If you've always wondered how to correctly hook up a set of jumper cables to a dead battery, then we have a concise guide that can help you jump start a friend's car safely. 

1. Ensure that both ignitions are in the off position and secure parking brakes for added safety.
2. Attach a red cable to the positive terminal on your battery. 
3. Place the second red cable on the opposite battery's positive terminal. 
4. Secure one of the black clips to the dead battery's negative post. 
5.  

Car wax is a major, final step in the auto detailing process, but what exactly is car wax? The techs at our MINI of Charleston service department hear this question a lot. Here's their brief rundown.

A Layer of Protection

Types of Car…

If your vehicle is out of alignment, it may veer to the left or the right even if you aren't pulling on the steering wheel. In severe cases, alignment problems can result in cracked rims, a blown tire or other significant damage to your car.

Alignment issues can occur on their own over a period of months or years. However, they can also occur as the result of hitting a curb, a pothole or another vehicle. Ideally, you will take your vehicle to MINI of Charleston at the first sign that your car is not aligned properly regardless of…

Gaskets are devices designed in the form of a ring, and they are used primarily for sealing. It is an excellent component in the manufacturing industry because it helps prevent the leakage of gas or liquids. Its primary use is in manufacturing, where it is used for a wide range of activities. It is placed between two surfaces that are fitted together to reduce noise when they are being used, for starters. Besides, it is also used between moving surfaces fitted together to reduce friction, which in turn reduces the wear and tear of the moving parts of machines. This…

At MINI of Charleston, we provide you with new vehicle options that come with some really great features. For example, many of the models that we sell come with a roadside assistance package. If your package has run out or you would rather take care of a problem like a flat tire on your own, here are some simple steps to help you along.

Before you start changing a flat tire, always park your vehicle on a flat surface that provides you with ample traction on the other four wheels.

• Remove the hub cap from your damaged tire. This allows…

Have you been suspecting that your brakes might be on the verge of failure? If so, you don't want to put it off. Check our list of ways you can tell when it is time to have your brakes inspected!

•  Shaking- Have you ever felt your vehicle shaking? This could happen for a variety of reasons, but if it happens mainly when you come to a stop, you may have a brake issue on your hands.
•  Noises- Screeching, grinding or metal on metal sounds shouldn't be music to your ears. In fact, it is often a sign of…

The engine oil has been one of the most bought items in the automobile industry. Most car users have never understood why they need to keep on adding these fuels. In a real sense, you will add these oils to reduce friction and overheating. However, there are so many myths associated with these oils.

Myth: Using different oil brands can be harmful to my engine
Switching several brands is not harmful to your car engine provided that you decide to choose an oil that is marked with an API donut. 

Drivers who don't often take their cars out may be able to get by without changing their engine oil for quite some time. After all, these services are generally recommended once every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, at MINI of Charleston, we're sharing information that proves that this isn't always true.

Stop-And-Go Driving Takes Its Toll

Tires that are either over-filled or under-filled place drivers at risk. Not only do these problems lead to far more rapid tire wear, but they also have a significant impact on both handling and fuel economy. At MINI of Charleston, one of our top priorities is helping motorists learn just how important this aspect of tire maintenance is.

You May Be Spending More To Travel The Same Distance

Car batteries don't do well in extreme temperatures for long periods. Most people think it's just winter that kills batteries, but summer can be equally stressful to a car battery. Our MINI of Charleston service department techs gave us the following brief rundown.

Car Batteries in Summertime