Infotainment Systems Explained

An infotainment system is a vehicle's interactive source of information and entertainment. The word first appeared in 1980 when scientists in the UK broke the monotony of professional conferences with intermittent comedy skits. Today, infotainment systems are widespread, user friendly, convenient and among our Hendrick MINI team's favorite tech features.

Anatomy of the Infotainment System

Late-model infotainment systems adhere to a basic design and format. They are a tiny computer with screen recessed into the dash. They have QNX, Linux or Android operating systems.

 

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Glare May Cause Problems, What Can You Do About It?

You don’t get to choose when glare becomes impactful in your drive or not, but you can choose how you react to it. There is absolutely no reason for you to panic. This would only cause you to make poor choices that could negatively impact your drive.

Instead of doing that, look at the road signs and conditions and use them as a barometer of how you should react to what is going out on the road. You should pull your sun visor down to make it easier to see where you are going. You should also try to…

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When Do You Change Your Car's Oil?

Driver's know they have to change their oil at the right time. Many service stations provide a sticker for the windshield that says, "When the odometer reaches 'X' miles, you're due." Years ago, people went for oil changes at the 3,000-mile mark. Today, engines can handle much more. The manual could say 5,000 or 7,500 represents the appropriate mileage duration. And there's also a time duration.

Check the vehicle's owner's manual for the set recommended timeframe. Six months is usually the average duration. 

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Know Your Tire Speed Rating to Promote Greater Safety

The tires on your car are designed to hold up under great pressures and stresses, but they can only do so when properly mounted and inflated. The good news is, most tires include detailed visual markings on their sidewalls that give you important information. Many such tires have at least eight different symbols, and these represent various dimensions and capacities.

Examples are the letter "P", "W", and "R". In this example, the "R" would denote tire construction style, the "W" would be speed rating, and the "P" would stand for vehicle style which is a passenger car in this case…

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Drivers Should Keep on Top of Belts and Hoses

A car can overheat unexpectedly when the radiator hose springs a leak. Worse, a vehicle may crash if brake fluid runs out of the lines without warning. Sadly, many drivers could learn about problems with hoses, belts, and lines had they requested an inspection at the dealership. Trained technicians can determine if there are any wear and tear.

Belts are durable, but they cannot run forever without eventually fraying and snapping. The owner's manual provides insights into when the drive and timing belts require changing. Drivers in Charlotte should follow the manual's suggestions. 

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Why is my tire pressure light on?

One of the great innovations of today's automobiles is the amount of technology they have in them. This includes sensors in your tires that let you know when they are low. There are a couple of common reasons why your tire pressure light is illuminated.

The most common reason your tire light comes on is that your tire is low on air. This could be due to a slow leak from a tiny puncture or it could be caused by tires that are at the end of their life and starting to fail. Another reason a tire light can…

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Look For These Safety Features For A Vehicle For Teenagers

Addressing safety concerns when considering teenage driving is the responsibility of a productive and healthy society. Teenagers need people to be looking after them to keep them safe when they get behind the wheel. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources to help anyone do just that.

Parents will take comfort knowing that their teenagers are kept safer by the fact that safety ratings are available on any vehicle that the parent may decide to purchase for that teenager. They have the power right in their hands to make an informed decision that works well for the teenager and for…

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Car Battery Basics

Car batteries seem to always go dead at some of the most inconvenient times. At Hendrick MINI, we want you to be an informed vehicle owner. The following tips will help you get maximum use from your car's battery.

Since your car's battery quietly supplies power, it can be hard to know when it needs to be replaced or repaired. Periodically examine your battery. If you see any swelling of its case or corrosion around the charging posts, you may need a new battery.

 

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There Are Many Reasons To Buy A Used Car

Used vehicles have gotten to the point where they are nearly as good as the new vehicles for sale. They don’t lose much value in terms of the technology on board or other features that are present. It is a good idea to check out used cars as a possible purchase idea.

New cars go for more than double the amount of the average used car. That is amazing because it means that there are huge savings for those who are willing to get into a car that has been previously owned by another individual. It is not like…

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Two Easy Ways To Keep Your Brakes Working Like They Should

Worn brake pads are quick to alert Charlotte drivers of the need for maintenance. The distinctive squealing sound that the braking system makes whenever worn brakes are depressed is evidence enough for many consumers to seek service. In truth, however, you shouldn't wait for this system to become audibly distressed before paying attention to it. At Hendrick MINI, we want all motorists to know the following strategies for keeping their brakes in optimum condition all of the time.

Have Your Brakes Professionally Inspected When Rotating Your Tires

Tire rotations should be performed at 

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