By now, many modern Charleston drivers are aware of the value that blind-spot monitors bring to vehicles. How these assistive safety tools work, though, is still a bit mysterious to some local drivers. Thankfully, the blind-spot monitor is not too difficult to understand.

In addition to its warning system, which usually includes visual and auditory alerts, radar sensors and cameras are also vital to the operation of a blind-spot monitor. While mounted to the vehicle's rear, these components detect any adjacent lanes' traffic that 

Is the Battery Dead

Car batteries, unfortunately, cannot last forever and often times fail at the most inconvenient times. If you notice that your vehicle’s headlights are dimmer than usual or that your vehicle is starting slower than normal, then the battery may be going bad. Routinely testing the battery in your vehicle will allow you to avoid being surprised by a faulty battery.

Use a Multimeter

A multimeter is a great and essential tool that you will need to use in order to check the battery that is in your vehicle. 

Our experts at MINI of Charleston are always standing by to help motorists. One way that you can improve safety when you're out and about is to have a roadside emergency kit. There are an abundance of roadside emergency kits on the internet, or you can make one on your own.

Basic roadside emergency kits typically come with a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, batteries, and a tool kit. If you live where there's snow and ice, then blankets and an ice scraper should be included in your kit. A quart of motor oil and coolant are…

Your vehicle is made up of multiple systems. Your engine system is made of many parts, and if one of those parts is faulty, it can cause the engine to malfunction. Engine gaskets aren't complex parts, but they play an integral role in how your vehicle's engine performs.

Gaskets are very durable. They can stand up to extremely hot temperatures and excessive pressure. The purpose of gaskets is to act as a perfect seal between two surfaces so that fluid and gas doesn't escape or mix. Gaskets are made from a variety of items, which include composites…

At MINI of Charleston we know how it feels to look out the window and see thick sheets of rain falling. It’s time to leave for work, but driving in the rain can be dangerous. What do you do? The car is in the garage, so no need to worry about getting wet here. It’s a different story on wet roads though.

Turning on the wipers can help keep the windshield clear, but be aware that unless the indoor and outdoor temperatures are close to equal you may have to deal with the glass fogging up with the…

Exhaust leaks are common, and it’s crucial to take note and have it repaired. There are always signs which show that the exhaust is leaking.

Loud noise

It is manifested through loud noises from the engine. It is often the main sign of a leak.

Poor fuel usage

When you need to fuel your vehicle more times than usual, it signifies your vehicle's exhaust leaks. It, therefore, forces you to fuel a couple of times due to inefficiency.

Odor

A leaky exhaust usually emits a strong smell in the air. The car owner should, therefore, take it for…

At MINI of Charleston, we love to search for the perfect used car for our clients! Buying a used car has many benefits, starting with the fact that they are cheaper. There is also the fact that there are extensive records for each vehicle now, so there is less risk when purchasing used.

If you want something between used and new, certified pre-owned is the next best thing! You are getting a used vehicle certified to be in good condition and usually has some kind of a warranty! There is also a more comprehensive range of 

Sedans are starting to gain popularity again, and rightfully so. This is a really practical style of vehicle that packs a lot of punch into a compact design. You're not going to get much more cargo space from any other kind of vehicle.

If you have a vehicle that has a third row in it, the hatchback can actually provide another entry and exit point to get in and out of. Not to mention, folding down the second and third rows provide you with even more access and space.

If the starter or other ignition system components don't work, don't expect to see the engine do anything. When the key doesn't turn, the ignition system won't get a chance to do anything. A specific defective part may keep the key from turning, but such a problem could be relatively easy to repair. Replacing the starter would likely come with high costs and labor.

Hopefully, troubles with the ignition are caught early. Ignitions that sputter need attention because the problem may become much worse. The car might soon not start at all. Such an incident could…

When looking at the vehicle's ratings in the side crash tests from IIHS, you are going to get an idea on how well you can expect a vehicle to do. The side-crash tests of vehicles are a little different from the crash tests of vehicles from the front of the vehicle.

One of the differences between the crash test ratings of the front of the vehicle and the tests of the side of the vehicle is that the tests can be looked at on all weight levels of the vehicle. A lighter vehicle with a good rating in the…