At the beginning of autumn, it is no secret that the daily operating conditions of the car change quite quickly. In the mornings, moisture accumulates more and more often on the glass, the road surface remains wet longer after rain, and as the days get shorter, more driving is done in the dark, which is an integral part of the cold season.
For BMW drivers, this is really the most suitable time to check the car before the first frosts and prepare it for the new season. LLLParts specialists note that many problems that appear in autumn actually begin to form much earlier, because they are simply not noticeable in summer.
It is worth checking the cooling system after summer
Engine cooling usually gets the most attention during the summer heat, and that’s natural, because the cooling system is most important then. Nevertheless, it remains relevant for every BMW car in the cold season. However, the end of the season is a good time to see how the system held up under the heat. If you have had to top up your coolant more than once during the summer, it is worth looking for the reason, which may be several.
Small leaks do not always leave a puddle under the car, but this does not necessarily mean that everything is fine with the cooling system. The fluid can evaporate when it gets on hot engine components, and dried traces around the connections can sometimes be the only easily noticeable sign, so it is worth checking.
For this reason, in older BMWs with N54 or N55 engines, the electric water pump, thermostat, and plastic BWM parts of the cooling system may need extra attention, as these are often the most damaged and sensitive areas.
However, LLLParts specialists remind you that simply topping up the fluid is not a suitable solution to the problem. As the colder season approaches, the system must be leak-proof, even if it takes longer for the engine to reach operating temperature in the cold.
The cabin filter becomes much more important in autumn
A clogged cabin filter in the summer may not cause too much trouble, unless the summer was really rainy. However, the situation changes significantly with the onset of humid mornings. Reduced airflow means that the ventilation system needs more time to clear misted windows.
If the filter hasn’t been changed in a long time, it may contain a lot of dust, pollen, and other dirt after the summer, which tends to accumulate, especially in warm weather. However, not every misting problem should be blamed on the filter.
If the cabin constantly feels damp, check the door seals and water drainage channels, which are also often a major issue. In BMW models with a sunroof, you should not forget about its drainage – it is also often a major problem. If water gets under the carpet, a simple misting can become the start of a much bigger problem.
