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…

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.  

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.