keep systems of your vehicle fully operational in good working order. While some items you’ll need to get done will vary depending on the model you own, it is relatively the same. You can expect these main services to be done at the following intervals.

  • Engine oil – Every 10,000-miles or 12 months
  • Fuel filters – Every 20,000-to 40,000-miles
  • Oil filter  – Every 10,000-miles or 12 months
  • Air filter  – Every 60,000-miles
  • Coolant –    Every 10,000-miles
  • Spark plugs – Replace them every 60,000-miles
  • Brake fluid – First 30,000-miles, then every 60,000-miles after that

* Example of the BMW 3-Series Recommended Services

When you compare the 3-Series to that of the 5-Series, they are the same. However, some models do differ and have different requirements for service intervals. Check out what the BMW service intervals and how they vary.

  • Engine oil – Every 10,000 miles
  • Engine air filter – Inspect or Replace every 60,000 miles
  • Oil Filter – Every 10,000 miles
  • Cabin Air Filter – Every 60,000 miles
  • Coolant – Inspect at 10,000 miles and replace as needed
  • Spark Plugs – Every 60,000

As you can see there are many similarities, but the cabin air filter has been added, and the brake fluid and fuel filter have been dropped.  You will find that changes have much to do with the type of engine installed, and a component that is used on your vehicle that is introduced from the factory. It is always recommended that when making repairs or performing maintenance to use only OEM parts for the best results and most extended lifespan.

 

What Are 30k, 60k, and 90k Services?

You may have heard about the 30k, 60k, and 90k services from your automotive shop or at the dealership when discussing the maintenance you must have done to keep your car running at its peak performance and maximum efficiency.  The 30k, 60k, and 90k services are designed to give you maximum benefits to keeping your vehicle running like new including maintaining ideal fuel economy and safety.

The mileage marker services are slightly different than the recommended service intervals in that they include many more services that need to get done and will be done at one time. This is an excellent opportunity to have all the services that need to be done taken care of during one visit to your automotive shop. Take for instance that BMW recommends that you need to have an oil change done every 10k miles. If you bought brand new, the third time you would need to have the oil change done, you would instead have all the items done for the 30k mileage service, which also includes your necessary oil change. Interval maintenance isn’t the same as the 30k, 60k, 90k, services while they do add many of the system checks, refill, or replacement features.

Major service items typically begin at 90k and sometimes higher. Interval maintenance can go past the 100,000-mile service going up to almost 200k. With people spending more and more time in their vehicles it makes sense that with cars lasting longer these days that the addition of more service intervals are needed for the routine maintenance. Some of the additional services you might see at the 30k, 60k, and 90k-mile service visit include:

 

  • Tire Rotation
  • Oil Change
  • Belts
  • Timing Belts – At Higher Mileage
  • Visual Inspection of Brakes, Cooling System, Suspension Parts
  • Inspect Replace Filters – Air, Cabin, Fuel
  • Check and Replace Fluids – Transmission, Coolant, Brake, Power Steering
  • Road Test

 

Observing the BMW scheduled maintenance and having all the services done on time is the best thing you can do for the life of your vehicle. In addition to these, taking your car in for repairs when something needs to be fixed can help prevent larger issues from happening.

What Should You Do If You Get a Warning Light?

Dreaded warning lights on the dash can be cause for concern or indicate there is a problem that needs attention. Sometimes a warning light can simply illuminate to remind you of BMW service intervals. In your new BMW, there will be warning lights for almost every, if not every system your car has. The onboard diagnostic is advanced and can identify even the smallest trouble, which will result in a corresponding code. The check engine light, for instance, will come on if there is an emission system problem, or an engine management issue like fuel injectors or a cylinder misfire.

If you see a light come on that isn’t usually there, first of all, don’t panic. Most of these lights don’t signal impending doom of vehicle catastrophic failure. But you should take your car to have the codes pulled to find out what is exactly wrong and get it repaired. Surprisingly something as small as forgetting to put the gas cap on or not tight enough is enough to make a check engine light appear. Your automotive technician can tell you whether or not its BMW service lights or something more extensive. A few of the lights you might see include traction control, ABS, check engine light, engine malfunction, brake light, tire pressure system malfunction.

 

Taking care of your BMW allows your BMW to take care of you. For reliability and longevity having the BMW recommended services performed is essential. Choose an automotive shop that specializes in German manufactured vehicles to guarantee you have automotive technicians that have the skill to work on your car. BMW along with other foreign vehicles can be complicated to work on and having someone that knows the brand and models well, in addition to having the equipment to work on them effectively. Ryan G. Motorworks are the experts in Auburn, CA and the surrounding area for the highest-quality repairs and the 30k, 60k, 90k routine scheduled maintenance.

