Headlight Maintenance and Replacement

Having two functional headlights is necessary in order to drive safely at night. However, from time to time, problems may arise. The headlight lens may become cloudy after years of faithful service. If not cleaned, the headlights do not shine as brightly as they should. A headlight bulb may burn out, which requires replacement. The light's housing may crack or otherwise become damaged, which necessitates replacing the entire unit. If any of these problems arise, you can trust our technicians at Thompson BMW garage to make the necessary repairs or adjustments...

 

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What parts make up an auto exhaust system?

Auto exhaust systems have come a long way since the invention of the automobile. Early exhaust systems moved exhaust from the engine to the back of the vehicle; today the exhaust system has more duties than the mere movement of fumes. With the increased performance demands placed on the exhaust system, more parts were added.

There are five parts to the modern exhaust system. The exhaust manifold starts the process of exhaust ventilation by collecting the gases emitted by each combustion cylinder. Inside the exhaust manifold sits the oxygen sensor that sends information to the car’s...

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The Synthetic Oil Change

Many drivers have not tried synthetic oil in their vehicles. Perhaps they have heard the rumor that if you switch to synthetic oil, then you cannot go back. This rumor is not true, and using synthetic oil is a choice you can make and then reverse. You can go back to natural oil at any time.

Doylestown-area drivers know the importance of motor oil for the life of their engines. Synthetic oil offers longer oil life and improved protection. Drivers should also know that they can try a synthetic oil and then change to regular oil. All synthetic oil and…

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How to Safely Replace a Flat Tire

Flat tires are renowned for their danger and inconvenience. If you experience one, follow these tips.

First, if the flat tire occurs during a drive, safely stop the car in a breakdown lane or parking area. Avoid soft ground. Next, engage your hazards and the emergency brake. Use a heavy rock to chock a tire opposite of the one you must replace. Now, grab your jack, tools and spare tire. Before you lift your car, use your lug wrench and the ground's leverage to loosen the wheel's lug nuts. With the jack, raise the car. Unscrew the nuts…

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What You Need To Know About Hydroplaning

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?Hydroplaning can happen instantly and with disastrous consequences. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires have lost contact with the pavement and are slipping forward on a thin layer of water and an oily residue from the asphalt. You are no longer in control of the car and are at the mercy of the laws of motion. There are steps that you can take to prevent this:
  • Tires - worn tires with little tread left are a leading cause of hydroplaning. At Thompson BMW, we can make sure your tires are rotated and replaced on schedule. We can also help you choose tires…
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Tire Rotation Helps Combat Tire Blowouts For All Drivers


Tire blowouts are usually the result of negligence. While there are some freak accidents that happen out of the blue, many simple steps can be taken to avoid blowouts altogether. That is why we here at Thompson BMW in Doylestown are here to tell you all about how tire rotations help you avoid blowouts. So what exactly does a tire rotation do?

Tire rotations ensure that the wear on your tires is more uniform. Because humans are creatures of habit, we tend to drive the same roads each day meaning that our tires grow thinner in the same places each…
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The Importance of Brake Pads

If your vehicle's brakes are malfunctioning, you may need professional repair services. At Thompson BMW, we often service vehicles with faulty brake system, and brake pads are one of the most common culprits.

Brake pads are essentially a friction buffer. They are installed between the brake rotor and the caliper piston. When a driver presses down on the brake pedal, the caliper clamps down on the spinning rotor, forcing it to stop. This process creates an incredible amount of friction, and the brake pads are designed to absorb and withstand this friction...

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Without An Alternator Your Vehicle Wouldn't Start


The car battery is used to create a current which is then used to start your car. But unlike most batteries, your car battery seems to stay charged for a very long time. Why is that? Luckily, we here at Thompson BMW in Doylestown are here to give you the basics about your vehicle's alternator. An alternator is a device that creates electricity while your driving. This electricity is used to ensure that your car battery is always fully charged so it's ready to start up again the next time you go for a drive. Without an alternator…
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What Are Move Over Laws And Why You Should Obey Them

Move over laws are laws that state you should slow down and change lanes when approaching vehicles stopped at a shoulder. This applies to emergency vehicles such as police cars, paramedics, fire trucks as well as to tow trucks and construction vehicles. Such laws exist in each state in the country, despite most people being unaware of them. In fact, the National Safety Commission found that 71% of people are unaware of move over laws.

 

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Choosing Winter Wiper Blades this Season


The best way to anticipate the dangerous winter weather conditions that are coming is to prepare your car now while you are safe. The reasons to get new winter wiper blades are important, here are a few to consider if you still are driving with your old wipers on the car.

The old wiper blades may be able to move rain off the windshield, but they will have a rough go at it as the rain turns to sleet, ice, or snow.

The new winter wiper blades were built with a stronger arm, so they can push that snow off…
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