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MINIs are fun to drive and very reliable, making them great for around town or the highway. Your vehicle has a specific MINI maintenance schedule based on its year and engine to help it stay running great. However, there are some general rules and guidelines you should follow for optimal performance over time. The service center staff at Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, FL, will ensure that your car receives the needed service on schedule. All new MINIs come with a computerized maintenance monitor. The MINI Integrated Maintenance System tracks the quality and levels of important engine fluids and systems and alerts you when they need attention. This is great for people who tend to forget about scheduling a service appointment. It also provides a more accurate system of providing optimal recommendations based on driving habits and conditions. As a general rule, you will probably need to schedule a service every 7,500 miles or so. If you don't drive that much in a year, an annual appointment can help ensure that fluids are fresh and air filters are clean. MINI recommends changing air filters and spark plugs based on the number of engine oil changes you have. Service on All-Electric MINIs Electric vehicles have minimal regular maintenance needs. They do not have oil, spark plugs, or standard transmissions. That's why the all-electric Countryman SE ALL4 has very different maintenance requirements than its gas-powered counterparts. Your main focus for scheduled maintenance on a MINI EV is rotating, inspecting, and keeping its tires at the recommended pressure. This will help them last longer and wear better, which translates into better control in slick conditions. MINI's Complimentary Maintenance Program more MINI stands behind its cars. The company offers free regular scheduled maintenance on all new MINI vehicles for three years or 36,000 miles. The package includes regular inspections and servicing of: Engine oil Brake fluids Engine air filter Cabin air filter Tips for Top Performance Regular maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to keep your new car running great for many years. There are also lots of steps you can take at home between service appointments. Keeping a close eye on fluids and other things can help you catch problems early, before they cause permanent damage. Try to top off your washer fluid regularly, especially if you live somewhere with frequent rain or lots of insects. Additionally, every driver should check the following items weekly for top results: Coolant levels Engine oil Tire pressure Tire wear patterns MINIs are versatile vehicles that come equipped with an Integrated MINI Maintenance System to alert you of needed service items. For best results and to participate in the complimentary maintenance program, you should schedule service appointments at a qualified dealership. Schedule a service appointment at Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, FL, today.

Owning an iconic British MINI is already a fine statement of character and style. You can further personalize your MINI with a whole range of practical, high-quality, attractive MINI accessories. Here are a few great examples. Personalize Your Drive: The Best MINI Accessories to Customize Your Ride Black LED Driving Lights Brighten the road ahead at night with subtle yet powerful black-framed LED lights that fit neatly and work alongside your existing high beams. These additional lights not only keep you safer after dark but also grant a sportier image to your MINI. They're independently controlled with a discrete, separate on/off switch. Vibrant Silver Bonnet Decals A long-standing tradition of MINI drivers is to personalize their cars with fun, elegant, charming decals: a kind of decorative graphic on the bodywork. These decals are easily reversible so you can experiment with different looks. Stylized Mirror Caps These super-cool mirror caps put a playful yet subtle black and gray Union Jack pattern on the backs of your side view mirrors. Another design choice has a sleek pale silver line running across the mirror's back in alignment with the contours of your MINI's bodywork. more License Plate Frame You can tidy up the rims of your license plates with these classy black metal frames. There are several frame options, some with an extra detail that sits beneath the plate like a Union Jack or the name of your model. Stylized Valve Stem Caps MINI knows that true style requires attention to the smallest detail. With MINI's range of trendy valve stem caps, your wheels have that perfect last touch, like choosing the right buttons on a good tailored dress shirt. Carpeted Floor Mats The popular loop-style original MINI carpeted floor mats look amazing and have sewn piping plus a prominent MINI logo. For the driver's footwell, a clever non-slip heel pad is there for extra firmness in your pedal work. For any passengers who want to remove their shoes on longer trips, the soft carpeting feels really comfy. Elegant Sunshade Keep your MINI's interior cooler on sunny days with an attractive, easy-to-use sunshade designed to fit your MINI's windshield perfectly. With a silver color and elegant MINI logo, this sunshade saves your AC from excessive strain, thereby improving your gas mileage, while preventing the sun's UV rays from fading your dash and seating upholstery. All-Weather Cargo Area Mat MINI's fitted luggage compartment mats protect the floor and sides from dirt, mud, and spills. They're lightweight and easy to remove for cleaning before sliding back into place, and they add a certain neat refinement to the cargo area. With a few well-selected accessories like these, we can give your MINI a tailored flair that suits your personality and driving needs. Come to Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, FL, to browse many more options.

