Car Care, DIY

Is It Worth It to Winterize Your Garage? 6 Tips for BMW Owners

Winter in most places means cold temperatures, freezing wind chills and layers of snow. Cold climates can take their toll on BMWs of all models, so it’s best to keep yours indoors, such as in a garage. A home garage protects your BMW from the elements, but how far can it go? What should you do to winterize your garage? 

Follow this guide to safeguard your bimmer.

How Does Cold Weather Affect Your BMW?

Winter weather can negatively affect your BMW unless you’re lucky to live in Miami Beach. Low temperatures make your car harder to start and strain your battery. You may even experience a dead battery, leading to time spent with jumper cables and chargers. Battery life is critical if you own an electric vehicle (EV) because it can take hours to complete a charge. 

Cold weather also leads to other unwanted problems like flat tires. Freezing temperatures make the tires contract and reduce pressure, even if you refilled them recently. Your bimmer may see flat spots, putting you at higher risk for a blowout. Flat tires compromise your fuel mileage, reducing it by about 0.2% for every psi lost under your BMW’s recommendations. 

How Can You Winterize Your Garage?

Garages can keep a climate-controlled atmosphere for your BMW. However, all it takes is one crack in your weatherstripping to let the cold air in. Use these six tips for winterizing your garage and protecting your bimmer. 

Install Low-e Windows

Windows significantly affect your living room’s temperature as it does the garage. Many standard windows for houses are single-paned and aren’t energy efficient. The summers are brutal, with high heat entering, and winters bring the opposite problem with cold air. 

One solution is to install low-emissivity (low-e) windows. These windows are more energy efficient because of their coating. The outside weather has a reduced effect, no matter the temperature. The windows will also better protect you from bad weather. High-performance windows like low-e keep moisture outside when it’s raining, preventing mold and mildew buildup in the garage.   

Check the Roof

The roof is vital to keeping your garage and home safe and warm throughout the winter. A strong roof will provide insulation and protect the garage from heavy snow that can turn into leaks and then mold when it melts. Take time to inspect the roof and ensure it’s secure before the winter.

You can contact a local roofing company or do the job yourself. First, examine the flashing. This thin metal strip is critical to your roof’s health and should be in good condition to keep moisture away. You’ll also want to trim any trees that hang over your house. Heavy snow can easily weigh down the weak branches and cause them to fall and damage your roof. 

Along with the roof, check the gutters surrounding your home. Leaves can easily freeze in the winter and cause the gutter to warp. The excess leaves cause water to back up behind them like a beaver’s dam. Clear the leaves before winter to create a clear path for the rain and melted snow to flow from the gutter to the ground. 

Maintain the Door

Your garage door may be strong, but it can weaken over time. You use it in more than just the winter, so it’s essential to maintain the door to ensure its structural integrity. Start by watching the garage door when you open and shut it.

Does it move in one smooth motion, or does it rattle and make noise? You may need to take a wrench and tighten up the door. Add lubricant to help the garage door move effortlessly.

Inspect the Weatherstripping

A loose garage door can lead to unwanted cold air slipping through the cracks. One thing you should pay attention to is the weatherstripping. This maintenance task applies to every door and window in your home, but it’s critical to your garage because of your bimmer. Check the weatherstripping to ensure it’s intact for your winterizing checklist.

The weatherstripping is essential for keeping the freezing temperatures out of the house. Over time, it can become worn and cracked. Find weatherstripping at a home improvement store and measure it to fit your garage door. The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends weatherstripping on a dry surface above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Protect the Fluids

Winterizing the garage means protecting your valuable bimmer, but you should also be vigilant of the fluids you keep there. For example, you likely keep oil, antifreeze and other essential items. Cold temperatures can freeze these liquids, so keep them safe. Insulated cabinets will extend the shelf life and prevent the cold from compromising your fluids. 

Safeguard Your Batteries

Prepping your garage is essential for your bimmer’s battery, but you may have spare batteries if something happens to the current one. Winterizing can help, but you should take extra precautions to save your spare batteries.

