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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.

No matter how carefully you drive, it isn't always possible to avoid car dents and scratches. From a runaway shopping cart in the parking lot to a hailstorm, it can sometimes seem as though the world is conspiring to give your car scratches and dents. We've come up with some of the ways that you can deal with minor car damage, and how you can know when it's time to call your Mini dealer. What Can You Do About Car Scratches and Dents? Knowing Your Car Dents It's important to understand the different sorts of dent that you might encounter before deciding on a course of action. These include: Dings, small indentations with a depth of less than half an inch Round dents, large shallow compressions Sharp dents, deeper indentations that taper into an inverted point Creased dents, the result of a sharp impact that drags against the car more Dealing With Dents Once you've identified the type of dent, you'll be better equipped to find a solution. Some of the solutions that you might use are: Suction to pull out the dent Paintless dent removal, where the dent is pressed outwards from the inside Heating and cooling to "pop" the metal back into shape Packing the indentation with filler after sanding down the affected area However, consider your own expertise and the extent of the damage carefully, as it's better to schedule an appointment than it is to risk less protection in the case of a crash, further damage to the paintwork, or long-term problems like rust. The smaller and shallower the dent, the easier the fix and the less likely that there'll be further problems down the line. Solving Your Scratches Scratched paintwork might be more serious than it first appears, as it protects the metal frame of the car. If this is exposed to the elements, it can oxidize with moisture in the air and start to rust. "Swirls" are scratches that are caused when pieces of grit get stuck in the cloth that you use to clean the car. If these are shallow, then scratch remover can be used to even them out. A scrape or scratch that exposes the paintwork might be fixable with a scratch and paint restore car kit. Your title document will give you the specific color of your car's paint so that you can match it exactly. Call Your Mini Dealer If you have the tools, the expertise, and the confidence, then you can fix minor damage yourself, but don't run the risk of making the problem worse. If the metalwork of the car is exposed, misshapen, or punctured then it's often best to seek professional help so that the car can be carefully reshaped, the composite behind the panels restored, and the clear coat and paint reapplied. Scratches and dents on your car can be annoying, but they don't have to mean that your car is permanently blemished. Schedule an appointment at Tom Bush MINI, where our expert technicians will soon have your Mini back to its very best.

Car insurance (or auto insurance) is an expense every vehicle owner needs to consider. Your MINI dealer is here to help simplify this sometimes-daunting process. 4 Things Every MINI Dealer Customer Should Know About Car Insurance 1. Types of Auto Insurance First-party auto insurance covers damages you incur that are associated with your car or your driving. In contrast, third-party insurance pays for damages you cause to other people or property while driving. The latter includes liability insurance, which may pay for legal expenses, hospital bills, or car repairs another driver must take on because of an accident caused by you. If you want coverage for theft or damage to your own car, you need property auto insurance. And if you want injuries you suffer during a car accident that require hospital treatment to be covered, then you would secure medical auto insurance. You may also seek uninsured motorist coverage in the event that you are in an accident with someone who does not have auto insurance. For the most expansive coverage that addresses almost any circumstance, opt for comprehensive coverage. 2, Coverage Considerations Different factors will influence how much auto insurance coverage you need. For one, the price of the coverage may be important. Comprehensive coverage, naturally, comes with the highest price tag. Higher-priced vehicles also may merit more insurance coverage. Numerous resources are available online to compare quotes from different companies so you can get a good deal. more In addition. you are legally required to carry minimal auto insurance, typically liability coverage, in the United States. Some regions may have even higher requirements. Rest easier with your ride with the MINI Cooper certified warranty, which provides 4 years or 50,000 miles of protection for your new MINI as well as rust or corrosion protection for 12 years, 3 years or 36,000 miles of complementary maintenance, and four years of roadside assistance. 3. Covered Parties A personal insurance policy will typically cover you and any family members you decide to include on your policy. It will apply whether you are driving your vehicle or another consenting person's vehicle. Further, if you consent to let someone else not on the policy use your vehicle and they get into an accident, the policy may cover this circumstance as well. Ensure your car is only used for personal reasons and not for the operation of a business. If your vehicle is an integral part of your business dealings, then it will need expanded coverage. 4. Insurance Payments Insurance companies determine the monthly cost (or premium) you will pay for your insurance by evaluating factors such as your vehicle type, your age, your location, and your driving record. You will also have a set deductible, which is the amount you will pay out-of-pocket before your insurance takes over. To get great coverage, you'll need a great ride first. Visit Tom Bush MINI and browse an inventory made to last.

