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…

Buying a used car can be a great experience, especially when you begin the section process with an effective plan. And Hendrick MINI has a few tips for you.

Do you know how much you can afford? Use our free online calculator to establish a budget for your monthly payment. Ideally, it shouldn't be more than 10 percent of your take-home pay. However, eliminating discretionary expenses may also be helpful. Therefore, be open to having a high-end and low-end budget. Evaluate how long you plan to keep the car. 

A fluid leak is always a cause of concern. It may not always be serious, but it is something that you should have checked out as soon as possible. Water can leak from your car. It is most likely to leak from your vehicle on a hot and humid day. The water is likely coming from your air conditioner. Oil can also leak from your vehicle. This oil is typically a dark brown or Amber color. Your vehicle may be low on oil. It is dangerous to drive a vehicle that is low on oil. This can cause your vehicle…

It is important for your tires to be replaced as soon as you detect that they have a problem. Bad tires can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and get into an accident. One of the main signs that you may notice is low tread. A tread bar can tell you if your tread is starting to wear out. If your vehicle does not have a tread bar, then you can use a penny to determine whether you need a new set of tires.

There are also other signs of damage that you will notice. This includes things…

Many people confuse the muffler and exhaust on cars to be the same part, but the two pieces serve different purposes. The exhaust is responsible for controlling the output. The muffler determines how much noise the exhaust makes as the car is in motion. Both the exhaust and muffler help dampen the emissions that are released from the vehicle and are constructed of steel and aluminum, which offers protection when the heat from the chemicals that are emitted from the car's exhaust.

The law requires each vehicle on the road to have a muffler installed because it helps to…

You cannot control the weather, but you can control your car’s health in the harshest weather conditions. As such, during winter months, it is advisable to keep your car in tip top condition to avoid salt corrosion.

Wash your car after any snow storm. It is best to remove the road salt form the car the soonest possible. This reduces the chances of salt corrosion and other serious mechanical issues. When washing the car, don’t forget to go under. The undercarriage is breeding ground for rust and corrosion if not cleaned properly

To enjoy years of reliable performance from your vehicle, you must correctly care for it. You may typically think about replacing your brakes or keeping the air in your times. Yet, your transmission needs proper consideration as well. Here are tips that will help you extend the life of your transmission and keep it working at maximum efficiency.

Complete Routine Maintenance

A great way to recognize and handle transmission repairs before they become serious is by getting the necessary maintenance for your vehicle. 

 

There are several things that can lead to a tire blowout. Fortunately, a tire blowout is something that you can usually avoid if you keep the necessary check on your vehicle. Inspect your tires before you go on a trip. You should also check them on a weekly basis. Look for things like abrasions, bulges and cuts. You should also check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflated tires are the top cause of a blowout.

It only takes five minutes to check your tire pressure. You can do this with a digital tire gauge. 

The type of mat that you choose for your vehicle may not seem like it is a big deal. However, this is an important decision for you to make. You can select all-weather floor mats or carpet. Each one of these options have their pros and cons. All-weather mats are designed to be used for many years. They are great at repelling water and are resistant to staining. Ice, rain, sleet and snow can easily be cleaned up if you have an all-weather floor mat. However, you do not have many style options to choose from.