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It is a good idea to be prepared for emergencies any time you hit the road. That is particularly true in the winter, when a breakdown can get dangerous quickly. The team at Hendrick MINI recommends putting a winter survival kit together and keeping it in your vehicle at all times.

If you find yourself stuck in the snow, a small shovel may be all you need to get going again. They make shovels that fold so they are easier to fit in your car. Be sure to also have gloves to protect your hands while you are digging yourself…

You will likely be using your car a lot during this school year. That is why you should make sure that it is in good shape before you take it out on the road. You need to have the oil level checked. If you do not get your oil changed, then your engine can be seriously damaged. You may end up having to get your entire engine replaced. Oil keeps all of the moving parts of the vehicle lubricated.

You should also get the headlights checked. Headlights will light up your path and make sure that you are able to…

As the summer heat starts to dissipate and temperatures cool off, autumn is one of the best times to be in New England. If you are planning a leaf-peeping excursion to the north country, a little planning and preparation can go a long way in making sure that your trip is a success.

Understand the Science

You don't have to have a formal background in environmental science or biology, but knowing a bit about photosynthesis and the process of autumn leaves changing color is helpful. That way you can look at the leaves in different lighting and from various…

Car batteries are extremely durable and are designed to last an average of three to four years. Unfortunately, they can suffer from premature wear if they're exposed to high or low temperatures, depending on the climate where you live. Once car batteries are exposed to extreme temperatures, they don't last as long and can even die within minutes.

When you drive in high temperatures, a lot of corrosion will start to form on the parts of the battery and make it challenging to start your car. The engine may fail to be reliable and can have a shorter…

Different reasons can result in an overheating engine. However, some can be easy to fix, while others may need the help of a professional expert. Most cars overheat if they have little or no coolant. If your vehicle has unacceptable levels of antifreeze or coolant, it can damage the coolant system.

Therefore, if the is no coolant to cool your engine, refill it with new antifreeze. And if you do not know the position of a coolant reservoir tank, contact your trusted dealers today.

Your car’s engine can also overheat if you have an empty coolant tank that can…

Even if you wash and wax your automobile regularly, you may benefit from using other products to protect your vehicle and restore that original shine. A clay bar is something that the professionals here at Hendrick MINI use, but you can also use it in the comfort of your own garage or driveway. It's only necessary to use a clay bar once or twice per year, but the process is very important regarding the removal of small imperfections from the exterior surface. Small particles of dust and dirt can 

Most people think that cleaning car tires is not as much important as possible. It happens due to caustic degreasers used to clean a tire protectant. Car tires have antiozonants, UV absorbers and rubber conditioners that maintain the car’s tire flexibility. Using wrong cleaners can cause leakage.

How to Clean Tires

Before you wash your vehicle, you may want to clean the tires. By doing so, you will be eliminating grime that splashes on the already clear car panels. Use a separate brush and wash bucket.

• Step one: Select a proper cleaning agent for your wheels. If unsure, consider…

These days, many people aren't driving their cars as much. Newer motor oils don't require you to change the oil as frequently, as some lubricants have intervals as high as 15,000 miles. However, you still need to change the oil in your vehicle, even if you don't drive much. Here's why.

If you have a late model vehicle, it may remind you to change the oil. Most newer cars track how many miles you have traveled since your last oil change by displaying a reminder on your dashboard. When you see one of these reminders…

Everybody gets a good feeling when their car is clean. However, cleaning the body of the car is not enough. Cleaning the car's engine is equally important as cleaning its body. Here are a few steps on how to easily clean an engine.

Refresh 

Ensure to cool off your engine for at least 20 minutes. A hot engine can burn you. Cooling off the engine with cold water can cause damage to the engine.

Disconnect 

Remove the plastic covers for they can be washed separately. Also, remove the batteries' negative terminals to protect them from getting damaged.

Cover

Cover…

It is undoubtedly a scary sensation to be caught up in a hydroplaning incident. This happens when a vehicle's tires come across more water on the road than they can disperse, leading to a slide or skid across the wet surface. The vehicle safety experts at Hendrick MINI want you to know how you can avoid hydroplaning.

The best preventative measure that you can take to reduce your risk of hydroplaning is to always keep your tires properly inflated. You should also rotate and replace your tires as recommended by your trusted mechanic.