Winter Driving Tips, the Abbreviated Version

With the recent snow and cold weather, it seems like a good time to remind ourselves of a few things to make our winter driving less unpleasant.
 
While we regularly see BMW factory batteries last as long as seven years, and sometimes longer, this isn't the time of year to push one's luck in an attempt to eke out a bit more "useful life" from them. Engines need more power to start in winter because motor oil is less "fluid" than in summer, creating more resistance. Additionally, batteries lose power at lower temperatures. So an older battery may not get the job done consistently in cold weather.
 
A clean windshield is a performance feature, and windshield washer fluid can help to ensure that. Keep yours filled, as a trip on a messy day can easily consume copious amounts of fluid.  If you have a Touring or X5, don't forget the rear reservoir. We change to a lower temperature blend, one with more anti-freezing agent, every Fall, for additional protection.
 
Windshield wipers, which we get a lot of use out of here in the Northwest, help us to see better so that we can drive better. They wear down over time and can cause "streaking" or smearing of water and debris on the windshield. I replace mine every year on each of my cars. At this time of year remember to turn off the wipers before shutting off the engine, that way they will be parked on a cleaner, drier windshield. This is important because it reduces the likelihood of the wipers freezing to the windshield and burning out the wiper motor when restarting the car if they are not in the parked position.
 
Antifreeze in engine coolant is important, too. A 50/50 mix with water is recommended, as 100% coolant is unable to transfer heat away from the engine as efficiently. You don't want to run the risk of overheating your Bimmer's engine. We recommend changing coolant every two years, as another of its functions is corrosion inhibition in the cooling system. The inhibiting additives break down over time and need to be renewed.
 
Tires are another important consideration for winter driving. BMWs don't like chains very well, and they are not recommended for many models. Good snow tires, mounted on their own wheels, are the best option, as many of our enthusiast clients can attest. Snow tires help get your car started from a stop and give your better traction (especially when braking and turning), even on cars with an X in their model designation. My 2002 with four studded tires has taken me anywhere, including up steep hills, as I've passed parked e36s, e39s, Z3s, etc. without snow tires. Yes, I know, it doesn't usually snow that much here, and we only really need them for a short while, but the convenience and safety are worth it to me.
 
Finally, don't forget to check your tire pressure in cold weather. Tire pressure drops by approximately one pound for every 10 degrees of temperature. Inflating towards the maximum end of the tire's recommended pressure range is a good idea, unless driving directly on snow and ice, where lower pressures are more beneficial.
 
While none of these tips can do anything about other drivers clogging up the roads due to their lack of preparation and/or skill, they can help make sure that you are not one of them.