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You probably don't think about your vehicle's filters very often. These small automotive parts play a big role in the performance of your car. To learn about the cabin and engine filters, check out this information from the Hendrick MINI team.

The cabin filter is responsible for catching any particles that might enter your vehicle through the heating and air conditioning system. Carbon activated filters also work to eliminate fumes from the exhaust. A clean cabin filter is necessary so that you're not breathing in 

The wheels on your vehicle should be aligned about every 6,000, or at every other oil change if you are on a 3,000 mile oil change schedule. Your wheels need to be in alignment for your vehicle to drive optimally, and they can go out of alignment if you ever hit a pothole or curb.

You can tell that your vehicle needs a wheel alignment if your car pulls to one side while driving, or if it is difficult to steer your vehicle. Wheel alignments help to save the wear and tear on your wheels, as poorly aligned…

Dents, scratches and chips can ruin the finish of your car. The good news is that a little paint can restore your car. You only have to take a few minutes out of your day to correct the problem. Paint works best on a clean vehicle, so you should make sure that your vehicle is clean before you attempt to paint it. Allow it to dry and apply the wax before you start painting.

If there is rust on your vehicle, then you should also sand the vehicle. Make sure that you have the paint that is right for the…

To keep your tires in top condition and ensure their safety, rotating them is essential. This is a major component of vehicle maintenance that should not be overlooked. Tire rotation helps your tires to last longer and wear evenly over the tread area.

The basic idea behind rotating your tires is that as each tire wears down, it becomes wider than its original size. When this happens, you're effectively driving with a wider tire that's not as efficient at gripping the road surface.

If you have an underinflated tire and drive on it for a 

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…