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The highly responsive, nimble handling of your Mini depends upon a fully functioning engine. And one of the most important components of your engine is the spark plugs. Firing off hundreds of times every minute, your plugs keep the combustion process going, and without them, your wheels will rapidly grind to a halt. With this in mind, the following six indications of plug trouble should prompt you to visit your local Mini dealer for replacements right away. 6 Signs It's Time to Replace the Spark Plugs on Your Car Your Car's Idling Roughly When even one plug starts to falter, the cylinder that contains it won't be firing as consistently. This misfiring will cause your engine to cough, sputter, and judder when you pause in idle rather than purr away smoothly as it should. more Your Engine's Stalling It's unlikely that a single defunct plug will cause your engine to stall. But problems that lead to sparking problems often affect more than one cylinder.  If more than one of your plugs is struggling to do its job, then you might stall. This is most likely when idling, such as when paused at traffic lights. You Can't Accelerate Properly Failing plugs drain the power from the engine. This means you'll lose accelerative power, which is usually most notable when you need to overtake another vehicle or quickly cross a busy intersection. You're Losing Fuel Economy While your plugs are failing, the fuel injector and other engine components are still working as usual. This means fuel will still be consistently entering the combustion chambers but won't be burning off properly. This inefficiency causes a loss of gas mileage. The more the problem worsens, the more often you'll be stopping at gas stations. Your Engine's Revving Unexpectedly In an attempt to make up for the faltering combustion process, the engine might draw in more air or inject more fuel. This can lead to sudden unexpected surges in engine revving as the excess of oxygen or fuel all burns off at once. Black Smoke's Pouring From Your Tailpipe Without enough sparks to ignite all the fuel, excess fuel will eventually begin to leak back into the exhaust system. Here, the fuel can damage your catalytic converter and even ignite from the heat, causing black smoke to escape from your tailpipe. Have Your Plugs Inspected at a Mini Dealership Plugs need to be removed and closely examined to determine the problem. Sometimes a build-up of sooty residue or other deposits can temporarily incapacitate a plug, in which case a good clean may return its proper function. But after about 30,000 to 40,000 miles of driving, most plugs become damaged to the point of no return. Any cracks or damage to the electrodes inside mean you'll need a new plug to be installed. Visit Tom Bush Mini to have your plugs inspected, repaired, or replaced with new ones. We've been providing new vehicles and top-notch service to the local drivers of Jacksonville for over 20 years.

Your MINI dealer loves introducing you to incredible autos that offer a new take on this already-innovative brand. Without further ado, meet the amazing MINI Convertible. MINI Dealer's Basics About the 2023 MINI Convertible From England to Italy, the MINI has been an icon since the late 1950s. The two-door and four-seat car remains a classic but has evolved in style and performance over its tenure. The soft-top version of the Mini Hardtop packs plenty of exterior and interior innovation into its just-under $34,000 starting price for the base Cooper Convertible. Other available trims include the Cooper S and the John Cooper Works. A Style Upgrade That beautiful compact hatchback form that's undeniably MINI receives an even bigger infusion of cool for the convertible. Those eye-popping LED headlights put the perfect punctuation marks on a sleek new front grille, providing quite the wow-worthy sight as this ride approaches. And they'll love watching it leave just as much. The back grille also gets a makeover and a prime partner in ultra-distinct Union Jack taillights. But let's not forget the star of this show. The soft top connects you with nature either in sunroof mode or by fully letting in the fresh air. It's powered by electricity that gifts the experience you want in mere seconds. Plus, you can add even more pizazz by draping your soft top in a bold Union Jack woven design. If that's not enough, up the cool quotient with Piano Black exterior touches from front to back. Customize away with packages such as the Aero Body Kit. more Enhanced Interior Elements Hip style slips into the inside with even more redesigns and driver-pleasing features. The steering wheel, digitized dashboard, and air vents all benefit from thoughtful modernization. Ambient lighting provides just the right peaceful glow. Go Resolute and mix in some alluring bronze and green checker patterns to the high-quality interior. And back to that steering wheel: it's also become a safety sensor that vibrates to alert you of lane departures. Security-wise, the Active Driving Assistant system has you additionally covered with collision warning and mitigation and adaptive cruise control. And don't let the mini moniker fool you. Both headroom and legroom are spacious and comfy. Plus, you can enjoy your drive with the stylings of standard Apple CarPlay infotainment, easily accessible via the bigger and better 8.8-inch touchscreen. A Dynamic Drive At the end of the day, you're probably asking one question: how does it drive? Two words sum it up: fantastically fun. The TwinTurbo engines, available in either 1.5 L or 2.0 L, can deliver a nice punch of horsepower at up to 228 and equally capable torque, leveling up to 235 lb.-ft. These specs, combined with the light weight and form, serve up nimble and zippy handling that evokes MINI's race-car roots. You won't break the fuel bank while having fun either, as fuel economy stands at a solid 28 MPG combined. Are you ready for a spin in this marvelous MINI? Visit Tom Bush MINI and take a test drive today.

