bmw service - Motorwerkes

Understanding Your Heated Seats

8 December 2017

For any Calgarian BMW owner, a model that features heated seats can be a godsend for a sizable portion of the year. No one wants a vehicle that’s uncomfortable to drive, and this is one technology that maximizes comfort. So how do they work and what kind of care do they need?

A Brief History

General Motors played a key role in the emergence of this concept, as a patent was filed for the technology by one of their engineers as early as 1951. They could even have been tested for military vehicle applications earlier than that. However, heated seats really came into popular consciousness when they hit the mass-produced market as an optional feature in the 1966 Cadillac de Ville series. They’d show up again, this time standard, in the Saab 99, 95, and 96 models of the early ‘70s. An automatic thermostat would activate them in response to temperatures below 14°C. Not bad, though it was only available for the driver’s seat. Sorry, passengers!

How They Work

Today, this feature is of course made more widely available and at a lower cost than its earliest appearances, but despite how much time has passed since then, the technology itself is quite simple. Embedded just beneath the surface of the upholstery is what’s called a heating element. In electronics terms, this system of metal wire functions as a resistor. Rather than allowing current to easily pass through, it resists the current and produces friction that translates into heat. It receives the necessary current by means of a magnetic relay which is activated either in response to a switch pressed by the driver or passenger, or a thermostat.

Things to Watch Out For

If your seat heaters are taking too long to heat up or aren’t activating at all, this could be indicative of a couple different problems. On one hand, a fuse may have blown, which is a simple and low-cost issue for your BMW technician to remedy. However, if the element itself has failed, it will need to be extracted from the upholstery and replaced. Either way, these are jobs that should be carried out by a BMW-certified technician. A repair done right will make your winter drives warm and cozy again in no time!

Does your BMW feature heated seats? All of the bells and whistles that we love so much about our vehicles need to be taken care of. At Motorwerkes, we understand this better than anyone, so call (403) 453-0269 to have your repair, maintenance, and upgrade needs taken care of!

Winter Is No Time to Slack on Maintenance!

1 December 2017

It’s never a pretty sight when a BMW goes neglected and runs into expensive maintenance issues as a result. Just like any vehicle, the more consistent and professional your care, the better your overall investment. During winter, this is possibly more true than any other season.

Getting Started Right

So many things are simply a matter of getting started on the right foot and staying prepared. This is what preventative maintenance is all about. Fortunately, help is never far when it comes to being savvy about the requirements of your vehicle during this season. If you speak to a local BMW expert on what your vehicle needs and how often it should be looked at or worked on, you’ll know what to expect. Everything from cosmetic issues like the effects of dirt, slush, and road salt on your exterior to more functional considerations like battery life will be well understood by a certified technician.

The Essentials

As far as “winterizing” your vehicle goes, some things are less urgent than others, but there is a core set of fundamentals that should be paid particular attention to. Switching to a high-quality pair of winter tires, for instance, is one. Looking out for corrosion on your battery and using oil with the right viscosity if needed are also important. Pay attention to your tire pressure, the condition and functionality of your wiper blades, and keep your car equipped with the appropriate emergency supplies. This can be a real lifesaver if you end up on the side of the road waiting for assistance.

Extra Touches

There are also a number of things that aren’t exactly life-or-death but can make a huge difference in how you experience winter as a driver and car owner. For example, it really pays to know a BMW-certified technician who can provide great washing and detailing service so that you can keep your vehicle clean and in great shape despite the weather. Starting your days comfortably is important too, so a remote car starter package can work wonders if you hate having to sit in a car that feels like a refrigerator while you wait for it to warm up!

Are you giving your BMW the best winter treatment in town? We can promise you that if you leave it in the hands of the Motorwerkes team, it will run at its best no matter what time of year it is. Get in touch with us at (403) 453-0269 or visit our new location at 5122 3 Street SE today!

Common Mistakes That Any BMW Owner Can Make

1 November 2017

Of the many different types of drivers, BMW drivers are known to be big fans of automotive engineering and often devote a lot of care and knowledge to their vehicles. However, there are still plenty of car care mistakes that are made too often, and you could be making one of them!

Not Being Attentive

We all have plenty of things to devote our attention to throughout the day, so you’ll be forgiven for not thinking about your car during every waking moment. That being said, not being attentive to the behaviour and state of your vehicle is a bad move, especially if you drive an older model. Overheating, for instance, is a bad sign that can manifest in many ways, so pay attention to your temperature gauge and tachometer. Watch out for that “check engine” light, know your fluid levels, take note of unusual sounds or smells, and remember to check your tire pressure!

Putting Off Maintenance

Failing to spot a problem due to lack of attention is one thing, but spotting one and ignoring it is something else entirely. You probably wouldn’t disregard a flat tire, but there are plenty of little things that shouldn’t be disregarded either. While you may not think those knocking sounds, screeching brakes, or rough starts are life-threatening emergencies, they’re most likely indicative of a problem that will only become more costly to fix. The same goes for routine maintenance. Always stick to the recommendations that you get from your local technician.

