We think it's important that our customers are informed vehicle owners because it can minimize car repair costs. Often, when you catch a problem before it occurs, it's less expensive to fix. One of the most important parts of your car is its gaskets because they prevent fluids and gases from escaping.

Your car constantly has various fluids and gases circulating through it. It can be dangerous if the substances escape their containers or mix with the wrong substance. Gaskets prevent this from happening. 

If your engine is overheating, it needs to be inspected by a mechanic because it could cause damage to the cylinders, valves, bearings, and pistons, which could be expensive to repair. Read further to learn a few reasons your engine may be overheating.

If your engine’s coolant levels are too low, it could cause the engine to overheat. Low coolant levels are one of the most commonly seen causes of engine overheating. Coolant is going to decrease with time, but overheating could also be caused from a clogged radiator. 

The fuel system of your car pumps the gas up into the engine so that you are able to start and drive your vehicle. Sometimes, a fuel pump will go bad right away and leave you stranded or stalled out in traffic. On other occasions, you will have prior warning of a fuel pump issue.

On some vehicles, there is a fuel system warning light that comes on when there is a problem. Take your vehicle in to the shop right away if this light comes on. When a fuel pump is going bad, it may make your vehicle surge…

The majority of drivers assume the battery in their vehicle is responsible for supplying power to the vehicle. However, this is why the alternator in the car is so vital for the electrical system to work flawlessly. The car battery instantly sends a jolt of power to the starter motor so the engine can crank over. Once the car engine is idling, then the alternator sends juice to things like the power windows, charging stations, and instrument cluster.

The car alternator operates like a typical generator, getting its power from a crank wheel that is spinning at high speed as…

It’s a good idea to carry a set of jumper cables in the trunk of your vehicle for those moments when you or another needs assistance. They require some care to use them safely, but they’re otherwise very straightforward. One of the main concerns is recognizing which cables represent the positive and negative charge. Another precaution is taking care not to let them touch any other metal surface once you’ve started connecting them to the batteries.

The positive cable is either red or has a stripe. The negative cable is black. Begin by connecting the cables to…

Are you seeing smoke when you try to start your car? Maybe your engine just won't turn over. These are indications there could be something wrong with your starter. Here are four signs that your ignition might need some attention.

1. Grinding - A cringe-inducing grinding noise often results from a worn out starter.
2. Smoke - A number of different problems with the starter, including an electrical short, can cause smoking. 

Auto manufacturers strive to make your driving experience as safe at night - or during limited visibility - as possible. Headlights are your primary defense against driving blind. When a light burns out or is damaged, replacement is a must. If only all headlights were as easily replaced as a lamp's lightbulb, life would be good.

Your desk lamp sits in one place and seldom, if ever, is faced with the bumps, jarring, or road debris that your headlights face on a daily basis. To survive such a rough environment, headlights are held into place with brackets and a dust cover…

Driving a new vehicle can be a really exciting experience. Sure, you may only be driving to and from work each day, but doing so in a vehicle that you love that keeps you safe is important. What else is important is making sure that you perform routine maintenance on your vehicle and make sure it stays in tip-top shape. That way, you can trust that your vehicle will be reliable. A couple of things you should pay attention to is your overall tire tread as well as your tire pressure. Both of these things contribute to how much you…

If you have ever been stranded on the side of the road in the wintertime due to running your vehicle out of gasoline, you know that not only was it an inconvenience but it can also be a dangerous situation. Not having a full tank of gas in your vehicle when you need it in winter conditions could mean that you are at the mercy of the elements. We at Global Imports BMW do not want to see that happen to you.

There is no reason why anyone that has a newer car should follow the 3,000-mile rule that states that you should have your oil changed every 3,000 miles to avoid damaging your engine if you have a newer vehicle. This rule was used back at a time when vehicle technology was not as sophisticated as it is now.

Carrying over this antiquated rule only wastes money and oil. We at Global Imports BMW do not want to see you wasting oil or money because we care about the environment and we know that in these uncertain economic times…