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Saving Money At The Pump

Are you curious about how you can save big time at the pump? With gas prices on the rise, it seems like everyone wants to find ways to lessen their fuel bills like purchasing a brand new car that gets over 30 mpg. The good news is the solution may be simpler than getting locked into an expensive car payment, organizing carpools, or taking public transportation. The answer might lie with how you care and maintain your vehicle. It’s no secret that the cost of fuel will continue to go up, but being proactive about your car’s maintenance will help to improve fuel economy.

Many of your vehicle’s systems are reliant on general maintenance. For instance, a dirty air filter can cause your engine to work harder to achieve the same RPMs. Anything that reduces your engines performance and efficiency will use more gas. In turn, costs you more money. There are numerous reasons a vehicle can become less fuel efficient over time, but the number one reason is not keeping up on its regular maintenance. If your car isn’t as fuel efficient as it once was, there are services available to get it back to its like new condition and will increase your MPG’s.

Check out these options to learn more about how you can save significantly at the pump.

Saving Money At The Pump With Routine Maintenance
By Ryan GMW
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Fluid Inspections: Crucial For Car Maintenance

With so many components on vehicles, it can be hard to determine which things to be on the lookout for, and which are the most important. One thing is for sure, the longevity of your car is entirely dependent on fluids. Your BMW, Audi, Mini, or Porsche will have fluids including coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, washer fluid, and transmission fluid depending on the type of transmission you have. For some specific models that sport the all-wheel-drive system, you may also have to service the front or rear differential fluids.

When in doubt about your fluid levels, you can always take it to a BMW Auto Repair Near Me, like Ryan G. Motorworks for a fluid inspection. Our technicians can quickly assess if you are in need of a top off, are over or under fluids. Having the correct amount for each system of your car will allow it to work as it should. But what happens if you run low on your fluids? Will it immediately do damage? How bad can it be? Check out the main fluids your car needs to run, and what can happen if they aren’t inspected, filled, or changed when needed.

Engine Oil

The heart of your high-end German vehicle is the engine. There is never a time running it without oil is okay. Engine oils main function is to provide lubrication for the metal parts inside the motor. The pistons, rings, valves, rockers, and other components are entirely dependent on oil. If you aren’t running enough oil, or it is completely dry, the motor can lock up. Once this happens, it is fair enough to say the engine is toast. The cost for replacing an engine in a newer BMW, Audi, Mini Cooper can be costly, and can in most cases, be avoided with proper maintenance and fluid inspections.

Periodic oil changes help reduce the chances of running your vehicle with no oil, as well as having a fluid inspection done between oil changes. It is also crucial that when adding or doing an oil change that the right fluid is used. Different weight oils are used depending on the engine type and climate, but almost all newer vehicles call for full synthetic. When taking your car in for German Auto Repair or inspections, they will know precisely how many quarts of what type of oil needs to be used.

Brake Fluid

How much do you value being able to stop your BMW? The braking system of most cars is ultimately dependant on brake fluid. Most vehicles have upgraded to using DOT 4 in their master cylinders and are found in vehicles with ESP and ABS systems, which most German models come standard. A technician, during a fluid inspection, will make sure there aren’t any leaks, and that fluid comes up to the line indicating full. Most higher end German vehicles use 4 wheel disc brake systems that provide unbelievably excellent stopping power, with the proper fluid levels they are able to operate as intended.

Transmission Fluid

Automatic transmission needs transmission fluid. Your transmission uses the fluid within to signal at which point it needs to shift gears. With a manual transmission, you tell the transmission when to shift. This doesn’t mean that a manual doesn’t require any fluid, it just doesn’t use ATF, it could use engine oil, grease, or different liquids depending on the manufacturer. Keeping the transmission lubricated is essential but not as critical as having the correct amount of fluid in it. Failure to maintain the proper levels of fluid can cause the automatic transmission to slip. You will try to accelerate and feel that it revs high, won’t increase speed, and takes a second to change gear. Transmission fluid should be checked regularly, just as you would with engine oil. Those are the most expensive components to replace on any vehicle, and it’s well worth the ten minutes to have a fluid inspection done to ensure they are all at the proper levels.