Trusting the Wrong Technician

Speaking of technicians, who do you trust with your BMW? You can pay attention to its needs and always be prompt in addressing problems, but this will only do you so much good if your vehicle isn’t in the hands of the right expert. Don’t try to tackle a big issue on your own, and don’t cut corners by going with the cheapest option. You could make things a bit more complicated. A seasoned BMW specialist will provide you with certified parts, sharp diagnostics with the right software, and of course, an excellent experience. Don’t settle for anything less, your BMW deserves it!

How well do you care for your BMW? Making a car last is easier than you might think, it’s just a matter of building a great relationship with an experienced local BMW expert. Motorwerkes is proud to be Calgary’s premier team of BMW specialists, so call us at (403) 453-0269 today!

Understanding and Taking Care of Spark Plugs

8 October 2017

When it comes to automotive components, size certainly does not determine importance. Spark plugs may be a small part, but they play a big role in the ability of your BMW to function. Let’s get acquainted with them so that you can spot problems and deal with them properly!

What Do Spark Plugs Do?

For how small they are, spark plugs are pretty tireless workers in the complex system of chemical and electromechanical reactions that keep your BMW running. Essentially, they provide the bursts of electricity that lead to combustion of the air-fuel mixer in your cylinders. The cylinders in a reciprocating engine need this combustion to happen thousands of times per minute to keep that crankshaft going. As a matter of necessity, spark plugs are powerful components designed to hold up to extreme heat and pressure while they receive electricity from their respective coils. However, like any part, they don’t last forever.

What Do They Affect?

The tiny explosions that take place during each combustion cycle may seem like a small element in the overall system of an engine, but the role of a spark plug is so fundamental that its performance affects many larger factors. Timing and precision are everything in the engine of a vehicle. The spark plug needs to cover a highly precise distance in order to zap the air-fuel mixture, and this also needs to happen at a highly precise moment. If the spark plug isn’t functioning as it should, then early ignition, misfires, and other issues can contribute to poor fuel economy, accelerated wear and tear to engine components, and other pesky problems.

Replacement Time

As always, everything boils down to a matter of attentiveness and maintenance. The longer you allow a spark plug to go without being replaced, the harder you’re pushing the limits of your engine. So how do you know when it’s time? Sound and feel are two big factors. Rattling, knocking, and difficult starts or acceleration are things to watch out for. Buildup of deposits on the plugs over time means that you should stay informed as to the quality and longevity of the brand you’ve chosen. Follow the recommendations of a certified BMW technician, and when you notice something’s off, don’t hesitate to take it in!

Do your spark plugs need replacing? No matter what your BMW needs, whether it’s a small part of a big concern, the Motorwerkes team is here to help. Give Calgary’s most dedicated BMW specialists a call at (403) 453-0269 to make an appointment or ask a question today!

How Rain Affects Your BMW

1 October 2017

Rain is generally easier to ignore than snow, so we may not think that it has a notable effect on the condition and function of our vehicles. However, just like any form of weather, it can lead to a number of issues if you don’t keep up with with proper care. Here are a few key considerations.

On Your Exterior

Of course, damage inflicted on your exterior by rain isn’t instantaneous or severe in an immediate way, but wear over time and lack of good maintenance can cause problems down the line. First off, many drivers assume that some rainfall can rinse off your vehicle and save you a trip to the car wash. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Rain isn’t just made of water; it contains a number of minerals and pollutants that are either abrasive or corrosive to many different surfaces on your car. Avoid water marks, rust, and other unpleasant issues by getting a professional wash!

Mechanical Aspects

The outside of your BMW isn’t the only place where rain can take a toll over time. Your battery, for instance, can be vulnerable depending on how your vehicle is structured. If engine compartments aren’t sealed properly, any moisture introduced to the top surface of the battery can lead to power drain issues. This is why it’s important to make sure those connections are dry and free of corrosion. Meanwhile, the ABS functions in your brakes depend on proper function of its sensors. If a crack allows water to leak in and compromise the sensor, the anti-lock mechanism won’t work properly. This goes to show you how important routine checkups can be.

Caring for the Interior

Rain comes with plenty of cleanliness issues as far as your interior is concerned. Tracking water, mud, plant debris, and other materials inside can add up to a pretty unpleasant driving experience if it goes unaddressed. This is cause for particular concern if you have great leather upholstery that you want to keep in good condition, as moisture and leather tend not to get along very well. Proper upholstery care with the right products, as well as visits to a professional for some top-notch detailing, will ensure that the rain doesn’t get the best of your BMW!

If you use the right products and seek out the best professional care, a car will hold up great no matter what the seasons bring. From repairs to routine checkups and powerful upgrades, call Motorwerkes at (403) 453-0269 and we’ll take care of your BMW as if it were one of our own!