Is your vehicle dog-friendly? Certain vehicles are more dog-friendly than others. You can add features to your vehicle to make it friendlier for pets too. At MINI of Charleston, we love to see dogs in a safe and secure space when they travel.

Consider the climate in your vehicle for maximum pet comfort. Dogs need more air to control how hot they are. A vehicle with vents in the back can help control the amount of heat they feel in the summer. A sunshade can also keep the heat from hitting them directly. 

Do you live in an area that has snow and ice during the winter? If so, it is important to be prepared for harsh winter driving conditions. At MINI of Charleston, we can help. Before the snow and ice arrive, be sure to have your vehicle inspected for leaks, worn hoses, and other damages that may need repair.

You can also stay safe by stocking your vehicle with a broom, ice scraper, and snow shovel. If your vehicle gets stuck in the snow, abrasive materials, which include sand paper and cat litter, can be helpful. 

Many of us grew up hearing our parents talking about changing their oil every 3,000 miles, but did you know that this isn't necessarily true? There are many motor oil myths, and you should be aware of them so that you're making the best decisions for your vehicle.

While some vehicles on the road still need their oil changed every 3,000 miles, many can go much longer. Today, cars are designed to go 5,000 or 10,000 miles between oil changes. So while the 3,000-mile rule used to be standard, things have changed.  

Your brake pads provide the friction necessary to stop your vehicle slowly. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake pad touches the rotor and slows your wheel down. If there is a problem with your brake pads, you may notice squealing or grinding noises.

If you press your brake pedal and you hear a grinding noise while driving, your brake pads need to be replaced immediately. Brake pads last roughly 50,000 miles, but this can be lower if you press on your brakes more often than normal. 

Snow has fallen from the sky in many places. The first snow almost always comes shortly after Labor Day in some states. Elevation, climate and many other factors determine whether or not a location gets snow and when it gets snow. The car owner who worries about snow should also make sure his car is ready for winter.

Making sure one’s car is ready for winter normally includes getting the oil changed. It may also include making sure that antifreeze is up to the proper level. If the car’s heater no longer works, it is also a good…

While it is important for customers to know the mechanics that have the ASE certification, it is also important for auto mechanics to take the ASE test and gain their certificates. There are plenty of reasons as to why the certificate is important to mechanics.

One reason that the certificate is important is that it increases the business that you'd get from customers.

When we were young, the idea of hydroplaning was exciting and exhilarating. As adults, we realize how dangerous it can be if our car hydroplanes, which takes place when water or rain is coming in front of the car faster than the car can get through it. If you have some concerns, stop at MINI of Charleston and let us give you some tips on how to get through the rainy spells.

We can’t stop the rain or keep the water off the roads, but there are things we can do to prevent hydroplaning.

At MINI of Charleston, we understand that there are several factors to consider when choosing a car for a new driver. Keeping your teenaged driver safe should be a top priority, and we can help you choose the right car for their needs.

Teens can resist everything but temptation, so it's important to choose a car that doesn't have too much power. Larger cars are also less tempting to drive fast than sports cars, so consider choosing something larger. Since accidents do happen, it's important to make sure that the vehicle you choose has a high safety…

Financing a vehicle is a big step, and we want to know that you’re well-informed about the entire process. Stop at MINI of Charleston if you’re in the market for a new or quality used car or truck. Check out the various makes and models we have on hand and get some info on our great financing options.

When you’re ready to buy your next vehicle, you may discover that financing is easier than you think, especially when you allow us to help. We’ll go over every little detail with you so you fully understand all…

Two bodies govern vehicle safety ratings; one, the NHTSA, is operated by the federal government. The other is a non-profit organization known as the IIHS. Each body performs its own set of tests and has a proprietary rating system.

The NHTSA uses a simplified star system to rate vehicles on three different safety measurements, rollovers, frontal impacts and side impacts.