Are you planning to buy a car soon? Financing your purchase can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be. By following these tips, you'll be able to ensure that you get the best deal possible and make the most of your hard-earned money. These tips from your mini dealer will help you learn how to finance a car smartly. 4 Smart Tips from Your Mini Dealer to Help You Finance a Car 1. Have a Down Payment A down payment can lower your monthly payment and even reduce the interest rate on your loan. The more money you can put down upfront, the better off you'll be in the long run. Before making a car purchase, it's essential to have a realistic idea of how much money you can afford for a down payment. Consider using your savings, cashing out investments, or getting a loan from family and friends. more 2. Get Pre-Approved One of the most brilliant tips for financing a car purchase is to get pre-approved for a loan. Getting pre-approved for a loan can help you determine what type of car and loan you can qualify for and how much you can borrow. It can also help you shop for the best rates, as lenders may offer different rates depending on your credit score and financial situation. Once you are pre-approved, you can start shopping around for a car. 3. Know Your Credit Score Your credit score is a quantitative indicator of how successfully you have previously managed your finances. It is one of the primary factors lenders use when determining whether or not they are willing to offer you a loan. Knowing your credit score ahead of time can help you make more informed decisions about what kind of car you should buy and which loan terms you might qualify for. 4. Consider the Total Cost of Ownership When purchasing a car, the total cost of ownership (TCO) is an essential factor to consider. TCO is the sum of all costs associated with buying and owning a vehicle, including initial purchase price, fuel, insurance, repairs, maintenance, and resale value. Start by calculating the total cost of ownership for the car you are interested in. Doing this research up front can save you time and money in the long run. Financing a car purchase can be daunting, but with the proper knowledge and preparation, it can be easy. Following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can set yourself up for success when it comes time to buy your next car. Stop by Tom Bush MINI today for all your MINI needs.

An important skill every driver should know is how to jump-start a car. As your MINI dealer, we'd like to tell you the easy steps to perform this operation. You will need a set of jumper cables, and we advise you to keep cables in your car. When you choose a set of cables, check to ensure that they can transmit sufficient power. Advice From Your MINI Dealer: 5 Easy Steps To Jump-Start a Car Park Facing the Other Car It's always advisable to park as close to the other car as possible, preferably with your hoods facing each other. Once you've parked, turn off the engines and open both hoods. Depending on the position of the car and the road situation, you may have to park behind it. We advise purchasing a long set of jumper cables so you're prepared for any emergency. If you're behind the other car, long cables will stretch over the car. It's not an ideal situation, but there might not be a choice. more Connect the Red Cables The red cables are positive. Connect the first red cable to the positive battery terminal in the dead car and ensure it's securely connected. Once this is done, connect the second red cable to the positive terminal on your battery. Some car batteries have plastic covers you must remove to access the terminals. In all batteries, the positive and negative terminals are marked. Connect the Black Cables The black cables are negative. Connect the first black cable to the negative terminal on your battery. As a final step, connect the second black cable to any unpainted bolt on the inside frame of the other car's engine. You mustn't connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the dead car's battery. This could damage your battery or even start a fire. Check All Connections Ensure that all the cables are securely connected. If there's a loose connection, recharging will fail. Start Your Engine Start your engine and allow it to idle for several minutes. Electricity will flow through the cables from your battery to the dead car's battery and provide it with power. After a few minutes, try and start the other car. If its engine starts, carefully remove the battery cables. If the dead car doesn't start, repeat the process for another fifteen minutes and try and start the car again. Now you know how to start a dead battery. To ensure your MINI's battery is in good condition, visit us for a battery test today at Tom Bush MINI.

