Tag: Regular Oil Change

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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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BMW Maintenance Tips

When you own a BMW, there are a few things you will want to do over the course of your ownership to ensure that it is running at peak performance as well as being a safe driver for you and your family. A reputable BMW shop will be able to assist you with all of the maintenance your car will need. Below are some of the best maintenance items that should be done routinely as part of owning a BMW that will last for years to come.

Have Regular Oil Changes Done

It will be the hands down best service tip you will ever do for your vehicle’s engine life. The engine is the heart of the car and one of the most expensive repairs you would ever have to do. To avoid major issues, giving your BMW regular oil changes will extend the engine’s life while giving you added performance as well as better fuel economy.

Replace or Clean your Air Filter

Your engine runs with a combination of air and fuel, and a dirty air filter will give you less performance and fuel economy. Periodically changing or cleaning your air filter will give you many benefits as well as allowing your engine to breathe easier. If you have replaced your stock air filter with an aftermarket one, like a K&N air filter, it will need to be cleaned, not replaced. A stock air filter will need to be changed out for a new one. It is one of the easiest maintenance items you can do to increase your horsepower as well.

Check the Status of your Tires

Tires play an intricate part in how your car will drive. If your tires are too worn or are wearing unevenly, you will feel it in the way your vehicle drives. It is best to replace your tires when they have worn down, and periodically rotate and balance them for an even wear on all four corners. One other aspect you shouldn’t overlook is your tire pressure. It is best to check your tire pressure somewhat frequently to make sure all tires are the same pressure and meet manufacturer specifications.

Check and Double Check your Fluid Levels

You may be accustomed to only checking fluids if something isn’t running right. It is an excellent idea to regularly stop and check the levels at least every three months. You should check your oil, transmission, coolant, power steering, and brake fluid levels. If you do it all at the same time, it will make it easier to monitor their levels.

Conclusion

Owning a BMW is a great adventure, and if you are good at it, it will be good to you. So check, replace, refill these items when needed. The best possible tip doesn’t put off repairs. If your BMW is making noises, take it to a reputable BMW auto repair shop to have it looked. These tips will help prevent large issues as well as help your BMW last longer.

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What Is The Oil Light For In A Car?

Oil is more than vital for your vehicle: it brings life. The oil circuit starts in the oil pan, and your oil pump will take the lubricating fluid and distribute it to passages around the block. It is directed to the crankshaft bearings, camshaft bearings, valve shifts, and other moving parts in your engine and the surrounding area.

Modern formulations often include detergents, so the owner’s manual recommends regular oil changes and filter changes. These natural changes keep your engine happy and running well. However, your vehicle can experience slight drops in oil pressure, and when instances like it happen, do not ignore.

For most vehicles, the oil light is either a tiny oil can or an indicator that says ‘oil’ or something along those lines. But what does the oil light mean?

Stop the car: one of your first steps, after you notice that your oil light has come on, is to stop because this will not be a drill. When the oil light comes on, it means that your engine has suffered a drop in oil pressure. Without this oil pressure, it cannot self-lubricate, and it will ‘self-destruct.’ It is never going to be news that you can take lightly. If you fail to replace your oil on time, your engine will incur high damage internally. It is truly a ticking time bomb.

Whether you immediately pull into the shop or go home, you need to be aware that you may not have enough time on your side, so do not take an oil pressure for granted. Stopping your car to understand the issue is key.

A primary cause of low oil pressure in your vehicle will point to little oil. If there is not enough oil to keep up with the pump’s demand, there will not be oil pressure at all for very short periods of time. While this does not sound serious, a minute without oil pressure can ultimately ruin your engine.

Another cause for a bright oil light is a failing oil pump. An engine is rarely so revved up that an oil passage becomes blocked to the point of reduced oil pressure. It can happen, but typically, this is due to a failing oil pump or blockage. It is the most likely cause of low oil pressure.

Whether you are riding along the highway or in the city, you should always try to immediately stop when you see that your oil light comes on. Check your oil, and add engine oil if you have it available. After adding engine oil, check to see if the light goes off. If it does not, take your car into the shop. Although you may not want to incur those shop fees, it will be much worse if you suffer severe damage to your engine, and possibly to your vehicle.