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!

When it comes to getting new headlights on your vehicle, it's best not to wait until they burn out and leave you in the dark the next time you try driving at night! Getting your headlights replaced doesn't have to be a hassle, and it's something your local Mini Cooper dealership can easily help you with, but it's important to know when your vehicle needs new lights. Tips From Your Local Mini Cooper Dealership: 5 Signs Your Mini Needs New Headlights 1. Your Mini's Headlights Are Noticeably Dimmer Than Usual This is the most common symptom of headlights that are beginning to reach the end of their lifespan. It's natural for headlights to burn out eventually, as any lightbulb does, so if you've noticed that your headlights are not illuminating the road as well as they used to it could be a good sign that they'll soon burn out. Get ahead of this by making an appointment to get your headlights replaced before they go out altogether. more 2. Your Mini's Headlights Are Flickering If you've noticed that your vehicle's headlights are flickering it can be a sign that your headlights are burning out, or that there's a loose electrical connection somewhere that is causing the headlight to flicker. Whatever the cause of this, it's a definite sign that you should get your headlights looked at by a professional, so they can either fix the faulty electrical connection or set you up with replacement headlights, depending on the cause. 3. Your Mini's Headlights Appear Hazy Over time it's not uncommon for headlights to start to develop a hazy appearance which can affect their ability to illuminate the road ahead of you. This haziness can happen from your headlights' covers coming into contact with dirt and grime on the roads but is often caused by UV damage to the covering. If you've noticed this happening, it's best to get your headlights (and their covers) looked at so you can get them shining like new again. 4. One of Your Mini's Headlights Is No Longer Working Driving with just one headlight is dangerous for a number of reasons. For starters, it severely impacts your ability to see the road ahead of you, but it can also be confusing to oncoming traffic, who might not know what kind of vehicle is on the road ahead of them or be able to tell where you are exactly on the road. There's a good chance that if one of your vehicle's headlights has gone out, the other one is probably not far behind, so it's best to replace both lights if you notice this is the case! 5. Your Mini's Headlights Have Stopped Working Naturally, this is a worst-case scenario, but if you do notice that both of your vehicle's headlights have stopped working, then it's best to get off the road and in to see a mechanic as soon as possible! Most drivers know their vehicles well enough to notice when something like their headlights start to go, so if you've noticed any of the signs of failing headlights just come on down and visit us at Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, and our team of mechanics will get your headlights shining bright again in no time!

With its great looks and well-known presence, the MINI is an iconic car. The new MINI was launched in 2000 and expanded into hardtop a couple of years later. Seeing a need for four doors, they introduced the MINI h ardtop 4-door in 2014. Since then, this great little car has just continued to improve! Basics About the 2022 MINI Hardtop 4-Door Under the Hood With a 1.5L, 3-cylinder engine, the standard MINI pushes out 134 horsepower with 146 lb-ft of torque. An optional 6-speed manual transmission makes the driving experience fun, while its 33 mpg on the highway makes it pain-free at the pump. The MINI has front-wheel drive and handles beautifully. The standard model feels quick, but if you want even more, the S models come with a turbocharged 2.0 engine that pushes 189 horsepower. more Exterior Features One of the exciting new features of the 2022 MINI is the multi-tone roof. This beautiful gradient of three colors helps customize your MINI, so it can be as unique as you are! The front and rear bumpers have also been redesigned, and the front grille has had a facelift as well. One thing MINI has always done well, and 2022 is no exception, is to provide personal customization options. MINIs tend to become an extension of their owner's personality and style, and in 2022 there are multiple choices MINI provides so that you can tailor your car to suit your needs. Interior Comfort The MINI just keeps cranking out great features as we reach the inside of the vehicle. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated seats come standard, with leather upholstery just an upgrade away. Front seats are fully adjustable, and the rear seats fold down to allow for more cargo room when needed. Speaking of cargo room, the four-door MINI boasts 13.1cu ft of cargo room with all the seats in place. That becomes an impressive 40.7cu ft when the rear seats are down. An 8.8-inch infotainment display comes standard, as well as 12 months of Sirius XM radio. This can be upgraded to an in-dash navigation system with Apple Car Play and wireless charging. Safety and Driver-Assistance MINI includes lane departure warning and automated emergency braking in the standard package. Adaptive cruise control is also available in the 2022 MINI. New/Unique Features for 2022 In addition to the exterior changes the MINI 4-door has gotten for 2022, there are also some interior changes. The steering wheel has been redesigned, a new checkered pattern has been added to the upholstery options, and the dash has had some updates. New positioning on the air vents, an upgraded standard infotainment design, and new standard safety features make the 2022 MINI a great choice. With all these great features, low price, great gas mileage, and an experience that is designed to make driving enjoyable, there's no reason not to make your next car a MINI! Head over to Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, FL today to check out our inventory of new and pre-owned MINIs to suit your every need!