When temperatures dip below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, your battery can lose over half its strength. Use blankets and other insulators to keep the spares warm.

Protecting Your Bimmer in the Winter

Winters can be brutal, especially if you live in the northern US or Canada. The cold weather can significantly affect you and your prized bimmer. Use these six tips for winterizing your garage to keep everything safe.

Information

5 Considerations When Buying a Larger BMW

Converting to an SUV from a car can be an intimidating yet necessary experience. Before purchasing a larger vehicle, you’ll want to ensure that you have a budget in mind. Then, look for the features you want and compare the options. 

Weighing the pros and cons of getting a bigger vehicle can be challenging, but it might be an inevitable decision if you need more space. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a larger BMW. 

1. Fuel Efficiency 

Larger SUVs typically burn more fuel, so you’ll want to consider gas mileage and the vehicle’s purpose before buying. The larger the car, the more gas you’ll use per gallon. Fuel efficiency is important for many reasons, like the distance you drive and how often. Plus, fuel-efficient vehicles are much gentler on the environment. 

BMWs can hog gas just like other large vehicles, but the BMW X1 has excellent fuel efficiency. The 2023 BMW X1 gets 25 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which is as good as a car. Most oversized vehicles get less than 23 mpg on the highway unless it’s a minivan which averages between 24 and 30 mpg. 

2. Parking Space

If you’re considering an SUV, you might want to consider private and public parking. You’ll need to learn how to navigate parking spaces to accommodate having a larger vehicle. Trucks and SUVs can be harder to park than smaller cars.

You want to be confident in what you’re driving, so ensure you test-drive your SUV before purchasing it. If you have a large family or like to host parties at your home, you should consider a higher thickness when laying down an asphalt driveway. A more elevated driveway can accommodate the larger vehicle. 

3. Technology Features

BMW SUVs have fabulous technology features, like comfortable interiors and high-end trim with syncing capabilities for your smartphone — they don’t call them luxury vehicles for nothing. They support Apple and Android connectivity and an available hotspot for Wi-Fi.

The BMW X5 has handwriting recognition, a rear cross-traffic alert system, adaptive cruise control and voice and gesture control features. Most luxury SUVs have cruise control and voice recognition options, but this make and model takes the cake for security technology with handwriting recognition. If fancy is what you’re looking for, a BMW SUV is your best choice. 

4. Storage Space

SUVs are popular for their storage space, so if you take many trips or have a bigger family, you’ll likely love having an SUV. The BMW SUV with the most considerable volume for storage space is the BMW X5 at 33.5-72.3 cubic feet. 

Depending on what you need the storage space for, you could look at the BMW X3, which has a slightly smaller storage space of 28.7-62.7 cubic feet. However, seeing storage space in person is always your best bet. Viewing the car in person, you can look at things like feet, knee space, cups, and cubby holders and test them out. 

5. Safety Features

Safety features on a larger vehicle are necessary, like blind-spot monitors. A bigger vehicle means more significant blind spots that can lead to accidents if you aren’t careful, especially if you’re used to a smaller car. BMW’s safety features include blind spot detection and warnings about lane departure and frontal collisions. 

Blind spot detection warns you when drivers enter your blind spot, but relying solely on this feature can be dangerous. You’ll want to get comfortable with more limited vision within your new vehicle. Rear park distance control and an SOS button to request help in an emergency have been standard features on BMWs since 2022. 

BMW’s Active Protection System activates post-crash braking when a crash occurs and powers down everything from the windows to the engine. If you have small children, you’ll love the LATCH anchor child seat system’s safety feature for car seats. You can also get Surround View, which includes Side View, Rew view camera, Panorama View, 3D View, and Top View. 

What To Know Before Buying a BMW 

More oversized vehicles often mean more gas, parking and blind spots. However, they also offer increased storage space and exciting offroading capabilities. Make sure you compare your options and view your potential BMW in person for a test drive before you make your decision. 

BMWs make excellent SUVs that will exceed your standards — you’re sure to find an option that meets your requirements and make you feel more confident on the road.