Coolant

Antifreeze or engine coolant is needed to reduce the temperature of your car. Each vehicle make and model has a specified operating temperature that is required for optimal performance and considered safe. When there is a leak in the coolant system, you may find that your car can or will overheat. Allowing your car to run “hot” will almost always ensure the catastrophic failure of the cylinder head or damage to the engine block. During a fluid inspection, a technician will check that coolant is at the proper level and that there is antifreeze in the reservoir tank, if applicable.

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Factors That Affect Brake Rotor Performance

Numerous parts all work together that allow you to stop on a dime when need be or slowly come to a stop when at a traffic light. Calipers, master cylinder, brake pads, and arguably one of the most essential, rotors all need to work together for the best possible braking power. The braking system of your BMW can be complicated if you don’t know what you are looking at.

A rotor is the part of your braking system that the pads squeeze against allowing your vehicle to come to a stop. A wonderful thing about these parts is they can last a long time, in most cases, before needing to be changed. However, when they do need to be replaced taking it in for auto repair BMW is the best way to ensure it is done correctly. Rotors are considered a main component, and if these fail or have an issue, it will negatively affect your ability to stop precisely. You may notice strange sounds when braking, no matter how light or firm you apply the brake.

The two most common problems that occur with the rotor include warping and uneven wear. The cause of these is almost certainly linked to worn out brake pads. Brake pads can wear unevenly, causing tension to be dispersed around the round inconsistently. What can happen here, is the front of the rotor will wear down faster than rear or vice versa, not allowing for even pressure. A sign this is already happening to your care is not stopping straight. If your car tends to pull to one side when coming to a stop, it might be a sign your rotors have uneven wear or damage already done to them. It could also signal that the material on the rotor has worn down, and the part needs to be replaced. Consider upgrading to drilled and slotted rotors for better performance as well as better cooling effects for less chance of warping, if your vehicle doesn’t already have this type installed.

How You Drive Plays a Role

Consider your driving technique. Do you like to ride the brake? Are you a fan of speeding up quickly only to hit the brake just as fast? How you drive will ultimately dictate how long a rotor and other braking components last. While for most adult drivers trying to change how you operate can be a challenge, it is one you should pay attention to. By modifying how you drive, or in this case stop, you can get more miles out of your pads and rotors. Instead of slamming on your brakes for each stop, start braking sooner. In doing so, your brake pads will slowly come in contact with the rotor. This action will keep your rotor in better shape for a more extended period of time.

Replace Pads When Needed

Most brake pads that come on BMW, Mini Cooper, Audis, and almost every vehicle now have an indicator on them. The indicator pin will sound like a high pitched screechy sound. Once you hear this noise, it means it is time to replace the pads for an automotive repair near me shop. Don’t delay. Putting off changing your brake pads will cause more wear on the rotor. Once you start hearing a lower pitched noise when coming to a stop, you have gone through the pads, and now the caliper may be contacting with the rotor. The low pitched noise or grinding sound makes scratches into the rotor making it virtually unusable when putting new pads on.

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BMW Check Engine Light: Should You Worry About It

As a car owner, many things can become frustrating. You could enjoying a drive down the road and start hearing a weird noise you have never noticed before. Then, you will begin to wonder if that sound is something you should take to the shop for BMW car repair, or it can be put off. It is always a gamble delaying repairs. For most of us, those quirky sounds our vehicles make alert us to trouble and need to have parts replaced or fixed. Afterall a motor vehicle is just a series of smaller pieces that work together allowing the car to move, steer and stop. If something with your vehicle systems isn’t working the way it should, it could lessen the chance that it will perform the way it needs to. And that is not good for anyone.

When it comes to your BMW’s dash, you will notice many features that are illuminated. The speedometer will tell you how fast you are going. The tachometer registers your RPMs. The water temp, fuel gauge, and voltage may also be present. In some makes or models, it can do so much more, via a screen in the instrument cluster. However, with all these fun and unique ways to receive information about how your car is running, one light, the check engine light, no one wants to see. But why? Is it as scary and nerve-racking as everyone makes it out to be? Does it signal the demise of your car? And why can’t the car just tell you what is wrong without a vague little light appearing?

The check engine light, in most cases, doesn’t signal the imminent death of your vehicle. However, it is alerting you to a known problem within the system. All cars equipped with an OBD2 system can have their codes read with a code reader. Most readers won’t tell you the exact cause, only give you a random code. For example, a common DTC for BMW’s is P1351. Now the trouble code won’t mean much until you look up what it is for. In this example, it says there is a misfire in cylinder 5. If you were to take your vehicle to a shop like Ryan GMW for diagnostics, they would tell you right there what the code is, and determine the cause of the problem. Some codes are considered generic and can have a few fixes to solve them, such as a random misfire.

