As a BMW owner, you want to know how you can best take care of your car. Giving it a suitable shelter is a start. A garage is a great way to protect your vehicle, but before you pat yourself on the back for already having one, what state is it in? Some homeowners can be guilty of neglecting this area of their home. 

Why Upgrade the Garage?

Many people can be skeptical about remodeling their garage due to costs and other factors, but the investment is necessary to take care of your BMW. Rain and melted snow can trickle into your engine compartments and cause trouble, sunlight can cause interior discoloration, and hail can beat up the exterior. With all the unpredictability of nature, it’s just wiser to leave your vehicle under a roof when possible.

Safety aside, car owners should also think about security. A garage provides storage for your vehicles and other possessions. Keeping these valuables away from strangers and thieves can provide better peace of mind.

BMWs deserve a carport that can keep up with appearances as well. Visitors or neighbors to your home may raise a few eyebrows when the garage isn’t as well-maintained as your vehicle. Keep a strong impression alive by renovating your garage.

Signs to Fix Up Your Garage

If your garage isn’t accomplishing all three goals above, it’s time to consider refreshing it. In case you aren’t sure, you can refer to this list of indicators to spot when your garage needs a fix.

1. Tight Space

Some newer BMW series are bigger and longer than previous models. Also, a study found only 63% of homeowners use their garages for car parking. Most people opted for off-street parking spaces for their vehicles.

All these factors suggest a need for more adequate space in the garage. Consider getting a garage bump-out that extends the length or width of the area.

2. Floor Cracks

Cracks may have started to show up on your garage floor. Poor concrete work can contribute to the issues, but this material doesn’t do well through various temperature changes. Heavier car models and loads can also have quite an impact.

To combat wall and floor cracks, use a filler to seal up the sudden split. Others may find garage floor replacements are the best way to go.

3. Corroded Springs

Is the garage door not opening like it usually does? Its springs can be affected by corrosion, high-frequency use and age. Be on the lookout for snapping noises or squeaking when you’re operating the garage door. Upon hearing those telltale signs, you should start seeking repairs or replacements.

4. Broken Door Sensors

If the garage doors open smoothly when manually moving them, you may be dealing with a broken door sensor. Dirt and dust could be covering the sensor’s eyes. There’s also a chance of your wires getting skewed or tampered with.

Don’t wait for the garage doors to close on your BMW while backing in or out — tidy up your garage and see whether it fixes the problem. You can also upgrade the sensors.

5. High Energy Bills

High energy bills can be a real head-scratcher. Your garage is a primary suspect, especially if the ceilings, walls and doors aren’t properly insulated. Cool air or heat can escape through these access points if the port is attached to the rest of your home.

Keep the temperature consistent by investing in garage insulation solutions. Many car owners swear by foam insulation because it can create seals to prevent outdoor air from entering the home.

6. Chipping Paint

Look at the exterior and interior paint of your garage. If it’s starting to chip off, it’s a great sign to do some revamping. Add a new color to improve the look and feel of it — perhaps one that matches your automobile.

Beware of darker colors, as they make the garage hotter during the summer since they trap heat. If you want a color that’s good for insulation, pick something lighter.

7. Scattered Tools

Picture scattered tools lying around while the space where your vehicle should be is filled with garbage. If you can relate, don’t be one of the garage owners who keeps the mess and leaves their BMW outside. Get some pegboards and organize shelves to put everything into place. Throw away what you don’t need to free up some room.

8. Missing Items

Realizing you’re missing certain items from your garage can be jarring. Over 386,000 burglaries in the U.S. take place in residential properties. Consider increasing security if you keep overthinking whether your car is safe or if the carport is being breached. Add a camera or incorporate modern lock tech to safeguard the space.

Get a Garage Makeover

If you notice your garage isn’t in top condition, you shouldn’t sit idly. Put in effort to improve its look and functionality. A better carport can be a better home for your BMW.