Car Care

Transporting a Classic BMW Cross-Country: 6 Tips

There’s nothing like the feel of the open road, but for longer trips, sometimes you need alternative methods of transporting your car. Are you packing for a cross-country move or gearing up for a car show? You could be driving, hauling, railroading or shipping your vehicle to your destination.

As a classic BMW owner, you have additional responsibilities to maintain and secure your vehicle in all its vintage glory. With this roadmap, steer your way into a seamless delivery experience.

1. Gear Up For a Solo Drive

One possibility is to drive your classic BMW. A conventional car can last 200,000 miles, so check your mileage beforehand. Because they are older cars, only consider this option for shorter journeys.

Consider purchasing a battery tender to measure and charge battery voltage as well. The older wiring and technology inside your vehicle may not be able to withstand the trek on its own. While many classic car owners would rather preserve and protect their vehicles, it could be a fun road trip experience!

2. Try Train Transportation

If you’re looking to avoid the open road, you can optimize your BMW for train transport. Amtrack trains can transport everything from sedans, vans and motorcycles with their shipping procedures. The crew will load your car as rail cargo and then unload it at your destination.

This is a great eco-friendly option and dismisses tolls, fuel and the risk of traffic accidents. Train rides are also out of the ordinary and can be an exhilarating journey as you watch the countryside flash by the windows. However, travel is limited to stations and rail lines, so keep this in mind when planning your destination.

3. Explore Hitches and Trailers

Want to stick by the highways but keep miles and damage off your BMW? Consider using a trailer hitch. The sturdy metal connects to the frame of your driving vehicle, whether that be a pickup or rental van. With this hitch, attach trailers made for transporting cars and other heavy-duty items.

Not all hitches are created equally, though. It’s important to discern which option is best for your auto hauler and the security of your BMW. For instance, classic car owners would consider a gooseneck hitch for its additional towing stability instead of a pintle hitch commonly used in construction industries.

Once you decide on a hitch, you’ll want to consider a trailer rather than a two-wheeled dolly. Dollies only elevate the front of a car, leaving the back wheels to roll and invite wear and tear.

4. Assess Shipping Options

Moving is already a momentous effort, so hiring a shipping company takes a load off your shoulders. It can be nerve-wracking to leave your classic BMW in the hands of another, but proper research can land you with the safest and most affordable option.

Use a shipping calculator that assesses your BMW’s weight, model, specifications and travel distance of your journey. Gathering multiple quotes gives you a round idea of the price.

The ideal company provides:

  • Insurance in case of damage or wear and tear.
  • Trackable status updates.
  • Excellent customer service that cares about the quality of your car’s journey.

You can also decide between open or closed transport. Open carriers place your BMW next to other vehicles and may be subject to the elements. Enclosed options are sheltered, but they tend to cost more. 

5. Prepare and Monitor Your BMW

Once you choose the best ride for your classic BMW, take some time to prepare and test its integrity. Complete these checks one week before your journey begins, as well as the morning of the transport:

  • Check the fuel gauge to be at most one-quarter full.
  • Remove all valuables, documents and items that may affect the weight limit.
  • Monitor tire pressure.
  • Disable car alarms or alert systems to not startle the movers or interrupt processes.
  • Deactivate electronic toll passes so you won’t rack up unnecessary charges.

Taking pictures of the exterior and interior of your vehicle also ensures you have photographic evidence for insurance purposes.

6. Be Ready For Delivery

As a driver or hauler of your car, take breaks in the journey to monitor the integrity of your BMW and the trailer or hitch you are using. Staying awake, alert and cautious on the road is the best way to protect your and your car’s safety. 

If shipping and delivery are more your style, be aware that it may take up to 10 days for the transport to reach your destination. Weather, traffic and rest for drivers can all extend travel time.

The pickup window is usually 48 hours after arrival. The shipping company will also have a bill of lading that outlays potential damage and travel details that you will need to review and sign.

Cross-Country Transport the Safe Way

Owning a classic car as unique and exciting as a BMW is a privilege and you know all too well the responsibility of safe transportation. With careful planning, you and your classic BMW are ready to ride off into the sunset.

The Ultimate BMW Forum