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Should you take the most scenic route when going on a test drive? The test drive should mimic the driving conditions you experience in Charleston. After all, you want to see if the vehicle is a good match from where you plan on driving. Little tips like these help with the test drive experience.

Did you know it is important to check the exterior of the car, too? See if there are any problems before getting inside. Once you are inside, make sure you feel comfortable. And look at all the technology features. Any info you gain will help your…

A blind-spot monitor is a beneficial safety feature with the vehicles at MINI of Charleston, as the monitors provide you with the assurance you need to avoid potential collisions when turning or changing lanes.

Normally, when you change lanes or get ready to turn onto another street, you have to check all your mirrors multiple times before making the turn. With the blind-spot monitor, you will be alarmed immediately when a vehicle is entering the area considered to be your blind-spot. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the majority of auto thefts could have been prevented if the vehicle's owners had taken proper precautions. Having your car stolen is no laughing matter, so be smart and follow these tips for protecting your ride:

• Never leave your keys in your vehicle.
• Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
• Lock your car doors both while parked and while driving. 

For those of you that are wondering why there are different tires for different seasons and what the differences between them are, there is a lot that you can learn about the design of the tires according to the season. One example is the all-season tires that you can choose.

The all-season tires are designed for driving in all seasons as the name suggest. However, they are not going to have the best handling during certain seasons because of the compromise made for the tires. For instance, you are not going to be able to enjoy the sharp handling of…

Now that the winter months are approaching, it is time to give consideration to the items that you will need in your car's winter survival kit. You don't want to be unprepared if you should get stranded on the road in snowy and cold conditions. MINI of Charleston has some tips on what to keep in your car for winter.

If you get stranded in winter, it will be cold. Make sure you have a blanket and an extra coat in your vehicle. Also, make sure that you have some snacks in case you are stranded for some…

LATCH evaluations are conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. This independent organization evaluates cars for safety. In particular, the IIHS evaluates how they're affected by crashes. LATCH testing is slightly different, but still related to these tests.

LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. This refers to the hardware systems that are used in child restraints. LATCH hardware is effective in what it does. However, it's not always intuitive for parents to use.  

Are you prepared for a car accident? Most people think they know what to do after an accident. However, here at MINI of Charleston, we want to make sure our customers are truly prepared. Use this short list in case you are in an accident.

If you are in a collision, the first priority is dealing with the injured. If anyone is injured, call 911 for assistance. Next, get the scene under control. Try to move vehicles to the emergency lane if possible. Put out flares and reflective triangles to warn oncoming traffic. Everyone in the accident should move off…

If you have a hard time seeing because of glare, we at MINI of Charleston have a few tips to keep you safer on the road. While you are contending with glare from the sun, the people in the other cars are probably suffering as well. Keeping your distance and using your headlights is a good way to be seen as soon as possible.

You can also make sure the glass in your car is kept clean on a regular basis. Store your papers on the seat or in the glovebox, so you don't have more of glare from…

With warm spring temperatures in full swing, it is especially important to be aware of increasing numbers of cyclists on the road. The vehicle safety experts at MINI of Charleston want you to exercise caution at all times on the roads. We welcome the opportunity to educate you about the importance of learning to safely share the road with cyclists.

The most important precaution that you can take as a driver is to always be aware of who you are sharing the road with. When passing cyclists, always leave at least three feet between you and the bike. 

At MINI of Charleston, we appreciate automobiles' diverse technology range. We know that even small features can increase your safety. Today, we want to explain such a feature.

Also called an electrochromic mirror, the auto-dimming rearview mirror can save valuable moments. It lowers glare from the reflections it shows, and it prevents those temporary blind spots we all get when we see bright lights.