Your Mini Cooper is a finely tuned machine and needs the best parts to run at its best. That's why it's essential to know the signs of a faulty ignition coil and get it fixed as soon as possible. Here are four of the most common symptoms. Keep an eye out for them and visit your Mini dealer if you are experiencing any of these issues. 4 Common Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil. Visit Your Mini Dealer Today Engine Misfires When an ignition system functions correctly, it supplies voltage to the spark plugs at precisely set intervals to create combustion. However, if the coil fails or begins to wear out, these intervals can become erratic or delayed, resulting in an incomplete combustion cycle that causes the engine to misfire. Engine misfires can be identified by rough idling or a shaking sensation while the vehicle is running. In addition, your car may also produce loud noises accompanied by some smoke from the exhaust pipe. If your engine is misfiring, take it to your nearest local dealer promptly. more Difficulty Starting the Engine A working ignition system will provide an electric spark to ignite the mixture within your vehicle's combustion cylinder. As part of a car's digital ignition system, this spark is essential for initiating your vehicle's two- or four-stroke combustion cycle. Starting and running your car's engine can be challenging when this process is disrupted. This stalling effect can manifest as soon as you turn your key, leave you stranded on the side of the road, or cause you to restart your engine numerous times. If you're having trouble starting your car on occasion, you should have a professional inspect your ignition system. Loss of Power The loss of power in your engine is one symptom of a problem with the ignition system. When the ignition system begins to wear down, it produces fewer of the sparks required to fire up the cylinders inside your machine. It might result in poor or sluggish driving performance and trouble climbing hills or accelerating quickly. In addition, a faulty ignition system can cause harsh engine vibrations when starting up or at idle speeds. Poor Fuel Economy Poor fuel economy occurs when the spark plugs don't fire properly, resulting in an inefficient combustion process that wastes fuel and reduces engine power. This can be caused by faulty coils breaking the electrical circuit, preventing the spark plugs from receiving enough energy to ignite the air-fuel mixture. That's why it's essential to have regular maintenance on your ignition system, especially if you notice a decrease in fuel efficiency or power output in your vehicle. If you're experiencing any of the four signs of a faulty ignition coil, contact us at Tom Bush MINI to schedule a maintenance appointment. We have a team of experts ready to help you diagnose and fix the problem.

After spending your hard-earned money on the car of your dreams, you want to make sure it's going to last for a long time. While modern Minis are built to last, there are some things you need to do to take care of them. After driving your car away from the Mini dealer, there are some car maintenance tips you should follow. These will keep your car looking good and ensure that it lasts for as long as possible. 5 Car Maintenance Tips From a Mini Dealer 1. Use the Right Engine Oil Oil is essential when it comes to lubricating your engine and protecting it from heat. To keep your vehicle running at a high level, make sure you're using the right engine oil. The Mini's engine is unique and high performing, so only using full synthetic oil is in your best interest. 2. Fill Up With the Right Fuel Not only should you be using the right engine oil, but you also want to make sure you're putting the right fuel in your gas tank. High-octane fuel gives your vehicle the power it needs to run smoothly and optimally down the road. The right fuel will not only make the drive more enjoyable, but it will ensure your vehicle lasts longer as well. more 3. Watch Your Fluid Levels Keeping your vehicle in good running condition means keeping an eye on fluid levels. You already know how important it is to use the right oil, but it's also imperative that you replace the transmission fluid at a specific time, as well as make sure there's enough coolant and other fluids to keep your engine running properly. 4. Keep an Eye on Your Brakes Your Mini is advanced enough to let you know when you need to replace your brake pads, and you need to get this done as soon as possible. Attempting to get a little more life out of your brakes could create a dangerous situation for you and others. 5. Trust Repairs to Professionals A lot of people like to do their own repairs on their vehicles. For small issues, this probably isn't a big deal. However, since Mini's are complex, high-performance machines, trying to do major work yourself could be disastrous. Taking your vehicle to a professional who is equipped with the right diagnostic tools and expertise is the best way to maintain your Mini. After making the decision to buy a Mini, you want to make sure your vehicle lasts for as long as possible. These vehicles are durable and versatile, but there are some things you need to do to take care of your car. Whether you're looking to get your Mini serviced or you're ready to buy a new one, visit Tom Bush MINI today.

