Summer is the season when people hit the roadways more than ever. It’s vacation time, and the road trips, beach trips, and summer travel are in full gear. The last thing you need is car troubles this summer when you need your vehicle to be in tip-top shape. One of the main things to focus on to ensure that your car functions correctly as you travel is to keep up with its maintenance. This will protect your car as it burns mileage on the roadways and ensures the safety of both passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. Take a look at these car maintenance tips you could apply this summer.
Check Tire Pressure
Before your summer travels get on the way, assess your tire pressure. Harsh winter weather conditions may have taken a toll on your tires and diminished their quality. Your tire could have lost the air pressure that’s needed to keep the tire at optimal performance and safety for driving. Underinflated tires are prone to wear more quickly, minimize fuel efficiency, and lead to a flat tire. Overinflated tires are more prone to damage from road surface irregularities, like potholes, and can make a ride far less comfortable. According to Consumer Reports, typical inflation pressures range from 28 to 36 psi (pounds per square inch). However, if you are unsure, pull out your car owner’s manual where you might find the specific tire pressure range for your vehicle.
Test Your Car’s Air Conditioning
During the summertime, things can really heat up. Is your car’s air conditioner ready for the hot weather conditions? There’s nothing fun about riding in a car with a busted AC system during hot temperatures. Remember that your car’s AC system may have sat dormant during the winter or spring season, which is a reason to test it before your summer travel preparations. If you turn on your car’s AC and warm/hot air is expelling, you may simply need a refrigerant charge to fix the problem. However, if that doesn’t fix your AC issue, get your mechanic to make a diagnosis and find a solution.
Top Off Engine Fluids
The rising summer temperatures can have a negative impact on car fluids, and if it’s bad enough, your car could experience a breakdown when you are on the road. Low engine fluids can thin or evaporate in warm temperatures, making it crucial to check fluids during the summer. You should check coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid to ensure that they are at an optimal level for proper car function.
Perform an Oil and Filter Change
Another important aspect of summer car maintenance is oil and filter change. It typically involves fully draining and refilling your engine oil and replacing the oil filter. Regular oil and filter changes help to extend the longevity of the vehicle, improve the efficiency of the car’s engine, and boost gas mileage. Understand that an oil change is essential to the operation and health of your car, especially this summer.
Contact Boston Motor Werks
Have you done your car maintenance for the summer? If not, let Boston Motor Werks help you check and prepare your luxury car for summer travel. Our team of skilled mechanics will ensure that your car is in tip-top shape for your comfort and safety on the roadway.
It is important to schedule regular oil changes for your luxury vehicle. But are you aware of what kind of oil you are using? There is synthetic oil and conventional oil (i.e. mineral oil). It is believed that synthetic oil is better for your car than regular oil; however, what is the difference? Continue reading to learn more.
Synthetic vs. Regular
Conventional oil is refined from crude and mineral oil and is more traditional. On the other hand, synthetic oil mimics the qualities of the conventional type and adapts to modern engines. Essentially, it is the product of modern chemical engineering. Synthetic oil is generally better for your vehicle because of its benefits and quality over conventional sources. Regular oil is less chemically stable and quicker to break down than its synthetic counterpart. With higher quality base oils, synthetics have better engine performance and protection.
The Benefits of Synthetic Oil
Over time, the oils moving through your engine will break down, which emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance. However, synthetic oil is formulated to resist sludge and help keep your engine cleaner longer. Since synthetic sources are more resistant to breaking down, it protects your engine from the damage caused by friction and overheating. Traditional oils need to be changed more often than their counterpart.
Synthetic oil also does well in extreme temperatures. Because it breaks down more slowly than conventional oil, it can resist heat and work well in high temperatures. Cars with turbocharged engines run hotter than regular engines, and motor oil needs to flow through the engine for proper lubrication. Synthetic oils are perfect for turbocharged engines because they keep them operating at peak performance. Regular oil takes a while to warm up to ideal temperature in cold temperatures, whereas their synthetic counterparts can warm up faster. They flow quickly to begin protecting your engine sooner in colder temperatures.