The MINI Cooper is one of those legendary cars that is spoken about in terms that are typically reserved for art or fashion. The 2022 model year has received multiple upgrades both inside and out, appealing to a new generation of drivers while retaining its classic charm. Here we dive deeper into the 2-door 2022 MINI Cooper Hardtop to find out what continues to make it a beloved choice among today's car buyers. A Closer Look at the 2022 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2-Door Basics About the 2022 MINI Cooper 2-Door Hardtop The MINI Cooper transcends its mere status as a front-wheel-drive, compact 2-door automobile, having achieved design icon status all over the world. A simple glance at its playful styling brings a smile to anyone's face, and the joy only increases once we're behind the wheel. The MINI Cooper's tight steering and crisp handling are legendary, and acceleration is brisk and punchy. more Staying consistent with the spirit of its aesthetic, the MINI Cooper's interior is fun and well designed, with standard heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Infotainment options include wireless phone charging, in-dash navigation, and Apple CarPlay. Music lovers will enjoy the available 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Just like on the outside, there are multiple ways to customize the interior to suit all the quirks of your personal taste. New Features For 2022, the iconic MINI Cooper has received a few style upgrades that bring it up to date while maintaining its classic sporty look. The front and rear bumpers, grille, and wheels have all been updated, and LED headlights are now standard. There are new color options, including Island Blue and Rooftop Gray, and a cool multitone color-shifting roof option. Lane departure warning is now standard, and adaptive cruise control has gained a stop and go function. The Cooper's interior has received many upgrades as well, including tweaked air vents, a new steering wheel design, and a unique checker-patterned upholstery option. The infotainment system now comes standard on an 8.8-inch display, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and a digital instrument cluster. There are also new options for ambient interior lighting and an electric parking brake. How Does the MINI Cooper Perform? Beneath its stylish and playful exterior, the 2022 MINI Cooper packs a surprising punch that makes it an absolute joy for either daily commutes or weekend getaways. The 2-door hardtop Cooper comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that puts out 134 horsepower, and the S version comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pushes 189 hp. As always, peppy acceleration is paired with exquisite handling in the 2022 MINI Cooper. As for fuel economy, the base version with automatic transmission option gets 29 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. This is a quick look at some of the features that make the 2022 MINI Cooper a terrific option for car buyers seeking a bit more stylish adventure in their lives. Contact or stop by Tom Bush MINI to take it out for a spin and experience it for yourself.

Brake pads fit into the calipers that sit over the wheel rotors. These pads provide friction to slow and stop the rotors and prevent contact between the metal pads and the metal rotors. If your pads show signs of wearing out, it's time to visit your Mini Cooper dealership and have new ones installed. These are a few of the signs that your pads need replacement. Signs You Need New Brake Pads From Your Mini Cooper Dealership Your Car Takes Longer To Stop The covering on the pads generates the friction necessary to stop your car. As this material wears off, you'll notice that your Mini takes longer to come to a complete stop. Part of this problem is due to the thinner friction covering providing less resistance against the rotors. Another reason is due to brake fade that prevents the pads from working correctly. Brake fade occurs when the pads are kept in close contact with the rotors for long periods. This could be because you often drive downhill on winding roads and ride the brakes to control the speed. The heat generated by this close contact causes the friction material to become smoother. The smooth surface of the pads means your brakes will take longer to stop your car. more Your Car Pulls to One Side When you step on the brake pedal, your Mini should stop immediately. If it pulls to one side before stopping, this means there's a problem with the brake pad on one side of your car. This pad may be wearing out faster then than other pads. This worn condition causes it to take longer to apply the necessary pressure on the rotor it's connected to bring it to a stop. Our technicians can check your braking system and find the cause. It may be due to a worn caliper that keeps the pad close to the rotor and increases wear on the pad. We can replace the pads and fix the cause of the problem. If one pad has worn down excessively, we advise replacing all the pads. This will ensure that they all have the same level of wear for safety. Glazed Rotors The friction covering on the pads is attached to the metal with a strong adhesive. This adhesive bonds the materials together, but it can heat up when you apply the brakes. This is especially true if your brakes haven't been serviced recently. Some of the adhesive can liquify and spread across the rotor surface, where it will dry on the hot rotor. This adhesive can make the surface of the rotor slightly uneven. Cast off friction material from the pads can stick to the adhesive and make the surface more uneven. This process is known as glazing. When the pads grip the rotors, part of the pad can grip a glazed section of the rotor, and this will cause your brake pedal to vibrate. If you need new pads, call us right away at Tom Bush MINI, and our expert technicians will fit them for you.

