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…

A car seat is an important piece of equipment to keep your child safe while traveling in Charlotte, which means that it needs to be installed properly. One of the first things to know is how the seat should face as children up to one year old should be rear-facing while older children should face the front.

You want to use either the anchors on the seat or the belt in the car but not both. If possible, position the equipment in the center of the backseat so that there's space on both sides in the event of an…

Have you ever been driving down the road, and a bicyclist seemingly comes out of nowhere? If it hasn't happened to you yet, drive long enough around Charlotte, and it will. That's why Hendrick MINI wants to focus on bicyclist safety and ensure you stay protected against any potential danger zones.

A drivers' blindspot is very vulnerable to bicyclists. Because of their quickness and flexibility of weaving in and out of traffic, you may not be fully aware they're even around. But they usually see you. Therefore, they are expecting you to act accordingly and doing the…

Roadtrip games that get the whole family involved are fun, but sometimes a few quieter games are necessary or preferred. Not every game has to be a fast-paced and exciting one. Some roadtrip games are more laidback and thought-provoking. Thinking outside the box can provide families with untraditional solutions that are new and exciting.

Checkers is a game that is usually played at a table, but there is no reason it cannot make its appearance on a roadtrip. Some convenient stores or gas stations even have portable versions of this game available. 

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…