At MINI of Charleston we know how it feels to look out the window and see thick sheets of rain falling. It’s time to leave for work, but driving in the rain can be dangerous. What do you do? The car is in the garage, so no need to worry about getting wet here. It’s a different story on wet roads though.

Turning on the wipers can help keep the windshield clear, but be aware that unless the indoor and outdoor temperatures are close to equal you may have to deal with the glass fogging up with the…

Exhaust leaks are common, and it’s crucial to take note and have it repaired. There are always signs which show that the exhaust is leaking.

Loud noise

It is manifested through loud noises from the engine. It is often the main sign of a leak.

Poor fuel usage

When you need to fuel your vehicle more times than usual, it signifies your vehicle's exhaust leaks. It, therefore, forces you to fuel a couple of times due to inefficiency.

Odor

A leaky exhaust usually emits a strong smell in the air. The car owner should, therefore, take it for…

If the starter or other ignition system components don't work, don't expect to see the engine do anything. When the key doesn't turn, the ignition system won't get a chance to do anything. A specific defective part may keep the key from turning, but such a problem could be relatively easy to repair. Replacing the starter would likely come with high costs and labor.

Hopefully, troubles with the ignition are caught early. Ignitions that sputter need attention because the problem may become much worse. The car might soon not start at all. Such an incident could…

Car detailing doesn't have to be difficult. Any car owner in Charleston can master the art of car cleaning by using these simple tips from MINI of Charleston. All you really need is a willingness to put in the work.

The true secret to great car detailing is doing the work by hand. That means everything from washing to vacuuming to waxing and polishing. Too many car owners try to take the easy way out with pressure washers and power buffers. A regular hose isn't harsh on your car, and taking wax off with the old Mr. Miyagi…

If you've always wondered how to correctly hook up a set of jumper cables to a dead battery, then we have a concise guide that can help you jump start a friend's car safely. 

1. Ensure that both ignitions are in the off position and secure parking brakes for added safety.
2. Attach a red cable to the positive terminal on your battery. 
3. Place the second red cable on the opposite battery's positive terminal. 
4. Secure one of the black clips to the dead battery's negative post. 
5.  

Car wax is a major, final step in the auto detailing process, but what exactly is car wax? The techs at our MINI of Charleston service department hear this question a lot. Here's their brief rundown.

A Layer of Protection

Types of Car…

If your vehicle is out of alignment, it may veer to the left or the right even if you aren't pulling on the steering wheel. In severe cases, alignment problems can result in cracked rims, a blown tire or other significant damage to your car.

Alignment issues can occur on their own over a period of months or years. However, they can also occur as the result of hitting a curb, a pothole or another vehicle. Ideally, you will take your vehicle to MINI of Charleston at the first sign that your car is not aligned properly regardless of…

Gaskets are devices designed in the form of a ring, and they are used primarily for sealing. It is an excellent component in the manufacturing industry because it helps prevent the leakage of gas or liquids. Its primary use is in manufacturing, where it is used for a wide range of activities. It is placed between two surfaces that are fitted together to reduce noise when they are being used, for starters. Besides, it is also used between moving surfaces fitted together to reduce friction, which in turn reduces the wear and tear of the moving parts of machines. This…

At MINI of Charleston, we provide you with new vehicle options that come with some really great features. For example, many of the models that we sell come with a roadside assistance package. If your package has run out or you would rather take care of a problem like a flat tire on your own, here are some simple steps to help you along.

Before you start changing a flat tire, always park your vehicle on a flat surface that provides you with ample traction on the other four wheels.

• Remove the hub cap from your damaged tire. This allows…

Have you been suspecting that your brakes might be on the verge of failure? If so, you don't want to put it off. Check our list of ways you can tell when it is time to have your brakes inspected!

•  Shaking- Have you ever felt your vehicle shaking? This could happen for a variety of reasons, but if it happens mainly when you come to a stop, you may have a brake issue on your hands.
•  Noises- Screeching, grinding or metal on metal sounds shouldn't be music to your ears. In fact, it is often a sign of…