With the ongoing pandemic and the stay at home orders in place in some areas, it’s perfectly understandable if car maintenance – such as going to a BMW repair center in Nashville for a scheduled checkup for example – is the least of your priorities. However, the longer cars remain unused, the higher the risk is of causing permanent damage to your vehicle. The good news is you can take simple steps to keep your car running smoothly, lockdowns notwithstanding.
Here are 5 things you can do according to GPO Tuning, a BMW repair center in Nashville.
- Drive your car at least once a week.
Car batteries discharge over time, and these drain faster in colder climates. You can prevent this from happening by taking it out for a quick spin at least once a week, even if it’s just around your neighborhood.
Driving your car regularly not only charges the battery, it also keeps your car’s moving parts lubricated. If a car is not used for quite a while, oil begins to settle, fluids separate, and seals might dry out, causing damage to your vehicle. If you’re a BMW owner, that can be quite expensive – consult with your trusted BMW repair center in Nashville for expert advice and quality service.
Here’s another reason why driving benefits your car: the weight of the vehicle creates flat spots on the tire, particularly on areas where the rubber is in contact with the pavement. Tires with flat spots might need to be replaced. Driving your car regularly prevents this from happening.
- Choose your parking spot wisely.
Surfaces like grass or dirt allow moisture to reach your car’s undercarriage, which can lead to rust. Park on pavement or gravel whenever possible. Park in a safe area and don’t leave valuables inside your car.
Stay clear of areas where birds congregate; bird poop can damage car paint within hours.
- Fill up your gas tank.
According to BMW repair expert GPO Tuning, filling up your tank prevents condensation from accumulating inside the tank. It also stops gasoline fumes from building up to dangerous levels. If anything, it’s always reassuring to have a full gas tank in these uncertain times.
- Protect your car’s paint job.
A car cover can protect your vehicle from the elements, for as long as your car has been cleaned before putting it on. Putting a car cover on a dirty car, for example, can do more damage since it can rub against the car’s paint.
If you don’t have a car cover, waxing and sealing your car is the next best thing. These add an extra layer of protection from water and dust, among other things.
- Stick to your usual maintenance schedule.
Even if you’re not driving a lot these days, it’s best to stick to a regular preventive maintenance schedule.
As an essential service provider for transportation, GPO Tuning is still open for business. It’s a one-stop shop for BMW repair in Nashville. GPO Tuning’s technicians are specially trained in BMW repair and maintenance to ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition. Get in touch with them today to book an appointment.
German Performance Options (GPO Tuning) is Nashville’s most trusted BMW repair shop. Call 615.248.9466 to speak to one of their service advisors.