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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Choosing the Right Car Seat for Your Child

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards sets the recommendations for car seats. Make sure that you choose a car seat that meets those standards. Many people buy used car seats because they want to save money. However, if you choose to accept a used car seat, then you will need to do so with caution. Never accept a car seat that is more than six-years-old and check the expiration date. You should also avoid buying one that is missing parts. Additionally, you should inspect the car seat for damage.

 

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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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Bicyclists and Cars: How to Safely Share the Road

Due to the fact that they are considered vehicles, bicycles have many of the same rights as you do when you are driving around in your vehicle in Charlotte. A bike does not have the same power or safety features, however. That is why the team here at Hendrick MINI feels it is important to share a few tips for sharing the road.

When you turn, be sure to check for approaching bicycles. If they are going straight, they technically have the right of way and you should yield to them. Make sure you stay familiar with hand road signals…

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How About Choosing a Used Car?

A used car might be the way to go when looking to save money. Older models or ones with high mileage usually come at low prices. Even a used car that's only a couple of years old could possibly be just as good as a new one. As long as the vehicle is in good shape, the buyer may find he or she made the right choice.

Buyers wondering if a used car makes sense for them should look at other benefits. Today, numerous manufacturers produce high-quality vehicles capable of lasting many years and over 100,000 miles. Shoppers…

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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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