The electrical systems in your car are responsible for getting it going in the first place, as well as powering multiple functions for a safe and comfortable drive. Make sure that you know how to recognize electrical problems and when to contact your MINI dealer for help. Electrical Problems? Visit Your MINI Dealer Today! The electrical systems in your car include the battery, alternator, starting motor, ignition, lights, and other equipment, so if there's a problem then a number of functions and accessories might fail. The Engine Won't Crank "Cranking" is shown by the chirping noise that your car makes before the engine ignites when you turn the key to start. If there's no response when you turn the ignition, check to see if the lights are working. If they aren't, you probably have a dead battery, if they are, then you may have a problem with your alternator. more A clicking or grinding noise when you crank means that the issues lies in your starting motor, but any of these indicate that it's time to get an electrical diagnostic from your dealer. Electrical Components Start Failing Your car's electric system is responsible for the performance of multiple systems, so if it's failing you'll see the results across a range of items. These include: Dim and flickering lights Reluctant movement of electric windows Failing entertainment system Individual Fuses Keep Blowing A blown fuse can be recognized when a single electrical component, such as the brake lights, stops working even though the others are fine. It's a relatively simple fix, but if it keeps happening then it could mean that you have more extensive problems with your car's electrics. If the same fuse blows twice in a short space of time, you need to seek help to diagnose the electrical fault. Smell of Burning Plastic An electrical fault or short-circuit can burn or melt the plastic insulation around the wires. If you're picking up on this odor, your car could have an electrical fault that will cause damage to other components, so take your car off the road and seek advice as soon as you can. Damaged or Leaking Battery If your battery is leaking, you may see signs of deterioration when you look under the hood, either in the form of stains, or buildup around the terminal. It's an indication that your battery is old and damaged, and is more likely if it's approaching four or five years of age. You need to ask your mechanic about a replacement, but remember to exercise caution when checking, as battery contents are corrosive and can cause injury. Whether it's a gradual brownout or a sudden failure of your car's components, electrical faults need attention for the sake of your car's long-term health. Contact us at Tom Bush MINI and our specialized technicians will get to work to diagnose the problem, and get your MINI fighting fit again.

When you driving on the open road, or anywhere far from immediate help, it's good to take precautions. A good car tool kit is invaluable in helping you to get back on the road again if a breakdown happens. Many problems can be temporarily repaired to let you get to your Mini dealer. These are some of the tools to keep in your kit for emergencies. Advice From Your MINI Dealer: 5 Items You Need in Your Car Tool Kit Tire Inflator You've got a spare tire, but what if more than one tire goes flat? If you need to get mobile ASAP, a can of tire inflator will get you on your way. Tire inflators don't require a level of strength or special tools to use. All you need to do is to attach the nozzle to the tire pressure valve and pump the contents of the can into the flat tire. To be safe, we recommend that you keep at least two cans in your car. Flashlight A good, strong flashlight is really useful, especially if it's night or you're working in a dark part of your car. An LED flashlight will provide excellent visibility. We recommend keeping extra batteries for the flashlight in your car. It's also advisable to choose a flashlight with a magnet or a hook as you may need both hands when you're working more Jumper Cables You may be faced with a dead battery at the worst time. If you're far from immediate help, you may need to wait for help from a passing driver. If you have a set of jumper cables, they may help you to get your car started. We recommend extra long cables, as this allows your battery to be jumped from any angle. Screwdriver and Socket Set Over time, parts can loosen due to moment or age. Sometimes you may just need to screw something back on so you can get it permanently fixed in our service department. A good screwdriver and socket set will have tools to fix almost any item in your car. You don't have to be a mechanic, as a loose part or connection may be easily visible. Duct Tape Duct tape is an essential part of any tool kit. It has a wide variety of uses, and it can temporarily repair or reattach almost anything. A leak in a radiator hose, for example, can be easily and quickly bound with duct tape. It's not a permanent solution, but it will allow you to get your car to us so we can repair it. There are many other items you can add to your tool kit. If you'd like to know more, come in and see us at Tom Bush MINI.

