Is the Battery Dead

Car batteries, unfortunately, cannot last forever and often times fail at the most inconvenient times. If you notice that your vehicle’s headlights are dimmer than usual or that your vehicle is starting slower than normal, then the battery may be going bad. Routinely testing the battery in your vehicle will allow you to avoid being surprised by a faulty battery.

 

Use a Multimeter

A multimeter is a great and essential tool that you will need to use in order to check the battery that is in your vehicle. 

Our experts at MINI of Charleston are always standing by to help motorists. One way that you can improve safety when you're out and about is to have a roadside emergency kit. There are an abundance of roadside emergency kits on the internet, or you can make one on your own.

Basic roadside emergency kits typically come with a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, batteries, and a tool kit. If you live where there's snow and ice, then blankets and an ice scraper should be included in your kit. A quart of motor oil and coolant are…

Your vehicle is made up of multiple systems. Your engine system is made of many parts, and if one of those parts is faulty, it can cause the engine to malfunction. Engine gaskets aren't complex parts, but they play an integral role in how your vehicle's engine performs.

Gaskets are very durable. They can stand up to extremely hot temperatures and excessive pressure. The purpose of gaskets is to act as a perfect seal between two surfaces so that fluid and gas doesn't escape or mix. Gaskets are made from a variety of items, which include composites…

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

Car wax provides an essential top layer of protection to your car's exterior paint. It repels water, preventing pollutants and grime from attaching to your car's paint and ruining it. Car wax also fills in gaps and scratches in your car's clearcoat. This restores your car's brilliant, uniform shine and newish look.

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…