Prepare for summer

With temperatures starting to soar, BMW Group Middle East is warning drivers of the harsh effect the hot  summer months can have on their vehicles. 

To help prevent damage and ensure drivers and passengers are not stranded on the side of the road, BMW recommends booking your car in for a service.

The extreme weather puts excessive strain on mechanical components like cooling systems, batteries, tyre pressure and the air conditioning system.

The company recommends that before you pull out of the driveway you should check the owners manual in your vehicle for guidance on how best to check the correct level of engine coolant and oil, the air conditioning works efficiently, tyres have sufficient and correct air pressure and a tread depth of at least 3mm.

Never underestimate the importance of having your tyres in pristine condition. For the ‘correct’ tyre pressure, BMW suggests going by what is listed on the side of the driver’s door, on the glove compartment door or in the owner’s manual.

While you’re looking at the tyre tread, keep an eye out for an uneven wear pattern. ‘Uneven’ means the tyre is more worn on one edge. This usually means you need a wheel alignment. Also, run your fingers along the tread and feel for lumps. The presence of lumps could mean that the tyre is not balanced correctly.

Your brakes are the single most important safety feature on your car, especially in the summer when the roads can become slippery and overheated. So you need to make checking your brake linings a priority. Here are some signs that your brakes need to be checked:
* Your brake pedal is very hard and resistant
* Your brake pedal rests too low or too high
* Indication or warning lights on the dashboard
* Loud scraping and grinding sounds coming from the brakes

If you have any doubt about whether or not your brakes are working in tip-top condition, you should contact your authorised agency partner’s service centre.

Safety is paramount and the easiest way to increase your chances of survival in the case of an accident is to wear your seat belt. While this is not only for just summer, it is an important point to note at all times.

If you are planning road trips across the region this summer, make sure that you have adequate motor insurance to cover you on the road or if you are involved in a collision.

Also check with your insurance company what your road-side assistance entitles you to.