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Your ignition system is one of the most vital parts of a car, as it helps determine whether or not your vehicle will start. Therefore, it is paramount that you ensure constant maintenance of your ignition system to prevent damage. It is costly to replace the entire ignition system, but it is also inconvenient once it gets damaged.

If you notice flickering lights on your dashboard, it may be one of the most unambiguous indications of a failing ignition system. Despite not being a common symptom, it is a significant sign of damage to your ignition and mainly occurs while…

At MINI of Charleston we want to ensure that you have all of the items you need in your winter survival kit. In addition, consider items that help get your vehicle unstuck just in case you have to wait a long time for assistance.

Start with items such as a foldable shovel and weather or something to help you with traction if you have wheels stuck. Also, a tow rope, heavy gloves, and jumper cables are essential for a survival kit for your vehicle. Also, a first aid kit for minor injuries is essential.

Place all of these items in…

A roadtrip can be a lot of fun, but lots of people wind up spending a lot more than they expect. The most important thing to do is make a plan and stick to it.

Make hotel reservations in advance and scout out places to eat along the way. When you roll into town without a place to stay, that's when lodging costs can get high, and the same goes for finding a place to eat. There is a lot of fun that can come with being spontaneous on a roadtrip, but the more you plan out what

Brake pedals are a crucial component for your car, and when they need to be repaired it can lead to very dangerous situations. So what are the signs that tell you that your brake pedal needs to be repaired?

A squishy brake pedal is very dangerous. When driving, if you feel that your brake pedal is not firm or having any resistance whatsoever when stepping on it, then this can be a problem. The easiest way to check this is by pushing down on the pedal and letting go of it slowly. If the pedal shakes back and forth freely…

You've probably seen the blue ASE signs that our team proudly displays here at MINI of Charleston? What exactly is ASE and what's its importance? Great questions. We've got your quick intro.

ASE Certification

ASE is short for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Certification indicates that a service technician or service department possesses the highest level of expertise. There are 52 different types of tests designed to gauge advanced proficiency in various sub-specialties, such as collision repair, school bus, truck equipment and even parts.

Have you ever seen a clay bar? It looks like Play-Doh or another putty substance. You can mold it and fold the clay bar to rub across your car’s paint, removing all kinds of imperfections, dirt, grime, deposits, insects, and road tar.

The clay bar technique can buff out most imperfections and improve the luster of your paint. It can create a glossy, wet finish after a car wash. However, to use a clay bar, you’ll need to apply a lubricant first. Clay barring doesn’t scratch your 

It is always important to know and maintain the suitable amount of air pressure in your vehicle's tires. The right amount of tire pressure is often located on your vehicle's doorjamb, which is also the suggested amount of inflation from the manufacturer. You can also check the manual offered by the dealership.

Tire pressure also depends on various factors, such as the type of drive system you are using, either front or all-wheel drive, and the vehicle's weight. Inflation also affects every aspect of the tire, such as tread contact shape, handling characteristics, and load-carrying

Getting a flat tire can be a real hassle. It can be intimidating if you've never changed one before. The team here at MINI of Charleston want our customers to understand their vehicles thoroughly. Knowing the difference between a compact temporary and a full-size spare tire is the first step to becoming more familiar with your vehicle.

A compact temporary spare tire is often commonly referred to as a donut. It's a smaller version of your car's regular tires. This scaled-down tire is especially useful in smaller cars because they won't take up too much trunk…

Hydroplaning is a dangerous occurrence that sometimes happens to vehicles when it's raining. If your tires are not able to scatter water properly, a layer of water can build up between the tires and road, which causes hydroplaning. When hydroplaning occurs, it feels like your vehicle is skidding, and you may lose control of braking and steering.

Don't panic if your vehicle starts to hydroplane and try to avoid hard braking. If you slam on the brakes, the front wheels will slow but the back wheels could lock, and this could cause a spin out.

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.