Signs that you may have an exhaust leak

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.

 
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Good Brakes Save Lives

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. 

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Leave The Salt On The Road

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…

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Utilizing Winter Driving Tips to Help You Stay Safe

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…
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Smoke Coming From Your Hood

While you're driving your car, you might notice that the temperature gauge begins getting higher. This often means that your car is overheating. A common reason for your car to overheat in Charleston, SC is because the thermostat is stuck in a closed position, preventing coolant from circulating through your motor as it should.

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How Brake Pads Work in Your Car

Brake pads work in a pretty simple fashion. They make contact with rotors that cause the friction necessary to stop your car. They are part of an interconnected system that allows you to slow down as traffic requires. You may need to slow down to come to a stop at a red light or to change lanes or to park the vehicle. 

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How a Blind-Spot Monitor Can Benefit Your Safety

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. 

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Tips for Preventing Auto Theft

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. 
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The Advantages and Disadvantages of an All Season Tire

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…

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Preparing Your Car's Winter Survival Kit

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…

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