Contact Boston Motor Werks
At Boston Motor Werks, we take pride in repairing and maintaining luxury cars. If you are looking for dealer-level BMW services at competitive prices, look no further. We specialize in BMW services and repairs and have worked with various models over the years. Contact Boston Motor Werks today to schedule an appointment! We look forward to working with you.
The most important part of your vehicle is the engine. Although every part plays a vital role in the function of your car, your engine plays the most prominent role and can be very expensive to repair or replace if it isn’t properly maintained. Proper maintenance of your engine is essential to your luxury car. Here are some tips to help you ensure the longevity of your engine.
Schedule regular oil changes.
Oil changes are usually dreaded but being consistent will prevent major engine issues down the line. It is essential to keep your oil clean and at the proper levels. This helps your engine run smoother and longer. When your oil starts to get murky, cloudy, or sticky, your engine is not getting the proper amount of lubrication. You should get an oil change every three to six thousand miles or whenever your manufacturer recommends. Our team at Boston Motor Werks recommends a synthetic oil change after five thousand miles and a mineral oil change after three thousand miles.
Keep it clean.
Cleaning your engine is very important for its performance. Make sure you take your time to remove any dust, debris, or grime. If you neglect cleaning your engine, the build-up will cause significant problems over time. Grease, dirt, and leaves can cover your engine and trap heat, making it hard for it to cool down properly. It is best to get consistent professional cleanings. Take your vehicle to your mechanic to thoroughly maintain your engine.
Don’t forget about the spark plugs.
Along with your engine, spark plugs are crucial to your car’s ignition that requires cleanliness to ensure they function correctly. Your plugs should be cleaned every season–remove the plugs from the sockets and gently brush off dirt and dust. Of course, have your mechanic take care of the task if your plugs need extra TLC. After cleaning and reattaching, you should notice your engine and car run much more smoothly.
Contact Boston Motor Werks for engine maintenance.
At Boston Motor Werks, we take pride in repairing and maintaining luxury cars. If you are looking for dealer-level BMW services at competitive prices, look no further. We specialize in BMW services and repairs and have worked with various models over the years. Contact Boston Motor Werks today to schedule an appointment! We look forward to working with you.
The winter season is upon us, which means you must prepare your car for the harsh winter months. Car maintenance in the colder weather is essential for the longevity of your vehicle; you can prevent a vast amount of common car issues. The winter can bring on stressful situations you do not want to be in, from frozen engines to worn tires. Read below tips and advice to implement when taking care of your car during the winter.
Check Your Car Tires
Are your tires in the best condition? You should check your tires to make sure they can withstand potential snowfall. Lower temperatures can affect your tire pressures and leave them flat. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to avoid dangerous accidents. Dull or worn tires can be hazardous to you in icy areas. Invest in snow tires to safely navigate through snow and icy roads.
Lubricate Your Car
Many parts of your car require proper lubrication for the best function. Door locks, windows, hinges, and more must be lubricated, especially during winter. The cold air can dry out your car parts, which will wear them down over time. To protect your car’s longevity, implement this tip into your regular car maintenance routine.
Service Your Battery
Your car battery power may diminish as the temperature drops. This will make it harder for you to start your car and leave you in a stressful situation. Service your battery regularly during the winter or hire a professional. Battery maintenance is significant to the proper functioning of your car.
Keep a Winter Car Kit Handy
In case of emergencies, it is recommended to store a winter car kit. Here is a list of items you should have:
- Antifreeze
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper
- Spare tire
- Flashlight
- Toolbox
Contact Boston Motor Werks for Winter Car Maintenance
Looking for a professional to help you with car maintenance to survive the winter? Contact us! Our team at Boston Motor Werks specializes in BMW service and repair and is passionate about protecting your car’s longevity. Contact us today! 617-489-0291
We’ve heard it all before, the best recipe for a classic sports car is front engine rear wheel drive. That’s the way BMW does it, and it allows for a great driving experience. But in the last 10 years, other drivetrain setups have come (and gone) into popularity. This has caused us to revisit this concept and see if the classic go to layout for sports cars really is the best choice overall.
Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive
If you’re wondering why this layout is the go-to, it’s all because of the weight distribution. In this setup, all the power is delivered to the back wheels, which leaves the front wheels completely free to steer. However, the front engine puts weight on the front axles and wheels which gives the front wheels more traction. Because of this weight distribution, when all else is equal this layout accelerates faster than its front wheel drive equivalent. What they might lack in traction or interior space they make up for in performance.
Front Engine Front Wheel Drive
Most consumer cars, especially sedans and subcompact care feature this kind of layout. This setup not only allows for more traction than RWD vehicles, but also more cabin space. Most vehicles with mid or back engine setups aren’t really made to be spacious, but vehicles with this layout are. This is a very practical layout but definitely isn’t made for sport. Only a fe
Front Engine All Wheel Drive
Also called F4, this is the most popular layout for four wheel drive vehicles, and can be found in almost every modern Audi and Subaru. Outside of sports cars, it’s quite popular in SUVs such as Jeeps and Toyotas, and is becoming a more popular offering every year. It was originally developed for better control and traction and that is exactly what it delivers. While originally designed for off roading capabilities, it became popular in rally car races in the early 80s. However, four wheel drive systems do weigh more than two wheel drive counterparts, so the amount of power they put down is offset by the weight of the car.
Mid Engine All Wheel Drive
This has become the go-to layout for some supercars, including the Audi R8, Lamborghini Diablo, and Honda NSX. Having the engine more towards the back puts more weight on the rear wheels and allows for more traction. With this weight there’s less wheel spin on the back wheels. This is a great setup no doubt, but just like any other all wheel drive system, there’s a trade off with extra weight that the engine needs to push.
So What’s The Best Option?
We will always love the classic appeal of the front engine rear wheel drive layout, and it’s ability to deliver power so well. However, depending on the conditions, some of the four wheel drive options, such as front engine 4WD and mid engine 4WD have some compelling advantages, despite the extra weight. Even BMW offers X-Drive on most of their vehicles these days. It all comes down to preference, and once you log some time behind the wheel to see what suits your driving the best.
Making sure your brakes are safe and reliable is an essential part of being a car owner. Many people forget about brakes until something goes wrong or you hear a weird sound when you brake. Car owners should be getting brake pads replaced after every 50,000 miles driven. Here are some ways to tell if you need your brake pads replaced sooner:
Maintenance Light Comes On
This is the most straightforward way of telling you something is wrong with your brakes. Especially if you have a newer car, they will usually inform you if something is wrong. If a warning light comes on when you are braking, that means something is going on with your brake system. Bring your car into Boston Motor Werks so our team can address the issue.
Noisy Brakes
When you brake and hear a screeching noise or squeaking noise, that usually means your brake pads have an issue. If you hear a grinding noise, that is metal rubbing against metal. This means that the brake pads are completely worn down, and you should have them checked out immediately. When you hear prolonged noises coming from your brakes, it is best to have them looked at by a professional. Leaving them for too long will cause further damage and cost you more money to get fixed!
Shaky Brake Pedal
Sometimes when the brake pads are wearing down, the brake pedal in your car will not be stable. When you are driving, is your brake pedal shaky? A vibrating pedal can indicate bad brake pads or brakes in general. Try not to drive your luxury car around with a shaky brake pedal for prolonged periods of time. Get it checked out as soon as you can.
Thin Brake Pads
If you suspect your brake pads are wearing down, you can always take a look for yourself. Check between the spokes of the wheels to see the brake pads. If you can tell that they are less than a 1/4 of an inch thick, it is time for a replacement. Driving around with thin brake pads will only make them get thinner. You want to keep you and your luxury car safe on the roads!
Contact Boston Motor Werks
Do you need your brakes looked at? The Boston Motor Werks team is here to help you with brake pad replacement and other brake services. Contact us to learn more about our Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Porsche maintenance, or schedule an appointment. We want to help keep your luxury car in the best possible shape!
