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5 Car Maintenance Tips Every Mini Cooper Owner Can Use

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.

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5 Signs Your Mini Cooper Needs New Headlights

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!

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Get to Know the 2022 Mini Hardtop 4-Door

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!

A Closer Look at the 2022 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2-Door

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.

How Often Should You Get a Car Inspection?

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.

Does Your Mini Need a New Catalytic Converter?

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.

Keys to Getting a Quality Collision Repair for Your Mini

Accidents unfortunately do happen. Whether is a runaway shopping cart in the parking lot, a fallen tree branch, or anything in between, your Mini has been damaged. After you get over the shock and surprise, the next feeling is how do you get your car repaired. As your Mini dealer, we have a Mini-certified repair facility available for distressing times like these. We'd like to tell you about the steps in your car's collision repair process. more 5 Steps in a Collision Repair at Your Mini Dealer Arrival The first step in the process is the arrival of your car at or state-of-the-art collision center in Jacksonville, FL. We will confirm your contact and other details, and we will also check your car in. If you're arranging the repair with your insurance company, we'll also ask for their details so the quote can be sent to them. Assessment Our technicians will assess the damage to prepare a quote for the repair work. Depending on the type and scope of the damage, our technicians will examine eh interior and exterior of your car to confirm the full extent of the damage. We will also connect your car's computer to our diagnostic system to check for any other problems. Once we've thoroughly examined your car, we'll prepare a report on the damage to be repaired, the cost, and the timeframe for completion of the repairs. The assessment of the damage will be video recorded to ensure that it shows a complete record of the damage. Confirmation to Proceed If you're arranging the repairs, we'll advise of our assessment of the damage and provide a quote for the repair work. If your insurance is arranging the repairs, we'll liaise with them to make the process as simple and hassle-free as possible for you. Once we've received confirmation from either you or our insurance company, we'll move on to the repair work. Repairs Out technicians will already have a blueprint for the work that needs to be completed. Our spares department will have arranged any parts required, and our paint shop will have prepared the paint. All the damaged parts will be removed for repair or replacement. Technicians will then prepare the replacement parts and repair or replace any wiring or other components. We will have matched the color of your vehicle, and any parts will be sprayed in the identical color. We can match any original Mini color. We also only use original MIni parts in all of our repairs. This ensures the high-quality result that you deserve. Return The moment you've been waiting for. Your car will have been completely restored to its original condition. We will also have thoroughly cleaned it, and your car will be waiting for you to collect it. Once you've viewed the repairs and you're satisfied with the result, we return the keys and your car will be ready to go. If your Mini sustains any damage, call us right away at Tom Bush MINI. Our experts will return it to perfect condition.

Time for a New Car Battery? Visit Your Mini Dealer Today

Your battery has several important jobs, and the most crucial is providing the power to start your ignition. When you turn the key, and you hear the almost immediate purring of your engine, your battery is doing its job. Batteries have a limited life, and they will wear out in a few years. When you need a new car battery, come into your Mini dealership, and we'll replace it for you. These are some signs you may need a new battery. more Time for a New Car Battery? Visit Your Mini Dealer Today Old Battery A car's battery lasts 3 to 5 years on average, although it's possible under ideal conditions for a battery to last a few years beyond that. Environmental conditions can play a huge role in your battery's longevity. Regular cold conditions, for example, will cause your battery to degrade faster. We advise that you have your battery checked at least every three years to make sure it's still working correctly and can carry a charge. Strange Smell Your battery contains sulfuric acid, which is used in chemical reactions to provide an electrical charge and to allow the battery to be recharged. When a battery gets older, some of the acidic vapor can escape from the casing. If you have a strong rotten egg smell in your car, come and see us and our technicians will replace your battery. Corroded Terminals It's easy to look for signs of corrosion. If you open the hood and you see a white or gray powder on the terminals, this is a sign that your battery is starting to corrode. Sometimes, the acidic vapor escaping from an old battery mixes with moisture in the air and forms an acidic salt. This salt is drawn to the terminals of your battery. You can clean the terminals, but once your battery starts to corrode it will need to be replaced. Damaged Battery Case The sensitive internal components of your battery are protected by a tough outer casing. A battery case is usually rectangular, but it can also be square in shape. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can cause the battery casing to warp. This damage to the casing can allow sulfuric acid to escape, and this can cause additional damage to the battery and to surrounding components. Damaged Alternator Your battery may be healthy, but if you have a dead alternator it will cause your battery to die too. A battery has a very limited electrical storage capacity, and one of the functions of the alternator is to recharge the battery. Without the alternator, your battery won't recharge and it will quickly run out of power. Our technicians will test both the alternator and the battery to find the cause of the problem. A dead battery always seems to happen at the worst possible time. Fortunately, there are always signs that your battery is getting weaker. If you have a battery problem, call our service center right away at Tom Bush MINI.

