Your BMW Scheduled Service Questions Answered

When you make the commitment to buy or lease a BMW, it's vital that you keep it running like new. After all, owning a luxury vehicle is more than just about looks and features; it's about having superior performance in the palm of your hands. To maintain a BMW's level of superior performance as well as its overall value, you'll need to stick to its regularly scheduled routine maintenance.

However, knowing what and when you'll need to take care of is easier said than done. Our customers around Amherst and Chicopee are known to have notoriously busy schedules, which is why we make knowing, planning, and getting routine maintenance as easy as possible.

Here are the most common questions we get about routine maintenance.

How Often do I Need to Change my Oil?

Oil changes may not seem like a big deal on the surface, but ignoring them can have drastic consequences. Sure, your BMW isn't going to suddenly shut down on you the moment you hit your recommended mileage for an oil change. However, as you drive, the amount of heat that your engine accrues from working will increase, and if it's not addressed, has the potential to cause permanent damage.

That said, you'll want a fresh batch of oil in your BMW to keep it running smoothly, and depending on which type of oil you choose, your mileage will vary.

• Conventional: 3,000 to 5,000 miles
• Synthetic Blend: 5,000 to 7,500 miles
• Full Synthetic: 10,000 to 15,000 miles

How Do I Know When I Need to Change My Brakes?

It goes without saying that the health of your brakes is vital to the integrity of your vehicle. After all, there's nothing good about not being able to stop, so it's important to know when it's time to change your brake pads. Typically brake pads last around 50,000 miles, though some can go as long as 70,000 miles.

There are also a few warning signs for you to look out for and they are as follows:

• Squeaking or squealing noises when you press the brake pedal while your vehicle is moving.
• Brake indicator light turns on
• Vibrations in the brake pedal
• A grinding metal sound
• Brake pads are less than a quarter of an inch thick

When Should I Replace my Wiper Blades?

Wiper blade changes may not rank highly on the list of important maintenance needs at first glance. That all changes in an instant once yours go bad. Being able to see out of your front windshield is about as basic a tenant of driving as there is, so you'll need a working pair of wiper blades at your beck and call.

Typically, wiper blades should be changed between every six months to one year, depending on their brand and level of wear and tear. Figuring out when to change them is pretty easy to spot, as your blades will start to leave streaks and smears as the rubber degrades. Other warning signs include skipping, splitting, or squeaking sounds.

How Long Does My Car Battery Last?

Few things in life are more frustrating than a car that won't start on a cold morning in West Springfield. This is a rather common occurrence in large part thanks to the fact that many people don't know or lose track of how old their battery is. Unfortunately, batteries do have a lifespan, and as we experience the drastic shifts in temperature, the risk of a vehicle not being able to start only gets higher.

Battery life can vary depending on the brand, but most batteries need to be changed out once every three to five years. However, there are warning signs to be aware of that will signal you that it's time to change out your battery. They are as follows:

• Slow engine crank
• Bloated battery case
• Check engine light is illuminated
• Battery fluid leak

If your check engine light is on, no matter the reason, don't hesitate to bring it to our team of factory-certified technicians near Springfield MA and Long Meadow today.