Many people don’t think about taking proper care of their tires. From driving over potholes and braking hard, your tires go through a lot when they’re on the road. Taking care of your tires will help you get the most life out of them! Do you get your tires rotated when needed? A tire rotation consists of changing the position of your tires. There are multiple patterns in which automotive shops rotate the tires around your car. There is forward cross, x-pattern, rearward cross, front-to-rear, and side to side. It is recommended for every 5,000-6,000 miles driven. Here are the benefits of rotating your tires when needed:
Increasing The Life of Your Tires
By not rotating your tires, they will wear down quicker. You’ll end up with one or a couple of tires that are more worn down than the rest. Having this happen will mean needing to purchase new tires more frequently and replacing only a couple at a time. When you buy new tires, you are better off getting them in a full set of four. Prolong the life of your tires!
Keeping Yourself and Your Car Safe
Rotating your tires will help prevent them from popping while driving and creating a safety concern. Tires that are worn out also won’t grip the road as well. If you don’t have snow tires and live in an icy climate, you should be rotating your tires to help keep your car safe in the winter.
Evening Our Your Tire Treads
Tire treads are measured from the top of the tire’s rubber to the deepest groove. New tires typically have 10/32″ or 11/32″ treads. One of the most important reasons for rotating your tires is to get even tire treads. Having even tire treads will help keep your tires in good shape and wear out properly.
Tire Rotations to Help Vehicle Performance
The performance of your car relies on the state of your tires. If your tires are in good health, that means your car is too. Having your car drive smoothly on the road can be directly affected by your tires. Make sure you get them checked and rotated to continue driving smoothly!
Contact Boston Motor Werks
Do you need your tires rotated on your Audi, BMW, Porsche, or Mercedes? We can help! Boston Motor Werks is here to provide you with the best luxury vehicle services in the Boston area. Our team wants to make sure your car is always in great condition. Contact us to learn more about our services. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with our luxury car experts!
Porches are luxury vehicles that car enthusiasts love. It’s a car that can be an excellent option for those looking for a high-performance thrill. Are you looking to purchase a new luxury vehicle? A Porsche might be the best option for you! Boston Motor Werks is proud to work on a wide variety of Porsche vehicles. Here are some reasons why you should consider a Porsche if you are on the fence:
Tradition of Porsche
The founder of Porsche had created these cars because he had a hard time finding a sports car that was lightweight and on the smaller side. He made Porsches to allow other car lovers to have a smaller vehicle that was also sporty enough for what they wanted. With so many different Porsches to choose from, we are sure you will find one you like.
The Design Aspect
You will know right away if a car is a Porsche because of its exterior design aspect. They have an iconic roofline and shoulders that make them stand out on the road. The way each Porsche looks does not take away from their performance. It is both a beautiful car and a powerful one to own.
Porsche Prestige
The Porsche emblem is only found on the highest-quality sports cars. Every detail of a Porsche has been thoroughly designed and looked over to assure the owner is satisfied. Whether your Porsche was custom-built or purchased from a dealership, everything has been inspected. The reputation of a Porsche is very respected, and there are no cutting corners with these vehicles.
Porsche Technology
Porsche is lucky enough to have hybrid vehicles. When you think of a sports car, you probably don’t think of hybrids. Porsche has changed the game. Those looking to purchase a Porsche won’t have to decide between helping the environment and having a car that has a high-performing engine.
Porsche Harness Performance
The exterior of a Porsche has definitely had time and attention put into the design. What’s inside the car has also had the same work and care. Porsche engines have a lot of testing before it can be considered fit for these vehicles. Speed was one of the priorities of Ferry Porsche, the founder of Porsche.
Contact Boston Motor Werks
Boston Motor Werks is here to care for your luxury vehicle. We have Porsche experts ready to tackle your vehicle. Whether you need yearly maintenance, brake checks, or air conditioning maintenance, our luxury car experts are here for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment or for any questions about our services. Call us today!
Those that live in New England know that the winters here can be harsh and brutal. While we protect our home and selves from the cold and snow we need to also thing about our cars as well. Without proper maintenance before the winter season, your car can encounter problems as the winter months progress. This is especially so for BMW owners as BMW are more than just a car, they are a way of life. A lot of the tips mentioned below will seem like common sense but in reality, many people tend to overlook. Here is what you should check up on before the winter season is in full effect.