Does Your Mini Need a New Car Air Filter?

Do you remember the last time you replaced your engine air filter at your MINI dealership?  Air filters help your engine work correctly and clean out pollutants that cause problems. It's always a good idea to make sure you have a clean filter in your car. Listed below are a few reasons why your MINI may need a new car air filter. more Do You Need to Replace Your Car Air Filter at Your MINI Dealership? 1. Your Owner's Manual Recommends It It's easy to forget about your car and its upkeep until it stops working. You can expect your MINI to last a very long time if you take good care of it. A clean engine air filter is essential for ensuring your car works at its best. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your car in top shape. You will find the easiest way to stay on top of repairs is to check your vehicle manual regularly. The MINI recommended maintenance schedule will tell you when to replace the air filter and other parts. 2. The Air Filter Looks Dirty When an engine air filter becomes dirty, your vehicle might not be operating at full capacity. Whenever you open your hood, look for dust or debris on top of the filter. If you find dirt on top of the filter, it is probably time to replace it. Air filters may get dirtier than usual in certain driving conditions, like traveling on gravel and dirt roads. If you drive your MINI under dusty road conditions, you may need to change your air filter. 3. Check Engine Light Turns On The check engine light alerts drivers of problems in their vehicles by illuminating when something goes wrong. The lack of air in the engine can result in carbon buildup, which causes the light to come on. 4. The Car Runs Roughly If your car is slow to respond when you press the gas pedal, or if the vehicle is not accelerating as it should, it might be time to replace your air filter. Your engine air filter might just be clogged with dirt and debris from the road and not doing its job correctly. Your MINI's performance can decrease drastically if your air filter is missing, collapsed, or damaged. This scenario can cause a drop in fuel efficiency and even shut down some vehicle functions. 5. You See a Drop in Fuel Economy An air filter that has stopped working can result in a decrease in fuel efficiency. If your gas mileage has gone down significantly — this could be because a dirty air filter has led to more resistance in the system and therefore requires more fuel to operate. 6. You Smell Gas When You Start Your Car Your vehicle's fuel-injection system requires clean air to work efficiently. The engine can't burn all of the fuel if there is too much dirt in the system. The gas smell might be coming from leftover gasoline or debris stuck in the air filter. No matter how great a car is, it cannot operate optimally without a clean air filter. Stop by Tom Bush MINI for a vehicle inspection and get your air filter checked!

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6 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation for Your Mini

Maintenance is a part of owning a car. Anyone who has owned a car will tell you that your vehicle will function better and last longer if you keep up with regular maintenance. You can get lots of routine maintenance done at your local Mini Dealer, including a tire rotation. more 6 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation for Your Mini at Your Mini Dealer 1. Vibration The tread on your tires will wear at different rates depending on various factors. A significant effect that the uneven wear will cause is vibration. You may notice that your steering wheel jiggles; maybe there's a little shake that makes the loose change jingle while you drive. This slight wiggle will eventually get more prominent, and the uneven wear can affect your car's alignment. Getting your tires rotated can help to prevent this. 2. Sound The uneven wear to the tread of your tires, prevented by rotating your tires, causes your car to vibrate and means you are going to experience a noisier ride. That vibration means your car isn't riding smoothly, and it makes talking, listening to passengers, or listening to music difficult. This, in turn, can make riding in your car rather unpleasant. 3. Smooth Ride Rotating your tires will not only reduce noise and vibration but will also improve how smooth your car drives. When you rotate tires, it allows the tread to wear evenly, improving your traction and handling. This means a smoother ride for you and your passengers. The extra traction you gain is especially handy on gravel, wet, or uneven surfaces. 4. Even Wear One of the perks of rotating your tires is that they will wear evenly. Tires that wear evenly will generally outlive tires that are not rotated regularly. This prolongs the use of the tire and saves your wallet. In addition, you will spend less money replacing individual tires if you take the time to have them rotated regularly. 5. Fewer Blow-Outs

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Does Your Mini Need a Transmission Repair?