There is only one way to ensure that your Mini Hardtop, Countryman, or Clubman stays in tip-top condition: a regular car inspection at your Mini dealer. If you follow your Mini service schedule and maintenance intervals and get regular vehicle inspections, your car will continue to be reliable, fuel-efficient, and a pleasure to drive. more How Often Should You Get a Car Inspection at your Mini Dealer? Your Mini Service Schedule Every Mini model comes with a service schedule to help you keep your car in excellent running condition. The service schedule consists of mileage intervals with specific inspections and maintenance tasks that need to be performed by a qualified Mini technician. To keep your Mini reliable, fuel-efficient, safe, and on the road for longer, you must stick to the service schedule and factory-recommended maintenance intervals. The Maintenance Intervals The service schedule for your specific Mini model has mileage and month intervals. Each maintenance interval has detailed factory-recommended inspections, corrections, and replacements that have to be performed to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Generally, most Mini cars have a maintenance interval every 4,000 to 6,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. The service schedule and maintenance intervals for your specific Mini model and year are in your owner's manual or ask your Mini technician for assistance. The Frequency of Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance The frequency of inspections and maintenance required for your car will depend on the model and year and the driving conditions under which you operate your vehicle. Your driving style, road conditions, traffic, and frequent short trips all affect how often you need to take your Mini for an inspection. The Importance of Vehicle Inspections Every time you take your Mini to your dealer at the factory-recommended maintenance interval, the Mini technician will thoroughly inspect every component and system. The technician will detect vehicle problems early with routine inspections and prevent more damage by fixing issues fast and effectively before they turn into expensive repairs and replacements, saving your time and money. Complimentary Scheduled MINI Maintenance Complimentary Scheduled MINI Maintenance is a cost-effective way to keep your car in tip-top shape. If you drive a 2017 or newer Mini model, your vehicle comes with Complimentary Scheduled MINI Maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Complimentary Scheduled MINI Maintenance includes free vehicle inspections, oil changes, spark plugs, brake fluid, cabin filter, engine air filter, and remote control key battery replacements. All the services are performed by qualified Mini technicians who use advanced equipment and technology and genuine Mini parts. Convenient Online Scheduling To make maintaining your Mini as easy and convenient as possible, you can schedule a vehicle inspection online on our website. Fill in the form with your details and the year and model of your vehicle, and we will contact you. All you need to do to ensure that your Mini continues to be a pleasure to drive is get regular vehicle inspections from your Mini technician. Visit Tom Bush MINI today for a thorough vehicle inspection performed by an expert Mini technician to keep your car running like new.

