Bringing a BMW home means you’re taking on a certain responsibility. You need to care for it, protect it and maintain it — if for no other reason than a well-maintained BMW will last you for many years. Where should you be parking your BMW, and why should you avoid parking it in the street?
Careless Drivers
You can be the safest driver in the world, but you have no control over all the other drivers on the road. All it takes is one distracted driver — especially an uninsured one — and you’ll find yourself on the hook for a costly deductible or expensive repairs. Parking your car in the street leaves you vulnerable to anyone texting and driving, doing their makeup or trying to eat breakfast while they’re driving to work.
Car Thieves
A luxury car like a BMW is a prime target for car thieves. According to industry experts, most car thefts occur when you park a vehicle on the street or on your property. Leaving your BMW on the street is like walking into a junkyard while wearing a steak around your neck to greet the junkyard dog. Don’t make your favorite vehicle a tempting target.
Snow Plows
In the winter, the most dangerous thing isn’t the ice, snow or cold temperatures — at least to your car. No, the most dangerous beast is the snowplow your city uses to keep your streets clear. If you leave your BMW on the street, you could end up with scratched paint, broken windows or worse. The snowplow driver isn’t targeting your car maliciously — they just can’t see it under all that snow, so you’re tempting fate by leaving it on the side of the road.
Keep your car in the garage during the winter months to avoid this kind of damage. If you’re worried about an old garage door opener that might not function as it used to, upgrade your current model for one connected to a smart home system. Some even come with security lights and alarms to ensure your ride’s security.
Harsh Weather
A rainy day might seem like an easy way to wash your car, but harsh weather can do all sorts of damage to your vehicle. Severe winds can throw debris that will scratch your paint. Hailstones can break windows and shatter windshields. Parking your car on the street leaves it vulnerable to all of these things. Around 20% of the automobiles parked on the street regularly get struck with flying debris.
Birds
If you park outside, there’s always the risk that a passing bird might poop on your car. In addition to being unsightly, bird poop and splattered bugs are both acidic enough to burn through your BMW’s clear coat in 48 hours or less. Leave it for too long, and it could potentially eat down to the bare metal. The easiest way to avoid this is to park your car indoors and keep it off the street.
Always Park Indoors When You Can
There are plenty of reasons to park indoors whenever you can, especially if you spent the money to bring home a luxury car like a BMW. Rocks, bird poop, careless drivers and snowplows can all damage your vehicle if you park on the street. Save yourself the expense and heartache by parking in your garage as often as possible.