The function of a transmission is to transfer engine power to the driveshaft and wheels, and the gears change the speed. It is therefore crucial that your vehicle's transmission is in tip-top condition. The following red flags will warn you that it's time for a transmission repair at your Mini dealer before a minor repair changes into an expensive replacement. more Does Your Mini Need a Transmission Repair From Your Mini Dealer? Leaking Transmission Fluid If you notice a red puddle under your car, the transmission fluid is leaking out. Even if it's a small reddish spot, act fast and get the leak repaired as soon as possible. Insufficient transmission fluid to lubricate the parts will cause overheating and extensive damage, leading to transmission failure and an expensive replacement. Gear Shifting Problems The moment you have trouble shifting your car into gear, the transmission is the culprit. A faulty manual transmission will cause slow acceleration and high revs. If you drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission, there will be a delay shifting from drive to park before the gear engages. Don't wait too long before fixing the problem. In time your car might not shift into gear at all. Dragging Clutch and Gear Popping If you drive a manual transmission, a dragging clutch will make it hard to shift gears. The clutch drags when the disk and flywheel don't disengage when you step on the clutch pedal. Your manual transmission might even pop out of gear and make grinding noises. Jerking, Shaking or Grinding When you change gears and your vehicle shakes or jerks, a faulty transmission could be causing the problem. The gears will slip on an automatic transmission. If your vehicle slips between gears, it's dangerous and could cause an accident. A manual transmission will make horrible grinding sounds. Get the problem sorted out fast before it causes more damage. Strange Noises A transmission consists of many moving parts, and when something goes wrong, it causes all kinds of sounds, depending on if it's an automatic or manual transmission. A faulty manual transmission will make clunking sounds, and a failing automatic transmission will make a whining, humming, or buzzing noise. Burning Odor You will smell a burning odor when your transmission is overheating. Overheating could be caused by low or contaminated transmission fluid. That is why regular transmission fluid replacements at the correct intervals are crucial. Old transmission fluid breaks down and becomes contaminated. It can't perform the task of lubrication which results in overheating. Transmission fluid that overheats causes an acrid smell, and you might even see smoke. Illuminated Check Engine Light Transmission problems will trigger the check engine light. When you notice the check engine light is on, it's a warning that you need to get your car to your technician as soon as possible. Don't wait until you experience all of the above problems. Act fast and get the problem sorted out asap before you have to fork out heaps of cash for a transmission rebuild or replacement. Regular maintenance and transmission inspections will save you money on repair costs and ensure that your Mini is in excellent running condition. Contact Tom Bush MINI today for an expert transmission service performed by certified and experienced Mini technicians.

Oil being poured

3 Services You Get With Your Mini Cooper Oil Change When You Visit a Dealership

To keep your car in the best condition, you'll need to visit your MINI dealer for an oil change on a regular basis. There are several MINI Cooper oil change specials available, and they apply to different drivers and cars. However, no matter what plan you're covered by, you'll always get replacement oil and a filter change if needed. What's more, your mechanic will check the vehicle's systems and provide you with original spare parts should there be a default. more 3 Services You Get With Your MINI Cooper Oil Change When You Visit a MINI Dealer 1. An Oil Replacement and a Filter Change As the name suggests, your mechanic will have a look at your oil during this kind of service. In many cases, it might still be of good quality, and you'll simply receive a top-up. However, oil can get old over time, which negatively affects the efficiency of the car's engine. The technician will check the current quality of your oil and let you know whether it needs to be taken out and replaced or whether topping it up will be sufficient. Every MINI also has an oil filter, which removes all the dirt and debris that would otherwise have gotten into your oil. This is crucial because it increases the time between oil changes and helps your engine to run smoothly. Your mechanic will check the state of your oil filter and let you know whether it needs to get replaced. In general, you can expect it to last for around two oil changes, or, up to two years. 2. A Check of Your Car's Systems Be sure to ask the technician at the dealership to have a look at your car's systems. If you come for your oil change more than once a year, a thorough diagnostic check won't be necessary, as this is included in your annual maintenance appointment. However, MINI mechanics are trained to spot small differences in the way your car functions, so they'll be able to tell you if everything still looks good. 3. Original MINI Spare Parts Occasionally, your technician might notice that something about your car doesn't seem right during your oil change. In such a case, they will let you know and run further tests. If your vehicle needs a repair, they will always use genuine MINI spare parts that came directly from the manufacturer. This ensures that you retain your warranty and that your other car parts won't be damaged by the new components. No matter what you need, we'll have it in stock. MINI Cooper cars are small but powerful, and you can keep yours in great working order by having your oil changed at least once a year. If you drive a lot, you might need to visit your dealership more frequently. Get in touch with us today at Tom Bush MINI and ask us about the deals we have on this type of service. We'll be happy to find out more about your vehicle and let you know about the appropriate special offer.

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