If you care about the air pollution your car emits, then you need a fully functioning catalytic converter. The converter sits under your car between the engine and the muffler, converting dangerous engine exhaust into harmless gases. If your converter becomes clogged, overheated, contaminated, or cracked, then it'll begin causing problems and will need to be repaired or replaced promptly. Let's take a look at seven clear signs you should visit your local Mini dealer for a new converter. more Does Your Mini Need a New Catalytic Converter? Reduced Engine Performance Your converter cleverly converts pollutants like nitrogen oxide and unburned gas into harmless emissions using precious metals and ceramic-coded beads, which are known as the catalysts. If any of this process becomes hindered by damage or age, the performance of your engine suffers. One clear result of a damaged converter is sluggish engine performance. If a faulty converter is restricting the outflow of exhaust gases then the engine's inflow of air will also be reduced. You'll first notice this in lessened engine power and acceleration. You'll also start hearing your engine sputter and misfire. Lessened Fuel Mileage Restricted airflow through an engine causes the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chambers to become unbalanced. In this case, your engine will be struggling to function, no longer able to turn fuel into power as efficiently. You'll notice this in more frequent stops for gas. So if you're getting less bang for your buck at the gas station, your converter might well be to blame. Black Exhaust Smoke In the case of catalyst failure and restricted airflow combined, the unbalanced fuel-air mixture leads to excess fuel in the engine's combustion chambers. This excess, unburned fuel needs to escape and you'll notice thickened exhaust or black smoke pouring from your tailpipe. Sometimes, you'll even see flames as the unburned fuel ignites on the way out. Rattling Noises From Below If your converter is very old or impacted by a bump over a pothole, then parts of it might come loose. This most commonly happens with the meshes inside it, which can begin to collapse or come apart. If this occurs, you'll hear a rattling sound from below. Overheating Engine With some converter faults, exhaust emissions can no longer exit the engine at all. This builds up enormous pressure inside the engine and can lead to overheating. You might notice this as smoke or steam coming from under your hood, a hood that's hot to touch, loud ticking sounds, or various other kinds of engine malfunctions. If you suspect overheating, pull over immediately and call a technician to help you out. Few things destroy an engine quicker than overheating. If your engine's cooling system is still working well, then the culprit might be your converter. Your Mini Dealer Finds Damage The engine damage that a faulty converter causes can often be averted by identifying the damage early on. This is one important purpose of regular service checkups at your local dealership. A full inspection always includes examining the converter for early signs of trouble. Your "Check Engine" Light Blinks On This final indicator is the one you're most likely to notice first in the case of a malfunctioning converter. If the "check engine" flashes on your dashboard, never ignore it. You might have any number of problems, including a faulty converter. To have your exhaust system inspected and repaired by certified technicians, visit Tom Bush MINI. We've been providing the region's Mini drivers with outstanding vehicles and service for over twenty years, and look forward to doing the same for you.

We all go to the dentist and doctor for regular checkups because we want to catch potential problems early on. The same reasoning stands when maintaining the health of your Mini Cooper's brakes. Any minor problems with your brake fluid, brake pads, or any other brake components can become dangerous on the road if not promptly repaired. Let's take a look at how often you should visit your local Mini dealer for routine brake service. more How Often Should Your Mini Cooper Get Brake Service? It Varies From Driver to Driver There isn't really a one-schedule-fits-all for brake system servicing. The brake pads on Mini Coopers last for a good 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on your driving style and terrain. Other potential problems like brake fluid leaks, warped rotors, and brake fade from overheating also depend on just how much you're pressing that brake pedal. So it's important to establish your driving style and terrain before you decide how often to have your brakes seen. Normal Versus Extreme Conditions If you live in a quiet suburban town, surrounded by mostly flat farmland, and you rarely take your car into big, bustling cities, then you won't be using your brakes all that much. Under these conditions, you'll probably only need your brakes seen once a year. But if you live in mountainous terrain with many downhill stretches of road and plenty of sharp corners, then your brakes will be under far more pressure. You might want to have your brakes checked every six months instead. The same goes for frequent urban commutes in heavy stop-and-go traffic, which also require a lot of braking. What's Your Driving Style? Your personal style of driving may involve more braking or less. There's a none-too-healthy driving habit called "riding the brakes" that involves keeping your foot on the pedal for unnecessarily long stretches of time, especially when driving downhill. If you're guilty of this habit, then your brakes are under a great deal of daily pressure, and you might want to have them checked more often. Regularly carrying or towing heavy loads also wears down brakes faster. This is because a heavier vehicle simply requires more friction and force to slow and stop. Whenever You Visit Your Mini Dealer You can ask a trusted technician at your local dealership for advice on your particular driving style and terrain. It's generally a good idea to coincide your brake checkups with your other trips to the dealership, such as your annual engine diagnostic, or your biannual visits for tire rotation and oil changes. When You Noticed Brake Problems It goes without saying that if you ever suspect problems with your brakes, have them promptly inspected and fixed. Potential problems include worn-down brake pads, damaged rotors, fading brake power, and leaking brake fluid. The "check brakes" light on your instrument panel with almost always alert you to any such issues. To have a certified professional inspect your brakes today, pay a visit to Tom Bush MINI. We're a trusted local dealership that's been providing the region's Mini drivers with outstanding vehicles and customer service for over twenty years.