Cold, winter weather doesn’t have to stop you from driving your BMW, but you should take certain steps to get it ready for winter. With a few preparations, such as the following, your BMW will be ready to face the cold.

Checks and Maintenance

Winter can be tough on certain aspects of your vehicle, so before the winter weather arrives, do some basic maintenance and check that everything is in optimal condition. Check the following things:

• Check your brakes: Checking your brakes should be a top concern. In wet weather, bad brakes are more likely to slide and squeak. Many dealerships offer brake checks for free.
• Check your battery: Cold weather reduces battery capacity. Have your battery life, cables and fluid checked.
• Check your tires: Have your tires checked and rotated. Replace them if they’re too worn down because worn tires offer little traction. If you live somewhere snowy, you should get snow tires.
• Check your wiper blades: If your wiper blades are dull, replace them before the first snow arrives.

Protect Your Interior

You may also want to protect your interior from any mud or snow that could get tracked inside. Putting in some rubber floor mats can help. While it might not look especially slick, you’ll be happy when you take them out at winter’s end, and your floor is pristine. You may also want to get a bag for your trunk to put ice scrapers and other winter tools to prevent them from getting the inside of your trunk wet and muddy.

Top Off or Change Fluids

You should also take the time to check your car fluids and top them off or change them for a winter fluid if necessary. Check your oil, brake fluid, window washer fluid and coolant.

Make sure you use the right mixture of antifreeze and water for your coolant so that fluid does not freeze in your radiator. You should also use a wiper fluid formulated for winter use so that it does not freeze. Right before winter is also an ideal time to change your oil. You might also opt for a lighter oil, which works better for winter.

Cover It Up

The best way to prevent damage from snow, ice and road salt is to stow your car away during and after storms. The ideal way to do this is to park it in your garage. You may want to make some upgrades to your garage, such as improving insulation to help protect your car from cold temperatures as well as snow. Garage door improvements are also cost-effective and have an average of an 85 percent return on investment.

If you don’t have a garage you can use, consider getting a winter car cover made for your car’s make and model so that it fits snugly and protects the car fully.

Protect Your Paint

To protect your paint, consider doing some detailing right before winter so that you have a fresh coat of sealant. You can use a wax or polymer to help protect your car’s finish. If you might have to drive on snow or salted roads, consider investing in mud flaps for your front and rear tires to prevent salts from eroding your paint.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Create an emergency kit and keep in your trunk in case you get stuck during a winter storm. In your emergency kit, place some road salt, a first aid kit, snacks, a change of clothes, a blanket, an extra coat, a flashlight and anything else you might need. You should also have jumper cables, car jacks and other tools as well as an ice scraper and a shovel.

Protect your car and help ensure that you can get around safely by preparing your BMW for winter. When you follow the above tips, you’ll be able to drive your BMW during the winter months worry-free!