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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. 

Parents who visit our dealership in search of a new vehicle should take into consideration how the vehicle interior accommodates infant and child seats. LATCH attachments make fastening seats easier and safer compared to using traditional seat belts. However, not all systems are the same.

LATCH systems include tether anchors are necessary when installing forward-facing children's seats. The anchors ensure that the seat will not move forward in the event of sudden stops or collisions.  

Is your vehicle dog-friendly? Certain vehicles are more dog-friendly than others. You can add features to your vehicle to make it friendlier for pets too. At MINI of Charleston, we love to see dogs in a safe and secure space when they travel.

Consider the climate in your vehicle for maximum pet comfort. Dogs need more air to control how hot they are. A vehicle with vents in the back can help control the amount of heat they feel in the summer. A sunshade can also keep the heat from hitting them directly. 

Do you live in an area that has snow and ice during the winter? If so, it is important to be prepared for harsh winter driving conditions. At MINI of Charleston, we can help. Before the snow and ice arrive, be sure to have your vehicle inspected for leaks, worn hoses, and other damages that may need repair.

You can also stay safe by stocking your vehicle with a broom, ice scraper, and snow shovel. If your vehicle gets stuck in the snow, abrasive materials, which include sand paper and cat litter, can be helpful. 

At MINI of Charleston, we understand that there are several factors to consider when choosing a car for a new driver. Keeping your teenaged driver safe should be a top priority, and we can help you choose the right car for their needs.

Teens can resist everything but temptation, so it's important to choose a car that doesn't have too much power. Larger cars are also less tempting to drive fast than sports cars, so consider choosing something larger. Since accidents do happen, it's important to make sure that the vehicle you choose has a high safety…