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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. 

Before going back to school, it is extremely important that you perform all the maintenance details necessary to keep your car in great condition. The main reason is that you will be too busy with school work and preparing for your future to attend to your car while you're in school.

The first thing you should do is check your oil and brakes, and you should also make sure your heat and air conditioner are both working properly.

One of the most essential factors in keeping your car in top-form a is battery health. Your car's battery is instrumental in its functionality, as it provides power to all of its most vital components. That's why it’s important to ensure that the battery is running as intended, with no performance hiccups or lingering issues anywhere.

Should you choose a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive system? Our team at MINI of Charleston is here to help answer that question so that you can make an informed decision.

One benefit that an RWD system offers is the handling it offers. The weight of the drivetrain is more evenly distributed to better balance the car.