The scorching temperatures in summer and the frigid cold temperatures in winter are draining to the battery of a vehicle. To check the voltage on your battery, you will need to have a voltmeter. The following steps will assist you in monitoring your vehicle's battery.

• Turn off the ignition and all the lights on your vehicle.
• Connect the voltmeters red lead to the positive battery terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal. 

If the fuel pump in your vehicle is about to fail, you can spot the trouble easily if you know what to look for. Let the BMW parts experts here at BMW of Birmingham help you notice the signs of a failing fuel pump.

1. When traveling at higher speeds, if the fuel pump is about to fail, you'll feel the engine sputtering like you are just about to run out of fuel.
2. If you are trying to tow something or haul something very heavy, signs of fuel pump trouble will reveal itself when the vehicle loses power and can…

With so many different parts in your car’s engine, it is easy to overlook the importance of gaskets. Below is an explanation of the different gaskets and what they do:

• Cylinder Head Gaskets - Often referred to as a head gasket, this part is responsible for preventing combustion gases from entering the cooling system. The head gasket is located between the cylinder head and the engine block. 

It's never fun when your vehicle won't start, and it always seems to happen when you're in a hurry to be some place. Oftentimes it's a dead battery, but sometimes it might be your starter that has gone bad. There are, however, a few signs that can alert you to potential starter problems.

One of the first signs that there is something wrong with your starter is if you hear a grinding noise. If you hear this noise, you will want to take care of it before you damage your flywheel. A second sign is if…

Here at BMW of Birmingham, we have a professional service department staff that is always happy to take care of all your car maintenance needs. We encourage you to learn more about how your vehicle works and how to recognize problems when they arise.

Your vehicle's transmission is an important part that uses special gears to allow your engine to power your wheels. Keeping your transmission in good repair with fresh fluid is essential for good vehicle performance. 

If you are hesitant about checking your car, then one of the reasons that should motivate you is the cost of replacement parts. Even more importantly, checking the cooling system is sort of a step that should never be missed.

Overheating a car engine is never a small problem, because it could result in replacement of cylinder heads and head gasket repairs. Both of these parts, plus labor, easily runs into thousands of dollars. 

Your windshield wipers are an important component on your vehicle during the winter and they work best according to the type of fluid you choose to use with the system. The fluid in your windshield wiper reservoir keeps your lines clear and should never be filled with water. Unfortunately, if you choose to fill your reservoir with plain water, you may discover that it freezes over. Windshield washer fluid is meant to maintain a certain temperature during the arctic chill.

Windshield washer fluid rids your car of debris, bugs, and dirt particles. 

Irrespective of the amount of care and maintenance that is done on a car, automobile headlights have problems once in a while. However, they are somewhat easy to fix at home or with the assistance of a seasoned professional. 

Contrary to popular belief, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) are completely separate systems. They’re similar in the fact that they optimize driving dynamics, but the overall functionality of each is what sets them apart. Our staff at BMW of Birmingham is here to tell you the basics as you explore new transportation.

• An AWD system is most common in sedans, performance cars, and small SUVs. This system is always "on," meaning it constantly optimizes your drive. AWD sends power to all four wheels, implementing traction and stability between the tires and the road. 

Use these travel safety tips to keep your holiday travels seamless: https://t.co/5qZkhGa2AJ pic.twitter.com/RpDvAnd4g2

— Cars.com (@carsdotcom) December 24, 2016

Winter is fast approaching in many parts of the country, and that means that the time for driving in inclement weather is upon us. It's a good idea to bring your car or truck to BMW of Birmingham to have some important seasonal maintenance done before you head out on your cross-country travel to visit with family.