Internal Maintenance
When the temperature drops, the fluids in your car can be severely effected which could prevent your BMW from running properly. Ensure that your antifreeze and the viscosity of your BMW oil are at proper levels for optimal performance. Hoses and belts can also be effected by the sub zero temperatures so be sure to make sure nothing is wrong with these components. With all of the snow, water could seep its way under your hood and damage your engine and other components such as your car’s battery. Check for any corrosion on the battery during the fall so you will not have battery problems in the winter. As with every scheduled maintenance, the winter season is a great chance to get an oil change as well!
Exterior Maintenance
When you think of winter time and cars, you think of all the salt that will be on your car eating away at the paint. Be sure to wash your car to remove any salt that could corrode your paint as well as keeping your tail lamps, headlamps, and windows clean as well. Other things to keep in mind is the traction of your car as well as the windshield wipers as these are two very importance things to have working properly in the winter. If you feel your tires are not well equipped for the slippery snow then trade them in for snow tires during the winter. Make sure your windshield wipers are not tearing apart so they can handle the heavy snow to come.
Preparation is Key
When it comes to maintenance in general and not just for the winter you will need to be prepared with the right equipment handy. Keep pressure gauges at the ready to check tire pressure as the winter gets worse and worse. You will also want to have spare fluids, jumper cables, a flashlight and batteries ready as well for any emergency case. With the winter, you will need to stock up on winter-specific supplies such as ice scrapers, blankets, and snow brushes.
When it comes to owning a car, having regular maintenance and repairs is necessary and vital to extending the life of your car. For the most part, repairs and scheduled maintenance comes pretty standard across most brands of cars. However, German automakers such as BMW, Porsche and Mercedes often have specialty repairs that need to be treated by trained technicians or specialists. With Mercedes, the company has made it so the maintenance needs are usually separated into two selections; A service and B service. Here at Boston Motor Werks, we have technicians for each BMW, Porsche & now Mercedes vehicles to ensure the proper maintenance is applied. Each technician are highly trained in their field to offer optimal services to our clients. Our Mercedes specialists are knowledgeable for both types of services whether it be A or B.
Whenever your Mercedes machine is ready for either of these services, you will receive an alert from the car’s computer system letting you know its time for an inspection. Once you bring your vehicle to our shop, our technicians will know exactly the type of service to perform based on our diagnostics software in combination with your car’s computer. The big thing that confuses people with Mercedes services is knowing what comes with each service. Below is the differences between each service and what to expect when taking your Mercedes vehicle in for a repair.
Service A
Like with moth services, the frequency of getting repairs is based upon how often you drive your car, how long, how you handle your cars as well as other factors. For Mercedes, if your car was made after 2009 you will need to service after its first year or at 10,000 miles on the road. Then again after every two years or 20,000 miles. Maintenance that often comes with Service A includes:
- Replacing oil filters and synthetic motor oil.
- Checking levels for all fluids and adjusting them to factory standards.
- Checking and adjusting tire pressure.
- Inspecting brakes for any issues.
- Resetting your car’s internal counter for the next Service A visit.
With any car service, our specialists take into account of your cars year, make and model to gather the right sheet of information needed for the service. That way we ensure the most proper maintenance for your exact year and model of car. We are proud of our machines and want you to feel comfortable that your car will come out performing at its best.
Service B
Just like with service A, service B varies on your vehicles specifics as well as when it was made. After 2009, you should have your vehicle brought in after every 20,000 miles or every two years. The specifics of Service B maintenance for Mercedes is as follows:
- Replacing oil filter, synthetic oil, cabin dust filter and combination.
- Exchanging brake fluids and inspecting brakes for any issues.
- Checking tire pressure.
- Checking fluid levels and adjusting to factory settings
- Resetting the counter for the next Service B inspection.
If you have any questions on our Mercedes services and would like to schedule your Mercedes for maintenance repairs call us today!
