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The alternator is a key part of your car. It generates the power that keeps you moving. Most drivers think this all happens in the battery. That's simply not the case: the battery stores power to start a car. The alternator is the part that produces power.

The alternator is important in part because it keeps the battery charged up. With help from the battery, it runs the functional parts of your car. If there's a problem with the alternator, it can affect everything from the windshield wipers to the headlights. 

Oversteering and understeering are handling problems that can affect how an automobile maneuvers to different points on the road. If your vehicle has either of these problems, an automotive technician at Hendrick MINI can resolve it.

Understeering happens when an automobile continues to drift straight after you spin the steering wheel. Typically, a vehicle operates this way because its steering system doesn't have a good grip. When a system oversteers, multiple things occurs that affect a vehicle's cornering ability.  

The battery in your vehicle is vital for it to start and run properly. The battery is what gives power so that the ignition can engage and get the vehicle running. If you have a bad battery, starting your vehicle will be hard or impossible.

Most of the better batteries on the market today are designed to last for about 60 months. If your battery is over four years old, you should consider getting your battery replaced. This is especially true if you are about to head into the cold winter months. 

Did you know there are several warning signs that your starter needs professional attention? Have you ever tried to start your engine in the morning, and all it does is make a whining noise? It might even make a loud grinding noise similar to when you accidentally turn the key after the engine has started.

If you hear a grinding noise and ignore it, you might damage your flywheel. Freewheeling occurs when you hear a whining noise and your engine isn't cranking. This is a result of the starter gear not co-operating with the flywheel.  

A timing belt is a critical element of any vehicle because it regulates how that vehicle will perform. The timing belt is the essential component necessary to regulate the flow of air and gas into and out of the engine. Anything off on the timing of this process, and the driver could have a very big problem on their hands.

There are numerous critical elements that go into making a vehicle run just perfectly. One of the elements is the regulation of the flow of air to various elements of that vehicle. A lot of people don't realize this…

If your car has been running hot, that could be a sign that your radiator or engine cooling system needs to be serviced. The purpose of your vehicle’s cooling fluid is to circulate through your vehicle’s engine and radiator to keep it cool. When your coolant system malfunctions, your vehicle will begin to overheat.

If your vehicle’s coolant system has been malfunctioning, don’t worry. We are here to support your vehicle’s needs. When your vehicle is running hot, you may need a coolant flush. A coolant flush or radiator flush, is done professionally by a…

Hendrick MINI recommends that families buy affordable and reliable vehicles for their teenage drivers. From sporty sedans to versatile crossover sport utility vehicles, this auto dealership sells a large variety of inexpensive models. Clients are encouraged to ask about the safety ratings, mechanical specifications, and other information relating to the inventory.

The average teen will feel quite confident behind a car that has high ratings from the IIHS, which carefully evaluates various safety aspects of the latest models.  

You may be wondering if it's in your financial best interests to refinance your car loan. You might also wonder if you should trade in your vehicle. There are certainly pros and cons to each choice, and the one you pick will need to reflect your particular financial situation.

An aging car is a liability in more ways than one. If your car is not long for this world, you'll have trouble refinancing it, as lenders view it as a risky investment. You're better off trading it in for a different model. 

Even if you are shaken up after an accident, you need to take certain steps to get help to the scene and to document it appropriately. Here at Hendrick MINI, we want you to be safe out on the road. That's why we offer these steps to take after you are in a car accident.

Get medical help for anyone who is injured. Call 911 immediately if you find anyone injured. Next, make things as safe as possible. Get cars to the emergency lane if possible. If not, put out flares or reflective triangles to warn oncoming traffic. Anyone…

Driver safety is a top priority at Hendrick MINI, and we want you to know the different ways to react to the sun's glare. If you can, it may be a good idea to drive after the sun has fully risen or after it has fully set.

This is because glare is at its worst during the early morning and late evening hours. Glare can also be difficult if you are driving east to west as that is the path that the sun takes as it rises and sets. However, you can reduce the harmful effects of the sun…