Many people think a car's battery powers all of its electric components, but all it really does is power the electric starter that gets the vehicle running. The part that provides electricity to everything else is the alternator. The alternator essentially works like a generator, and it was in fact called that at one time. As a vehicle's gas engine spins wheels under the hood, those wheels in turn crank a wheel on the alternator to generate the electricity necessary for operating your vehicle's electrical components.

Knowing if It's Your Alternator or Your Battery that Needs…

Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial to the safe, efficient operation of your automobile. If your tire light illuminates, you need to take the notification seriously.

Assuming your tire pressure monitoring system is functioning properly, a tire pressure light in an automobile typically is geared to illuminate when tire pressure falls below 25 percent of what is specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle. In some automobiles, the tire pressure light illuminates if the tire pressure is too high. 

A number of issues can cause your engine to run hot. If the weather is hot and you’ve been running your car hard, the engine may be overworked. If you were experiencing a problem with your water pump, coolant won’t be able to go through your engine properly. In addition, any issues with your cooling system can cause your engine to run hot.

If you see the temperature gauge in your car begin to rise, it’s time to get some help. Visit our dealership at BMW of Fort Myers and speak to one of our technicians to…

As engines become smaller and more efficient, they have to work harder, developing higher temperatures. These extreme conditions are why many automakers now require the use of synthetic oil. Contrary to popular belief, synthetic oil is not a single product. It is actually a range of products. Some are custom-designed inorganic compounds. Others start out as naturally-occurring crude oil or natural gas, then are purified and structurally modified in order to produce improved performance under extreme conditions.

The engine in your car requires extremely precise timing in order to function properly. Your pistons are firing thousands of times a second, and the valves have to open or close to let in fuel at just the right time or your car will not run smoothly. The most effective solution to this problem is the timing belt. We are able to replace your timing belt at BMW of Fort Myers if you notice it isn’t running smoothly.

Timing belts have teeth that engage gears while they spin around a tension pulley. 

Buying brand new tires for your car shouldn't be a process that requires just a few minutes of your time. It should be something that you take 100 percent seriously. It's vital to understand that there are quite a few kinds of tires on the market nowadays.

Don't assume that tires all offer the exact same functions and applications on the road. They most certainly do not. There are all-season tires that can serve you well in the spring, summer, fall and winter months. There are all-terrain tires that are perfect for trucks. 

Would you allow your child to go out in the heavy rains of South Florida without galoshes or boots? Then why do so many people drive their vehicles on tires that have improper tire depth? Just as you would want your child to be safe out in the elements, you would also want your car to be safe while driving in the stormy weather by ensuring that your tires have enough tread on them.

Many people consider their vehicles to be like a part of their family, so shouldn't you make sure that your car is as safe as…

We at BMW of Fort Myers are ready to hit the road. Nothing beats a travel adventure that is well-planned! If you are heading away from the Fort Myers, FL region to visit with loved ones, these quick tips can help ensure a safe, fun and smooth journey:

• Get your car checked before the trip. Ensuring your vehicle is in good shape to handle the long trip can save you from unexpected car breakdowns along the way.

When traveling for the holidays, it is not very uncommon to travel with delicious food items. We want to wish you happy holidays from us here at BMW of Fort Myers and to remind you to be safe this holiday season.

If you are traveling with food, you want your cold items to arrive cold and your hot items to arrive hot. Luckily there are many great storage containers these days such as insulted bags and containers to keep foods at the right temperature. Be sure to pack your food items in containers with tight-fitting lids and to secure food…