calgary bmw service - Motorwerkes

What Makes Summer Tires Unique?

13 June 2016

It’s always important to change your tire type based on the season. Now that the roads are getting warmer, let’s take a look at what goes into designing a summer tire and why they’re a smart choice for this time of year.

The Material

Because their conditions demand different performance and behaviour, summer tires (sometimes called “performance” tires) differ from winter tires in rigidity and elasticity. The tread compound of a summer tire is comprised of less pure rubber than winter tires, giving them just the right balance of softness and hardness to handle well in a variety of conditions, just so long as it’s not ice or snow! The compound is also made to hold up in higher temperatures where the softer winter tire would be more likely to fail. Summer tires are made to operate best at temperatures above 7 degrees celsius, and once they go below that, they harden and lose traction.

The Design

Treads, siping, and other structural characteristics also play a critical role. Since they’re not meant for winter and don’t need to push through muck or slush, summer tires possess a more shallow tread depth. Their sidewalls are also generally stronger than those on winter tires and the tread pattern is carefully designed with large grooves and fuller blocks. Unlike winter tires, which are designed with finer and more intricate siping patterns, summer tires prioritize a dynamic shaping strategy without worrying about digging around in the snow. As a result, using a summer tire during winter is likely to fill up those larger grooves with too much icy material!

The Performance

While you might assume that summer tires don’t perform so well in wet conditions, the opposite is actually true. Thanks to the combination of the tread compound and tread pattern, summer tires are able to keep a good grip on the road and optimize turns and stopping distance in both dry and wet conditions. With high performance summer tires, you’ll get directional treads that do a particularly good job with hydroplaning resistance. The design of winter tires, on the other hand, puts first priority on dealing with ice and snow rather than fluids. Because of these differences, failing to switch tires as the roads heat up is a sure way to compromise both safety and performance!

Have you fitted your BMW with a pair of summer tires for optimized durability and safety? Give the Motorwerkes team a call at (403) 768-3161, we’re here to help you get only the best performance out of your vehicle!

Why You Should Let Your Vehicle Get to the Operating Temperature Before Driving

14 September 2015

The question of whether or not to warm up your car before driving is a hotly contested issue. This is particularly true in Canada or other places where ambient temperature can get pretty low. Arguments are often made against it, but many of these fail to take a number of important things into account. Let’s have a look at a few reasons why your vehicle should be at operating temperature before you get moving.

Running Smoothly

Most of the internal mechanics in your car rely on one common thing to run smoothly: fluids. Whether it’s your oil, brake fluid, or transmission, if your fluids aren’t flowing properly, the wear on their corresponding parts over time is far more significant. The viscosity of your oil is a particularly critical factor, so it’s imperative to avoid putting stress on all those moving parts by giving things a chance to get to normal operating temperature. And don’t forget: your oil is often a more useful indicator of proper operating temperature than your coolant.

Longevity & Safety

Ensuring a long life for your vehicle should be your top priority, especially if you make frequent brief trips in cold weather. With a little warm-up time, you could be improving the life of your battery by allowing it a healthy recharge or avoiding premature rusting of the exhaust system by letting that moisture evaporate. Driving cold can also become a safety concern. Stalling becomes more likely in older vehicles if you are forced to slow down or speed up suddenly in winter weather.

Understanding the Logic

Many arguments against warming up will mention fuel economy and environmental impact. While it’s true that idling for excessive periods of time does lead to both of these issues, keep in mind that your engine runs at its most efficient when at operating temperature. A vehicle that runs the way it was designed to will provide better fuel economy and will need fewer part replacements in the long term. The disposal and replacement of parts is a form of environmental impact that many fail to consider when thinking only in terms of fuel emissions!

At Motorwerkes, we combine our expertise with the latest tools and software to provide you with the highest standard of service for your BMW motor vehicle. To book an appointment with our repair services or performance centre, give us a call at (403) 768-3162 today!