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Did you know there are several warning signs that your starter needs professional attention? Have you ever tried to start your engine in the morning, and all it does is make a whining noise? It might even make a loud grinding noise similar to when you accidentally turn the key after the engine has started.

If you hear a grinding noise and ignore it, you might damage your flywheel. Freewheeling occurs when you hear a whining noise and your engine isn't cranking. This is a result of the starter gear not co-operating with the flywheel.  

A timing belt is a critical element of any vehicle because it regulates how that vehicle will perform. The timing belt is the essential component necessary to regulate the flow of air and gas into and out of the engine. Anything off on the timing of this process, and the driver could have a very big problem on their hands.

There are numerous critical elements that go into making a vehicle run just perfectly. One of the elements is the regulation of the flow of air to various elements of that vehicle. A lot of people don't realize this…

If your car has been running hot, that could be a sign that your radiator or engine cooling system needs to be serviced. The purpose of your vehicle’s cooling fluid is to circulate through your vehicle’s engine and radiator to keep it cool. When your coolant system malfunctions, your vehicle will begin to overheat.

If your vehicle’s coolant system has been malfunctioning, don’t worry. We are here to support your vehicle’s needs. When your vehicle is running hot, you may need a coolant flush. A coolant flush or radiator flush, is done professionally by a…

The littlest things can sometimes cause the most trouble. That seems to be the case with mice, rats, and other rodents who can get in your vehicle and damage important components with their teeth. To keep them away, there are a few things that we at Hendrick MINI recommend to our customers.

Rodents need to eat, and they like having small, cozy spaces to rest in. Nooks and crannies in garages and the landscaping around driveways is often perfect for them. To reduce the likelihood of rodent issues, maintain a tidy area and set traps if you notice droppings or…

Don't let offensive odors take over your brand new vehicle. Follow these simple tips to help keep your vehicle fresh and clean for years to come.

If you smell something out of the ordinary in your vehicle, take a look around. Clean out old food wrappers, garbage, bottles, papers, etc. Try to keep your vehicle clean at all times. A dirty vehicle can quickly attract pests and rodents. 

If you are among the people that do not want to deal with a ton of hassles from using tires with studs or have a fast-paced lifestyle, then you might want to consider using a studless winter tire set. This will save you a lot of trouble that could occur when you are not on top of when to change out your tires.

The studless tires have a ton of advantages over studded tires. For one thing, the studless tires can bite into the snow with the sipes and the deeper treading which handle the slush and the ice and…

Driving in bad winter conditions isn't always easy for drivers. We at Hendrick MINI want to make sure you prepare for the weather with a winter survival kit. If you are driving through bad weather during a long trip, emergency preparedness is essential for yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle.

Things that you should include to stay warm and safe are a portable cell phone charger, blankets, food, water, and extra clothing. If you need to get out of your vehicle, make sure you are in a safe place and have gloves and hats to help you stay warm…

Have you ever been driving on icy roads when your vehicle started to go out of control? This is called fishtailing, hydroplaning, or sliding. With icy roads, you have to be extra careful in snowy conditions. Icy roads can cause a vehicle's wheels to get stuck and slide together. While you may want to brake, if you press down too hard, you could be causing even more issues.

Snowy conditions also cause problems for tires that are older. You should always have snow tires or updated tires in order to drive on icy roads. You want tires that won…

You may have heard the word differential thrown around in the auto shop, but what does it do? When your service adviser says that the differential’s oil needs to be changed, he’s talking about the part of the car that helps your vehicle’s wheels rotate around.

The differential of your car is located at the front or rear axle. Differentials help the axle turn the wheels so that they rotate properly. When you have front-wheel drive, your differentials will be in the back, and for rear-wheel drive, it’s the opposite. 

Do you know when your tires need to be replaced? Do you automatically replace them every year or wait until a problem arises? Good tires are needed if you expect a smooth ride with the best possible gas mileage. Come to Hendrick MINI and let us check over your tires and offer tips.

Not replacing your tires when needed can cause expensive damage to parts surrounding the tires. It can also affect the ride your vehicle provides. Here are signs your tires need replacing.

• Excessive wear on edges of the tread
• Don’t hold air pressure
• Sidewall shows cracks