The electrical systems in your car are responsible for getting it going in the first place, as well as powering multiple functions for a safe and comfortable drive. Make sure that you know how to recognize electrical problems and when to contact your MINI dealer for help. Electrical Problems? Visit Your MINI Dealer Today! The electrical systems in your car include the battery, alternator, starting motor, ignition, lights, and other equipment, so if there's a problem then a number of functions and accessories might fail. The Engine Won't Crank "Cranking" is shown by the chirping noise that your car makes before the engine ignites when you turn the key to start. If there's no response when you turn the ignition, check to see if the lights are working. If they aren't, you probably have a dead battery, if they are, then you may have a problem with your alternator. A clicking or grinding noise when you crank means that the issues lies in your starting motor, but any of these indicate that it's time to get an electrical diagnostic from your dealer. more Electrical Components Start Failing Your car's electric system is responsible for the performance of multiple systems, so if it's failing you'll see the results across a range of items. These include: Dim and flickering lights Reluctant movement of electric windows Failing entertainment system Individual Fuses Keep Blowing A blown fuse can be recognized when a single electrical component, such as the brake lights, stops working even though the others are fine. It's a relatively simple fix, but if it keeps happening then it could mean that you have more extensive problems with your car's electrics. If the same fuse blows twice in a short space of time, you need to seek help to diagnose the electrical fault. Smell of Burning Plastic An electrical fault or short-circuit can burn or melt the plastic insulation around the wires. If you're picking up on this odor, your car could have an electrical fault that will cause damage to other components, so take your car off the road and seek advice as soon as you can. Damaged or Leaking Battery If your battery is leaking, you may see signs of deterioration when you look under the hood, either in the form of stains, or buildup around the terminal. It's an indication that your battery is old and damaged, and is more likely if it's approaching four or five years of age. You need to ask your mechanic about a replacement, but remember to exercise caution when checking, as battery contents are corrosive and can cause injury. Whether it's a gradual brownout or a sudden failure of your car's components, electrical faults need attention for the sake of your car's long-term health. Contact us at Tom Bush MINI and our specialized technicians will get to work to diagnose the problem, and get your MINI fighting fit again.

After spending your hard-earned money on the car of your dreams, you want to make sure it's going to last for a long time. While modern Minis are built to last, there are some things you need to do to take care of them. After driving your car away from the Mini dealer, there are some car maintenance tips you should follow. These will keep your car looking good and ensure that it lasts for as long as possible. 5 Car Maintenance Tips From a Mini Dealer 1. Use the Right Engine Oil Oil is essential when it comes to lubricating your engine and protecting it from heat. To keep your vehicle running at a high level, make sure you're using the right engine oil. The Mini's engine is unique and high performing, so only using full synthetic oil is in your best interest. 2. Fill Up With the Right Fuel Not only should you be using the right engine oil, but you also want to make sure you're putting the right fuel in your gas tank. High-octane fuel gives your vehicle the power it needs to run smoothly and optimally down the road. The right fuel will not only make the drive more enjoyable, but it will ensure your vehicle lasts longer as well. 3. Watch Your Fluid Levels more Keeping your vehicle in good running condition means keeping an eye on fluid levels. You already know how important it is to use the right oil, but it's also imperative that you replace the transmission fluid at a specific time, as well as make sure there's enough coolant and other fluids to keep your engine running properly. 4. Keep an Eye on Your Brakes Your Mini is advanced enough to let you know when you need to replace your brake pads, and you need to get this done as soon as possible. Attempting to get a little more life out of your brakes could create a dangerous situation for you and others. 5. Trust Repairs to Professionals A lot of people like to do their own repairs on their vehicles. For small issues, this probably isn't a big deal. However, since Mini's are complex, high-performance machines, trying to do major work yourself could be disastrous. Taking your vehicle to a professional who is equipped with the right diagnostic tools and expertise is the best way to maintain your Mini. After making the decision to buy a Mini, you want to make sure your vehicle lasts for as long as possible. These vehicles are durable and versatile, but there are some things you need to do to take care of your car. Whether you're looking to get your Mini serviced or you're ready to buy a new one, visit Tom Bush MINI today.