Some check engine lights signal a very severe problem. However, if your car isn’t acting any differently it more than likely is still able to drive. If other issues, like strange noises, accompany the light, rough idles, or it dies randomly, visiting a German car service shop will solve the problem.

Conclusion

While having a check engine light is no fun, and can cause concern, it is not always the end of the world. Having a professional check your vehicle out, reading the codes, and determining the underlying issue can help. The reason for the light can be as simple as a loose gas cap or as devastating as a transmission code. Until you know why it will always be a mystery. If your car is acting differently, then you shouldn’t delay on having it diagnosed and repaired.

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Basic Car Maintenance Everyone Should Know

Most people use their car every day without a second thought. They will get in, turn the key, and head out on their way. It’s almost always the case, unless you are a car person, that you don’t think something is in need of repair till a light shines or a weird noise starts to occur. Afterall keeping up with a vehicle requires some amount of attention. But what if you could minimize the likelihood of an expensive repair, by doing only simple maintenance items? In this post, we will look at simple car maintenance items you can do that will potentially save you from experiencing a catastrophic event or costly BMW car repair.

CHECK TIRES

Tires are the essential features of your vehicle. They are what makes contact with the ground. Having good tires versus a bad one can make a huge difference. Have you ever experienced a tire blow out, or know someone that has? At high speeds having a tire, blow can be incredibly dangerous. It can also do much more damages than just having a flat tire. Almost all tire blowouts can be avoided by simply checking your tires periodically, and having them replaced when needed.

A good rule of thumb is to inspect your tires every month for wear, tread, and that they are correctly inflated. The tire sidewall will tell you the max psi they should be filled to. Overinflating can be just as bad as under, so it is best to stay a little below the max. Check for signs damage to the tires as well; if anything looks suspicious, you can take it to our German auto repair shop.

CHECK THE OIL

There is no way of avoiding the topic of engine oil when talking about the maintenance of a vehicle. It is the fluid that keeps everything in your engine working the way it should. Oil reduces friction of the metal movable parts within, and it an absolute must. Checking the oil isn’t as tricky as it sounds. Most vehicles are equipped with dipsticks that are labeled check oil on them. In fact, the dipstick will also have at the end clues as to if you are low on oil, clearly marked, low. If there is one maintenance item you should routinely do, and be in the habit of doing is checking the oil levels. If you find that your car is consistently low on oil, it could signal a leak or possibly other issues within the motor.

CHECK COOLANT LEVELS

Lastly, make sure to maintain adequate coolant in your vehicle’s cooling system. Each car requires a different type of coolant. BMW recommends the use of their own specially formulated coolant for their vehicles to run at their best. TIP: Use caution when checking your coolant levels. Never try to open the radiator cap if your car has been running and reached it’s operating temperature. In doing so can cause injury. The coolant is a pressurized system. When it is hot, pressure builds, the second you turn the cap it will spray out. At close to 200 degrees, this is something you don’t want touching your skin. Instead, wait until your car has had time cool down or even better let it rest overnight and check before starting it in the morning.

Conclusion

Maintaining a good running vehicle is as simple as checking its primary components. These simple car tasks only take a few minutes and are well worth the time. Many repairs, breakdowns, or troubles can be avoided with proper care.

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Battery Or Alternator: How To Tell Which Is The Problem?

Every vehicle needs a power source. Now, we aren’t talking about electric cars in this blog posts, but your typical everyday gas or diesel vehicle. In a traditional set up a car works like this for supplying power:

You turn the key which starts the chain reaction of all the functions needed to start your car, run, or the accessories to work. The battery is then used to perform these necessary functions. If you leave the car in an accessory position, or on, and not fully start the vehicle all the power applied to operate the accessories will draw power from the battery. After a period, your vehicle’s battery will wear down, and not allow the car to start. However, if your car is turned on and the engine is running the part called an alternator will recharge the battery, thereby you have constant power on demand.

But how can you determine whether or not you have a bad alternator or a bad battery? Is there a way to find out without replacing one or the other or both? Are there symptoms you can check to diagnose the problem? BMW auto repair at Ryan G. Motorworks can give you a correct diagnosis if you are nervous about messing with these critical components. We will explore some of the symptoms and even go over a way to check whether or not you can place the blame on the alternator or the battery.

