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Your vehicle cannot start without a car battery that functions properly. Car battery service should be a part of basic vehicle maintenance. The battery will be inspected and cleaned. The battery terminals will also be treated. Most car batteries need to be replaced after three to five years, but this will depend on your vehicle and driving habits. There are also signs that you should look out for that indicate your vehicle needs a new battery.

It may be harder for you to start the engine. The check engine light may be on. 

When you're driving your vehicle around Charlotte, you're counting on it to perform well for you. While vehicle components are designed to be very durable and long-lasting, they do need a little assistance so that they can continue to function at high levels. The radiator has the important job of preventing your engine from overheating, and just like other components, it requires periodic attention.

The radiator protects your engine through the use of antifreeze, which is also called coolant. Antifreeze can help the engine maintain a more constant temperature, 

Hoses and belts ensure the engine runs smoothly. The belt helps to keep the engine running at a steady speed, so it can start and run at the right speed.

The belt that drives the alternator and water pump is an important component of your vehicle. The alternator charges your battery, and when it's working properly, you will be able to start your car without having to crank a manual hand-pull starter.

The water pump keeps your engine cool by circulating coolant through it. Without a functioning water pump, you would overheat very quickly on hot days or long…

The brakes on your car, truck, or SUV are essential for helping you to drive safely and avoid accidents. The best way to keep the brakes in good operating condition is to have regularly scheduled brake maintenance services. The brake services we provide at Hendrick MINI will keep you safe on the road. Our technicians can check your brakes annually to ensure they are functioning correctly. They can also perform any required repairs.

Our service center offers several brake maintenance and repair services. Inspecting the rotors and brake pads is one of our most frequent services. 

You probably don't think about your vehicle's filters very often. These small automotive parts play a big role in the performance of your car. To learn about the cabin and engine filters, check out this information from the Hendrick MINI team.

The cabin filter is responsible for catching any particles that might enter your vehicle through the heating and air conditioning system. Carbon activated filters also work to eliminate fumes from the exhaust. A clean cabin filter is necessary so that you're not breathing in 

The wheels on your vehicle should be aligned about every 6,000, or at every other oil change if you are on a 3,000 mile oil change schedule. Your wheels need to be in alignment for your vehicle to drive optimally, and they can go out of alignment if you ever hit a pothole or curb.

You can tell that your vehicle needs a wheel alignment if your car pulls to one side while driving, or if it is difficult to steer your vehicle. Wheel alignments help to save the wear and tear on your wheels, as poorly aligned…

Dents, scratches and chips can ruin the finish of your car. The good news is that a little paint can restore your car. You only have to take a few minutes out of your day to correct the problem. Paint works best on a clean vehicle, so you should make sure that your vehicle is clean before you attempt to paint it. Allow it to dry and apply the wax before you start painting.

If there is rust on your vehicle, then you should also sand the vehicle. Make sure that you have the paint that is right for the…

To keep your tires in top condition and ensure their safety, rotating them is essential. This is a major component of vehicle maintenance that should not be overlooked. Tire rotation helps your tires to last longer and wear evenly over the tread area.

The basic idea behind rotating your tires is that as each tire wears down, it becomes wider than its original size. When this happens, you're effectively driving with a wider tire that's not as efficient at gripping the road surface.

If you have an underinflated tire and drive on it for a 

Braking power is the result of several complex mechanical actions that occur after you step on the pedal. Brake fluid is central to these actions. Just what is it, and how does it work? Our Hendrick MINI service techs pulled together the following simple explanation. See for yourself.

What Does Brake Fluid Contain?

Brake fluid is most commonly made with silicone or glycol-ether. There are also mineral oil-based fluids, but the former types are more widely used. Incompressible, brake fluid transforms into a solid force when pressurized. It then translates 

The transfer case is a central part of your vehicle's drivetrain. It's responsible for sending power from the transmission to the front and rear axle.

The transfer case is essentially an auxiliary transmission, but it works differently than a regular one. It has two input shafts that connect to the transmission—one on each side—and an output shaft that relates to each axle (front or rear). It also has a chain or gear set, depending on your vehicle, that transfers power from one input shaft to another.

Most modern transfer cases are designed to be locked together…