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Use a Multimeter to Test Your Vehicle's Battery Power

There could be many reasons why you have trouble starting your vehicle. Your battery is likely the culprit. The battery creates the spark that is needed to turn on the engine. Here is one way you can test the voltage of your vehicle’s battery.

A multimeter is a common way to test your battery at home. This device measures the battery’s voltage and lets you know how much power is in the battery. You want to make sure the battery and battery terminals are free of debris and corrosion. When you touch the multimeter probes to the battery…

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Signs Your Tires Need to Be Replaced

Tire age, tread and weather exposure are three things that can reveal whether you need to get new tires. There is no general recommendation for replacing tires. However, most manufacturers will advise that you have the tires replaced after six years. The tread can also reveal that it is time for new tires. You can look at your tires to see if the tread is worn out. You can also place a penny on the grooves. You should not be able to see Lincoln's head if you have enough tread on your tires.

Exposure to weather elements can also…

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Save Your Winter Tires for the Winter

When you drive on winter tires during the winter season, you're going to have more tread to navigate snow and ice. These tires are usually designed so that they hold up in lower temperatures, which means that you should try to avoid driving on winter tires in the summer months in Charlotte.

Higher summer temperatures and dry roads can often make winter tires wear down faster than they would during the winter months. With more tread, it can also be a bit more difficult to stop as quickly when you're traveling on roads in the summer if you…

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Suspension Basics

There Are Many Different Suspension Designs

To understand suspension systems on cars, you must study the configuration on a few different makes and models.

Here are a few different common suspension components that most cars have:

  • Macpherson strut

A MacPherson strut is a coil spring with a shock inside. Many cars and truck use Macpherson struts for the front suspension.

  • Leaf spring

Leaf springs consist of laminated pieces of metal joined together and mounted at each end of the axle. Leaf springs have a simple and sturdy design

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Do You Know How to Drive in the Rain?

Drivers who find it necessary to take their vehicles out during rainy weather seem to experience more stress than during other driving conditions. Whether it’s a heavy downpour or just a sprinkle, increased numbers of accidents occur when the pavement and windshield is wet. To reduce your driving stress, here are some tips you may want to remember.

If at all possible, wait for the weather to clear before hitting the road. Trust your instincts. If you feel the least bit uneasy about driving while rain is falling, reschedule your trip for a later time. 

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Charging a Car Battery

When one discovers he or she has a dead battery when trying to ignite a car, It is a bit disappointing, but they are several ways of charging it.

Knowing how dead is your car battery

A good battery will show 12.4-12.7 volts when measured across a voltmeter. In case it is below, the car battery may not restart this; you will encounter some problems.

If one car battery is above 12 volts

If one vehicle is above 12 volts, it is best to recharge. The best solution is by driving your car around and switching off all…

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Tire Tread and Pressure Tips

We at Hendrick MINI understand you need good tire tread and pressure to get around Charlotte. You need good tires before you take long trips to prevent flats and blowouts. Tires without the correct inflation wear faster, and extra tread wear may cause accidents. Learn some tread and tire pressure tips to get the most from your tires.

Your owner's manual should tell you the proper tread depth and tire pressure. Tires need good tread to remove water. Measure tread using a tread gauge from a parts store, or check for tread using a quarter by inserting it in…

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What is Car Wax?

When you invest time and money in an automobile, it makes sense to go the extra mile to take care of that vehicle. To make the exterior really shine, car wax is a product that you can affordably buy and use regularly. Its recommended that you wax your vehicle once every four months. If it's the middle of winter, you may have to put off waxing your vehicle until the temperature outside is optimal for application.

To add a layer of protection to the outside of your vehicle, choose a wax product that will be easy to apply

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How to Replace a Flat

If you own a vehicle, there will likely come a day when you have a flat tire. This might come along at the most inopportune of moments, but replacing the tire will be necessary before you can get on your way. Here are some tips to help the process go more smoothly.

Make sure that you have turned your car off and put on the emergency brake. Many accidents occur when drivers neglect this step. You will have a lot of things going through your mind at the moment, but this is a critical first step as you begin to…

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The Basics of Car Wax

You don't have to spend a ton of money on products for your vehicle, but there are a few items that you should make sure to purchase. There are a number of different car wax types that can really provide a great layer of protection for your automobiles surface. Whether you choose a natural option or something chemical-based, make sure you take a little time to figure out what the best option will be for your specific vehicle.

Some people like a product that's really easy to apply. There are spray-on car waxes that you apply by spray…

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