Symptoms of a Bad Alternator

The symptoms of a bad alternator can be confused with a dead battery problem. More often than not it takes testing to find out if it is, in fact, a failing alternator. There are five signs that an alternator is an issue and they include:

  • Dimming headlights
  • Slow operating windows
  • Electrical failures- including power door locks
  • Difficulty in starting your vehicle
  • ALT light is illuminated on the dash

Symptoms of a Bad Battery

A dying battery and a dead one will experience similar issues. However, if the battery is completely gone, nothing will turn on with the vehicle. You can insert the key, no chime will play alerting you to a door being ajar, and you won’t have anything illuminated on the dash. Perhaps the worst part of having a completely dead battery is the car won’t even try to start. If you are able to jumpstart your vehicle and it remains running after disconnecting the cables, it’s a good indication that the battery is at fault. A failing alternator can cause a dead battery, so it may not be time to replace the battery itself, without first determining which is the problem.

 

If your vehicle starts, chances are it isn’t your battery that is the problem. Allowing your car to run and then disconnecting the positive cable from the battery terminal. If your car is still running, the alternator is fine. This means you will need to replace the battery.

Searching for German auto repair near me, you will find that Ryan GMW can help you to replace a battery or alternator quickly, and get you back on the road. They can also help you to identify which is your problem if you have difficulty or would rather a professional handle electrical components.

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Getting Your Vehicle Road Trip Ready This Summer

Summer is still in full swing, which means there is plenty of time to hit the road and go out on an adventure. Using your own vehicle instead of renting is an excellent way to save money on your trip. But before you head out in the road, you may want to consider bringing in your vehicle to have it looked at. Having a BMW mechanic look over critical components of your car can help you to travel everywhere you need to go and everywhere in between. Car maintenance is key if you wish to have your last. The key services you should have done to ensure roadworthy performance include:

Oil Change

The oil change is essential for all engine function to run smoothly. Before long trips having an oil change done, especially if it is near servicing is ideal. While going over the mileage a little won’t necessarily hurt anything, a fresh oil change can help boost your MPG. Getting better fuel economy on long trips is great for saving a little bit of money at the pump. An oil change will also ensure that the fluid level is correct and where it should be.

A/C Check

Your vehicle’s air conditioning is vital. When temperatures reach over 100, driving in an unairconditioned car can feel more like torture than an exciting time waiting to reach your destination. An A/C check will inspect the freon, make sure the blower motor is working correctly. If your freon is low, the air conditioning will not blow as cold as it should. The elements of a car’s air conditioning system should only be handled by a professional. It can be very dangerous to try and fix issues with any pressurized system.

Coolant Services

Overheating is a common problem on long road trips. Having your upper and lower radiator hose inspected for signs of breakage or tears and making sure the coolant levels are correct will go a long way in keeping your engine cool on out of town road trips. A technician may also look over your radiator for any signs of damage that may lead to overheating. If you have had trouble with rising operating temperatures, have those addressed beforehand.

Tire Rotation/ Tire Replacement

Tires need to be in optimal condition for any drive you take. Older tires or those with worn out tread can potential blowout while driving. This is a very unsafe condition. Tire rotation will move the worn tires to the non-driving axle for better durability. However, if after a tire inspection you need to have a tire replaced, you should do so before hitting the road. A tire popping while out on the road will mean costly towing service and delays. Tire rotation is a simple service that should be done periodically and is part of most manufacturers recommended routine service.

Be sure that before you leave if your due for your routine scheduled maintenance to have it performed. This includes the 30k, 60k, and 90k services. If your air filter needs to be changed, it’s a good idea to have this done as well. It can improve fuel economy along with an oil change. Have your German car service done with the best at Ryan GMW.

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What Is A Tire Sidewall?

Invision driving down the road and all of a sudden your tire blows out. Tire blowouts can be a frightening experience and a dangerous one at high speeds. Tires have a limited, and it’s dependant on a few factors. They are affected by road conditions, the amount of mileage put on them, and age. When the time comes to replace a tire(s), you will want to find the appropriate tire size that works for your vehicle.

How do you know what tire you would need to order? While you can bring your car into the German Auto Specialist at Ryan GMW to get your tires rotated, you can also have tires ordered that fit your vehicle perfectly. Most know that the tire size is found directly on the tire. Your vehicle will likely also have a tag indicating the appropriate tire size to fit on factory wheels that came on your car. However, if you have changed the wheels on your car, the tire size could be different.

If you want to change your wheels to an aftermarket set, or simply order tires to fit your existing one, being able to decode a tire label is handy. Let’s break down the essential information that appears on the sidewall of a tire to gain a better understanding.

