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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.  

It can be a frightening experience when you are driving down the road and your tire goes flat. Many don't know how to change a flat tire. Because MINI of Charleston wants you to be safe when you are out on the road, here are some tips on changing a flat tire.

First of all, you need to drive your vehicle to a safe location. Pull into a parking lot away from traffic if at all possible. You will then want to get the tools that you will need to change the tire. You will need your vehicle's…

You step into your vehicle and notice that something just doesn't smell right. Maybe you can quickly track down an old piece of garbage that caused the smell. Maybe it takes a bit of investigative work to figure out the problem. Regardless, once you have cleaned up the mess, here are three tips that can help bring a fresh smell back to your vehicle.

First, use a stain remover or cleaning product on your seats and floors. Some products are a powder that can be vacuumed up. Other products may need to be sprayed on and then dried fully…

As a valued customer of MINI of Charleston, there are a number of things that we would like you to be aware of. We know that unexpected things happen, such as a rock causing chip damage to your windshield. In such a case we want you to be fully aware of your options.

If your windshield is ever damaged in this manner while driving around town, then it will come in one of four types. These chip damage types are Half Moon, Combination, Bulls Eye, and Star. You will want to check to see if it's beyond repair. 

At MINI of Charleston, it is important for us that we keep our consumers informed about how their vehicles function. Oversteer and understeer refer to the dynamics of a vehicle. Understeer is when a car turns less than what you want, and oversteer is when the car turns more than what you want.

Oversteer and understeer will primarily depend on if your vehicle has a rear-wheel or front-wheel drive system. In most circumstances, oversteer occurs when vehicles are equipped with rear-wheel drive, and understeer occurs with vehicles that have front-wheel drive.