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Whether your brakes are hydraulic, electromagnetic, frictional, pumping, servo, disc, drum, emergency or anti-lock, they need to be in opportune working condition at all times. Your brake system is much more than a pedal: it is an intricate system of interwoven parts that make it possible to stop on demand.

City driving, with its many starts and stops, take a toll on brake pads and may require that they be replaced more frequently than the manufacturer's recommendations. Brake fluid with the proper viscosity is also essential in keeping brakes in tip-top shape. 

While driving on the road in the winter months, you could see salt spread from trucks. Although this is a product that can work to offer more traction while driving on snow and ice, it can also adhere to your vehicle after driving in Charleston. Fortunately, there are some ways to protect the exterior of your vehicle.

Apply two coats of wax on your car to deliver an added layer of protection against salt corrosion. The wax usually creates a slick surface that tends to keep salt and dirt from sticking to the paint on your vehicle. Keep in mind…

If you know that some pretty severe winter weather is approaching, then you may want to stay inside and avoid the roads. If you have to get to work or somewhere else, you'll want to employ some simple winter driving tips. This will help you stay safe, but you'll also be keeping other drivers and pedestrians safe while on the road.

• Before the snow starts to fly, take a look at the condition that your tires are in. If you notice there isn't a lot of tread left, you should think about investing in a new set…

Our team at MINI of Charleston wants to help you be informed on the different features and systems in your vehicle. When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, understanding the parts is just part of the process. The alternator in your vehicle helps to power your different electrical systems and also recharges your battery. Without the alternator, your battery would quickly get drained. 

MINI of Charleston would hate to see you stranded, so we're going to talk about the signs that your ignition needs to be serviced. Your ignition system uses the voltage generated by your battery to send a spark to your spark plugs. A car can't start without a functioning ignition system. That's why it's important to know the warning signs of a failing ignition.

One of the first signs of a faulty ignition is a grinding noise. If you've ever accidentally turned your key in the ignition after your car was already running, you're…

Since the battery is an essential component of your vehicle, it's important to service it on a regular schedule. When you get your oil changed, have someone at MINI of Charleston test your battery to ensure that it has a positive charge. You can also have your alternator checked as well since these parts often work together.

There are a few things that you can do to maintain your battery so that it doesn't need to be replaced as often. Avoid leaving your lights on when they aren't needed.  

You may love bringing your pet in the car, but you might also be at your wit's end with all of the fur. Rather than making Sparky stay home, you can utilize strategies like protecting your seats with pet covers and putting your pet inside a crate to keep fur at bay. You'll also want to give your pet a nice brushing to contain the fur.

There are a few tactics that work in removing pet fur from upholstery, like using a lint roller or a pet fur vacuum attachment. If you are still noticing little tufts of…

You're driving on the highway when it begins to downpour. You turn on your windshield wipers only to realize that the rubber is so cracked that it won't clear away the water. What do you do? The answer is to get your wiper blades changed before you desperately need them. At MINI of Charleston, we want you to have all the knowledge that you can to stay safe, so here's some more information about windshield wipers.

Wiper blades begin to wear down over time because of oxidation, the sun, and the constant wearing across the surface of…

MINI of Charleston strives to keep customers as informed as possible. We believe teaching makes better drivers and shoppers. The following are a few reasons you shouldn't neglect washing your vehicle regularly.

That look you love to show off as you drive around town does not simply happen; it is something you have to work on. Cleaning your vehicle often ensures it remains shiny and attractive. You may not think dirt can do much, but these particles can be quite harsh. 

Winter and summer are the two extremes of the year that take the greatest toll on your car. Use the balmy days of spring to repair any winter damage and prepare your car for the high temperatures ahead.

Wash the road debris of winter from your car's exterior, paying close attention to the wheel wells and underside. Keep your wiper fluid and coolant levels high, run your air conditioner, and have your winter oil changed for a summer viscosity.