In this picture, you’ll see the need to know info about the tire. Right now it may look like just numbers with a sprinkle of letters here, but let’s start decoding. You’ll want to read the tire left to right as you usually would. No trickier here!

The first letter that appears, in this case, P, is the type of vehicle the tire is suitable for. The P means a passenger vehicle. Other options include:

T – Temporary Spare
LT – Light Truck
C – Commercial
ST – Special Trailer

Next, you’ll see a set of numbers. These groups of numbers indicate the size of the tire and are the most useful to know. The first set, in this case, 215, indicates the section width. It measures in millimeters the width from sidewall to the sidewall at it’s widest point. Next, the following two-digit number, 55, is the aspect ratio which is the height of the sidewall compared to the width. The bigger the aspect ratio number is, the bigger the sidewall.

There may or may not be a letter present in between the last set of numbers. For this example there is. The R represents that the tire is Radial, which just means the layers run radially across.

Finally, the last set of numbers, 17, indicates the wheel size by its diameter. This number is probably the most essential to know, depending on who you ask. If you order or receive the wrong wheel size tire, it won’t fit, not in a million years. Wheel size varies, so checking your tire can help identify what size wheel you have if you don’t know. They can come as small as 15 and go up to 22 or even larger. However, most vehicles come stock with 16,17 or 18 which are standard.

There’s plenty of other information on the tire, including its manufacturer and DOT specs such as it’s load rating, but the string of numbers above are the most essential to know. A BMW Mechanic Near Me can help to put new tires on, rotate, and order the correct size to fit your vehicle for the best road performance.

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Effective Car Cleaning Tips

Keeping your BMW, Mercedes, or Mini Cooper clean year round should be a priority. To maintain its factory paint finish, exterior upkeep including detail cleaning is an absolute must! Every day that you drive your car, it is subjected to road grime, bugs, and other contaminants that can harm the paint causing imperfections like scratches. But by maintaining a regular cleaning pattern or schedule, you can remove the debris that makes your vehicle’s finish appear dull or dirty.

While you might assume that going through the automatic car wash is the best solution to get the gunk off your car quickly, you should reconsider. Automatic car washes won’t do the best job. In fact, if you go to the car wash that has spinning scrubbers, you could hurt your paint job more so. Any car wash that makes contact with other vehicles is essentially picking up all the debris that was on their car, then spreading it to yours. This could include rocks, which can scratch your paint terrible. Touchless automatic car washes are slightly better, for it’s less risky, but they don’t do near as good a job as at-home washings with the correct products.

Tip 1: Power Wash

If you have access to a power washer, doesn’t matter if it is gas or electric, this equipment works exceptionally well at removing tough, caked on road debris and bugs. Starting out with a good rinse can also losing tougher dirt that can be removed with a soapy sponge after. Power washing is safe on factory paint and won’t cause any damage.

Tip 2: Clay Bars

If you’re unfamiliar with clay bars, they are an excellent addition to any at home car cleaning product arsenal. Clay bars, when appropriately used, will gently lift stuck on dirt that has embedded in the paint without damaging the surrounding areas. Several manufacturers produce clay bars, but all will do the same thing. The most important tip with this product is not to drop them. Because clay bars will pick up dirt and debris like a champ, if you drop them they will attach more debris to them. So be careful while handling and if you put them down, use a clean surface to set them on.

Tip 3: Cleaning the Engine Bay

Some people shy away from cleaning under the hood, for fear of damage. German Car Repair has been known to get slightly expensive, which is why some choose never to open the hood and only look for BMW Repair Near Me when it’s time for service. That’s absolutely fine too. But there are some parts of your engine bay that you can clean if you are nervous to take a power washer under the hood. (Which is really discouraged anyway) You can wipe down the sides, underneath the hood, and engine cover. This can make your car look a hundred times better, and well maintained. Cleaning under the hood of your car can also be a great a time to inspect your hoses and belts for wear.

Tip 4: Finish With a Wax

Waxing doesn’t have to be done every time you wash the exterior of your vehicle. But you should apply a good wax product every three months for the best protective results. Wax can help prevent sun fading spots and unnecessary scratches. It is a must-use product for anyone wanting to preserve their car’s exterior.

These three tips can take your car from looking dull, to restoring its brilliance in just a few hours. For larger imperfections in the paint finish you’ll have to have it corrected by a paint specialist, but maintaining the paint job of your car can make it last much longer.