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With warm spring temperatures in full swing, it is especially important to be aware of increasing numbers of cyclists on the road. The vehicle safety experts at MINI of Charleston want you to exercise caution at all times on the roads. We welcome the opportunity to educate you about the importance of learning to safely share the road with cyclists.

The most important precaution that you can take as a driver is to always be aware of who you are sharing the road with. When passing cyclists, always leave at least three feet between you and the bike. 

It can be a frightening experience when you are driving down the road and your tire goes flat. Many don't know how to change a flat tire. Because MINI of Charleston wants you to be safe when you are out on the road, here are some tips on changing a flat tire.

First of all, you need to drive your vehicle to a safe location. Pull into a parking lot away from traffic if at all possible. You will then want to get the tools that you will need to change the tire. You will need your vehicle's…

You step into your vehicle and notice that something just doesn't smell right. Maybe you can quickly track down an old piece of garbage that caused the smell. Maybe it takes a bit of investigative work to figure out the problem. Regardless, once you have cleaned up the mess, here are three tips that can help bring a fresh smell back to your vehicle.

First, use a stain remover or cleaning product on your seats and floors. Some products are a powder that can be vacuumed up. Other products may need to be sprayed on and then dried fully…

At MINI of Charleston, we appreciate automobiles' diverse technology range. We know that even small features can increase your safety. Today, we want to explain such a feature.

Also called an electrochromic mirror, the auto-dimming rearview mirror can save valuable moments. It lowers glare from the reflections it shows, and it prevents those temporary blind spots we all get when we see bright lights. 

As a valued customer of MINI of Charleston, there are a number of things that we would like you to be aware of. We know that unexpected things happen, such as a rock causing chip damage to your windshield. In such a case we want you to be fully aware of your options.

If your windshield is ever damaged in this manner while driving around town, then it will come in one of four types. These chip damage types are Half Moon, Combination, Bulls Eye, and Star. You will want to check to see if it's beyond repair. 

Parents who visit our dealership in search of a new vehicle should take into consideration how the vehicle interior accommodates infant and child seats. LATCH attachments make fastening seats easier and safer compared to using traditional seat belts. However, not all systems are the same.

LATCH systems include tether anchors are necessary when installing forward-facing children's seats. The anchors ensure that the seat will not move forward in the event of sudden stops or collisions.  

At MINI of Charleston, it is important for us that we keep our consumers informed about how their vehicles function. Oversteer and understeer refer to the dynamics of a vehicle. Understeer is when a car turns less than what you want, and oversteer is when the car turns more than what you want.

Oversteer and understeer will primarily depend on if your vehicle has a rear-wheel or front-wheel drive system. In most circumstances, oversteer occurs when vehicles are equipped with rear-wheel drive, and understeer occurs with vehicles that have front-wheel drive.  

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.