Engine problems can cause serious problems for your car and potential long-term damage to your engine. Fortunately, if you're in Jacksonville, FL, your MINI dealer can help you. Our technicians can find, diagnose, and repair any problem. These are some of the problems that we can fix for you. 3 Engine Problems That Should Always Be Fixed by Your MINI Dealer Fuse Problems Your Mini is filled with components and devices that need electricity. When your engine is running, your alternator provides power to keep all of the systems running. When your engine is switched off, your battery provides the power to maintain everything till your engine starts again. Each device also has a fuse to protect it. Fuses in your car serve to protect the component they're connected to from damage due to electrical overload. They're a failsafe and will automatically blow out to protect their component. Fuses can always fail due to age, but if you're having problems with blown fuses, this is a sign of an electrical fault. more Fluid Leaks Your car has numerous fluids circulating through it, each of which fulfills an important function. Coolant circulates through your cooling system and helps reduce engine temperature and prevent overheating. Transmission fluid flows through the transmission and provides hydraulic power for the gears and friction resistance to prevent damage between parts. Engine oil flows through the engine, reducing the temperature and lubricating all the engine's moving parts. Finally, brake fluid runs through the brake hoses and lines and allows your brakes to function. Each of these fluids operates in a closed environment, so any fluid loss can only be due to a leak. If you spot leaking fluid, note the color of the fluid and call us right away. Colored Smoke Colored smoke may look cool, but if it's coming from your exhaust it means your car has a problem. Exhaust smoke is thin and white, but blue, black, or thick white smoke all mean something has gone wrong. The color of the smoke gives a clue where the problem lies. Blue smoke means that oil is leaking into your exhaust system. One of the ways it can do this is through a crack in the head gasket. Black smoke means that your engine is producing too much carbon. One reason for this could be a clogged air filter that's reducing the amount of air that reaches the combustion chamber. Another possible reason is a damaged catalytic converter that can't remove carbon from the exhaust gases. Finally, thick white smoke means that water is leaking into your exhaust system. If you suspect you have a problem with your engine, call us right away at Tom Bush MINI.

It's important to always be aware of what's covered by the car warranty provided by your vehicle's manufacturer. If not, you risk paying for repairs that you don't have to pay for, or even forgoing service that your car might badly need. Luckily, Mini provides a generous warranty that covers a wide range of repairs and services. To make it easier for you to know what it covers, here are the benefits of the Mini warranty. What's Included in the 2022 Mini Car Warranty? Lithium-Ion Battery Repair In hybrid models of Mini vehicles, the engine is either partly or wholly powered by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. These batteries are enclosed in a self-contained system, and opening this system can be dangerous. The battery requires no maintenance, but if there is an issue you can take it to an authorized Mini Cooper dealership for repair. more 12-Volt Battery Repair The standard 12-volt battery found in Mini vehicles serves to start the engine and power the radio and a vehicle's other electrical components. The battery normally requires the car to be driven at least ten miles, preferably at highway speeds, to stay fully charged. If you only take short trips at low speeds, you might see some problems with the battery's performance. If so, you can take it to an authorized Mini dealer to see if it qualifies to be replaced. Corrosion Protection When you buy a new car, it's amazing to look at the pristine exterior and not see a single defect. But sometimes, during the electrophoretic dip painting process, an error may occur that causes the vehicle to be susceptible to premature corrosion. As such, Mini offers a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty in the highly unlikely chance that your vehicle has such a defect. So if you see rust developing on your Mini, bring it in for repairs! Extended Warranty Options If you feel like the basic warranty provided by Mini doesn't give you enough coverage to give you peace of mind, there are other options that are available separately and at different tiers. The Platinum Warranty from Mini provides coverage of the engine, transfer case, cooling system, steering, brakes, infotainment system, and much more! Meanwhile, the Gold Warranty provides similar coverage but does not warranty the infotainment system. Additionally, there is a limited powertrain warranty available that provides limited coverage of the engine, transmission, final drive assembly, electrical system, fuel system, and full coverage of the induction system. But with this warranty, the transfer case is only available in all-wheel-drive models. All of these warranties can be purchased for ranges between 5 years/75,000 miles and 7 years/100,000 miles. To find out more about the benefits of the Mini warranty, come by your local Mini Cooper dealership today!