Preparing Your Vehicle for Safe Winter Driving

Winter driving offers challenges for drivers and their cars. The extreme temperatures and slippery conditions require drivers to take precautions that they don’t worry about in the winter. Preparing your vehicle for winter driving helps it last longer and enables you to get where you need to go safely.

If you have questions about preparing your BMW for winter driving, we invite you to visit us as BMW of Columbia. As the preferred BMW dealer in Columbia, SC, we have the necessary BMW parts for winter preparation. We also understand what all BMW vehicles need to remain safe in all weather conditions.

Staying Safe on the Slippery Road

Winter conditions can degrade road conditions and test our driving skills. With a few tips, we can be prepared for anything the weather has to offer. We highly recommend slowing down and leaving plenty of space behind the vehicle ahead of you. Before the first snowflake hits the pavement, check your tires, as excessive tread wear decreases traction.

Whether you own a new BMW or a certified pre-owned vehicle from BMW of Columbia, we recommend using snow tires for added traction. We also highly recommend that you maintain the recommended tire pressure, and to pay attention to it as the temperature drops, so does the pressure in your tires.

Visibility is Vital

Staying safe in the winter involves paying attention to the road and your vehicle. We highly recommend never letting your vehicle have less than a half tank of fuel. If you are stranded, your vehicle will have enough gas to keep the engine running and the cabin warm.

Visibility issues arise in the winter. The blinding white snow can make it difficult to see vehicles on the road, so you should drive with your lights on, even during the day. If you haven’t changed your wipers in a while, slushy and snowy road spray can show you that you need new wipers from BMW of Columbia. Don’t forget to put a scraper or broom in your car because you should always clear the snow from your vehicle.

Check the Fluids

Colder temperatures can affect the way your vehicle runs. To ensure that your BMW runs smoothly all year long, pay attention to the fluids. Some winter drivers go through gallons of wiper fluid, and many keep an extra gallon in the trunk. As a full-service BMW dealer, we can help you with vital fluids like antifreeze, coolant, and oil.

Be Ready for Anything

Being prepared keeps you and your passengers safe while on the road in the winter months. Experts recommend not just preparing the mechanical parts of your vehicle, but preparing your cabin, too. To be truly prepared, consider keeping blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, and a first-aid kit in your car’s cabin – not in the trunk. If you are stranded, you can stay warm and fed without having to open the vehicle doors.

Many BMW models come with AWD, traction control, and other helpful winter safety features. Whether you own a pre-owned BMW or you have recently invested in a new model, at BMW of Columbia, we can help you prepare it for winter weather. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at the preferred Columbia, SC BMW dealer.