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A key component of your engine is its timing belt. Your timing belt coordinates the vital operation of the crankshaft and camshaft. The crankshaft coordinates the pistons on the engine. In addition, the camshaft opens and closes the valves in the engine.

A timing belt doesn't last forever. You must make sure that it is replaced in a timely manner. If allowed to worn, the timing belt is susceptible to breaking and snapping apart. If that happens, a busted belt can cause severe damage to an engine. Your owner's manual contains recommendations about when a timing belt should…

Driving in the winter comes with scores of hazards. Having the right tires, ones capable of dealing with snow and ice, may improve traction and safety. Just as there are many different cars, there are different winter tires.

Studdable tires have the option to add metal studs. The studs aren't for looks, though. They increase traction, especially in ice. The tires work on snow without studs, but won't be as effective on icy roads when minus the studs. Studless ice and snow tires might not fit the metal studs, but they are designed for severely harsh winter conditions…

While there are many things you can put off in life, fixing the chip on your windshield should not be considered one of them. You never know when a rock is going to fly up and damage your windshield. It might not be in your line of vision, but that does not mean it shouldn't be fixed right away.

BMW Portland can tell you that you will want to get your chipped windshield repaired soon after that incident occurs. If you wait, that little chip can spread throughout the entire windshield. At the point, it can no longer be…

No driver wants to own a car that's marred by countless chips and dings. Quality paint and an impressive finish don't just look good; they're also essential for preventing various forms of structural damage, like rust. At BMW Portland, we want locals to know how to perfectly apply touch up paint so that their cars are always protected, and always looking their very best.

Use The Factory Color Code To Choose Your Touch Up Paint

For a flawless and aesthetically beautiful finish, you want to order touch up paint that blends seamlessly into the the car's…

Ever wonder what makes synthetic oil different from conventional motor oil? At BMW Portland we are here to keep you informed! So let's go over the basics. Synthetic oil is a scientifically modified oil that has been improved upon in a number of ways to last longer and protect your vehicle better. It has characteristics that are more advanced than conventional oil including less evaporative loss and a higher viscosity index.

Many of the current vehicle manufacturers of today insist that you use conventional motor oil in your vehicle, and you would be smart to do just that...

 

When you invest your money into a brand-new vehicle, you take on the responsibility of caring for your vehicle. If you don't, you're not going to get a lot of use from your investment. There are some service and maintenance items that need to be routinely performed on your BMW vehicle. This can include anything from an oil change to repair of your brakes. It's important to not let this maintenance slide. You can prevent some pretty extensive and expensive repairs by taking care of service right now.

When you have your service and maintenance performed by…

Have you noticed your tire looks a little flat or are you getting tire pressure warnings? You don't want to ignore a tire that continuously goes flat. You should have some tools in your trunk to help you remove the tire and place a spare, or you can purchase a can of Fix-A-Flat if you are in a pinch.

Replacing a flat tire requires a lug wrench, spare tire, and a jack. All three are very important. You also want to have wheel wedges that you can place on your wheels before removing the tire to keep your car…

If you can identify a potential failure with the hoses and belts in your car, you'll be in a better position to avoid serious trouble.

There are a number of belts on the car that is responsible for powering things like the water pump or the radiator fan. If you can hear squeaking from these areas, you want to get a mechanic on the job because if the belt snaps, you lose the ability for those parts to work.

The hoses have to allow engine coolant to travel from the radiator to the engine block and back. 

Has your car been driving funny? Is your wheel pulling to the left or right? Proper wheel alignment is one of the ways that your car controls fuel efficiency. If your car is off center, you could cause damage to the other wheels. These are some signs that you may need to get your wheels rotated and aligned.

If your steering is off center and your car veers to the left or right, then you probably have a wheel off-balance. An alignment can return to your wheels to their proper position, ensuring your vehicle's safety and efficiency. If you…

Just like the Scout motto, you should always be prepared. When it comes to roadside emergencies, the unpredictable nature of these incidences means that it is essential for you to have necessary emergency items in your vehicle and know how to use them.

Firstly, make sure you have water, jumper cables, emergency lights and flares, kitty litter for traction, tire tools and a reliable, charged cell phone. Acquaint yourself with using jumper cables and the tire tools. Secondly, if an emergency occurs, stay well away from the traffic if possible. If someone stops to help, stay in the vehicle...