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

Car batteries create electricity through reactions between lead, lead dioxide and sulfuric acid, an electrolyte. Car battery electrolytes both conducts and stores electricity for future use. Summertime heat does several things to a car battery. 

 

A crucial step you need to take to ensure that your car is in optimal operating condition is to regularly and thoroughly clean the engine. You start the cleaning process by making certain that your engine is cool.

The next step is to scrub the elements of your car’s engine using a synthetic, not metallic, brush. A metallic brush potentially can permanently harm elements of your engine. Once the scrubbing step is completed, rinse the debris from the engine. You can use a sprayer at a carwash or your hose at home

Should you take the most scenic route when going on a test drive? The test drive should mimic the driving conditions you experience in Charleston. After all, you want to see if the vehicle is a good match from where you plan on driving. Little tips like these help with the test drive experience.

Did you know it is important to check the exterior of the car, too? See if there are any problems before getting inside. Once you are inside, make sure you feel comfortable. And look at all the technology features. Any info you gain will help your…

Money gets tight, and no one would suggest that it's a bad idea to figure out how to save money. When it comes to car payments, you may be thinking about different cost-cutting options. You could refinance the car, or you could use it as a trade-in for a new model. The choice you choose depends on your circumstances.

Did you buy a car that you can't afford? If so, then refinancing might not help much. A better interest rate won't change the fact you can't afford a car that's too expensive. Maybe trading the…

Routine care can become less than routine during the winter. Below-zero weather and heavy snowfalls make it tough to bring a two-wheel-drive, or any vehicle, to a service station. Hopefully, the coolant isn't past due for a change, as a car could get totaled if the antifreeze isn't effective. Once winter passes, realize spring becomes an opportunity to get many care steps done.

Fluid changes, tire checks, and brake inspections represent common care steps people take routine throughout the year. 

MINI of Charleston wants to make sure that you are your family are safe when you embark on a ride in your new automobile. If you have kids, it's important that you invest in safety seats for them. You'll want to make sure that you pick something out that is appropriate for their age bracket. Always update their seats and they get older. Here are some tips when installing child safety seats.

• Use the installation manual that came included with the seat. Follow it step by step.
• Don't discard the manual when you're done. 

Your vehicle's exhaust system is a vital component. If it is not working properly, your car or truck can have a number of problems. Here are some of the possible signs that your exhaust system might be leaking.

Reduced gas mileage
If your vehicle seems to be getting lower gas mileage when you are driving around in Charleston, and you can't find any other cause, it could be due to a leak in your exhaust system.

Noises
Another sign that your car could have an exhaust leak is hissing or popping noises while your engine is running.

 

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…