Fully electric vehicles are appealing for several reasons, such as reducing your personal carbon footprint and saving money on gas. Driving a MINI Cooper EV is also beneficial to your wallet since your EV requires fewer maintenance and repair costs. Learn about the recommended MINI electric maintenance schedule to ensure your MINI is ready for the road. more MINI Electric Maintenance: Keeping Your MINI Cooper EV Running Smoothly Your EV is built without certain mechanical components, such as a gas engine, exhaust system, catalytic converter, or timing belt. In a traditional gas vehicle, all of these parts will require routine maintenance at least once or twice a year to replace motor oil, check spark plugs, or tune up the engine. However, while your EV does not have these specific components, it does require routine maintenance for wear and tear, battery health, and more. Wear-and-Tear Parts Your MINI EV will need to have air filters, exterior light bulbs, windshield wipers, and various fluids replaced every once in a while to ensure all vehicle components are operating correctly. The frequency of your wear-and-tear replacements will depend on how often you drive your vehicle, your driving environment, weather factors, and more. Your tires are one wear-and-tear part that will require regular maintenance. While you can expect your tires to last for about 30,000 miles on average, you will still need to schedule routine tire rotations at least once every six months of 7,500 miles, depending on how much you drive. Tire rotations ensure that the treat on all four tires is wearing down evenly, which supports safe handling and energy-efficient travel. Brake System Your EV has a complex brake system that consists of regular brake pads, rotors, brake fluid, and a regenerative braking system. Your traditional brake system should be checked routinely to make sure your brake pads aren't wearing too thin and that your vehicle has enough brake fluid to support emergency braking maneuvers. The regenerative braking system should also be checked to ensure kinetic energy is recharging the battery efficiently. Drive Battery The heart of your MINI EV is the drive battery, which is responsible for storing the energy required to travel the total electric range for your vehicle and perform other vehicle functions. It's a good idea to schedule a battery health check at least once a year to assess how well your battery is holding a charge. Much of the time, your EV battery will last for at least eight years before it needs to be replaced. It's important to schedule routine service for your EV's critical components to make sure your MINI Cooper EV is ready for daily travel and long trips. Contact Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, FL to schedule EV service today.

One of the reasons your tires have voids in between the treads is to displace water on the road. If the treads of your tires are growing too shallow, your tires might lose traction on wet surfaces. If you notice this or any of the other hazardous tire issues outlined below, head to your local MINI dealer for new tires without delay. Need New Tires? Visit Your MINI Dealer Today Tread Depths Read 2/32 of an Inch Tire treads wear down over time, eventually becoming too shallow or bald to safely grip the road. The minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 of an inch in 42 states, including Florida. It's important to regularly measure your tread depths. When you notice the tread wear indicator bars become prominent, your tire treads are getting too shallow, and it's time for replacements. more Excessively Uneven Tire Wear Tires also tend to wear down unevenly due to unbalanced weight in the car and other uneven forces exerted by the steering and brakes. While regular tire rotation keeps most tire sets even in size and wear, tires can occasionally become too uneven for rotation to fix. Significantly uneven tires are no longer safe to use and should be replaced. Persistent Tire Pressure Trouble Most drivers check the air pressure in their tires once or twice a month. If you notice persistently falling air pressure or the tire pressure monitor gauge on your dashboard keeps lighting up, you might need a new set of tires. Rapidly Spreading Sidewall Cracks UV rays and chemicals from the road can gradually damage tire rubber, causing the moisture in the rubber to dry out. This reduces the tire's flexibility and creates cracks that most often appear in the sidewalls. A few tiny cracks are nothing to worry about, but many rapidly spreading cracks put the tire at risk of blowing out. Bulges and Blisters in the Rubber When a tire's inner liner is ruptured by an impact with a pothole or curb, escaping air can sometimes become trapped beneath the outer layer of rubber, forming a bubble or blister. This also means the tire is also no longer safe to use and has to go. Cuts, Holes, or Embedded Objects In car tires, small punctures, cuts, and holes made by embedded objects can sometimes be repaired safely. However, if a gash or hole is too big or placed in an awkward position, you may need to replace the whole tire. If you find any such damage, ask a trusted technician what they think can be done to resolve it. Visit Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, FL, today to have your tires promptly rotated, repaired, or replaced. We're a locally trusted dealership offering a handy one-stop shop for all your vehicle purchasing or maintenance needs.

As your MINI dealership, we can help with your MINI service and repair needs to help keep your vehicle in great condition and on the road longer. 6 Services Offered by Your MINI Dealership MINI Service Maintenance Program Our maintenance program is included with the purchase of every new MINI and provides complimentary vehicle maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Services include oil changes, inspection, brake fluid, engine air filter, and cabin air microfilter. After the complimentary service program ends, you can extend the coverage by purchasing MINI Maintenance+. This can be an affordable option for continuing the regular maintenance of your MINI. more MINI Motoring Protection When you purchase a new or certified pre-owned MINI, you can choose to extend the warranty with one of our protection plans. This provides extra coverage for up to seven years or 100,000 miles. Choose from one of three tiers, Powertrain, Gold, and Platinum, to cover certain repairs and maintenance. All tiers include roadside assistance. The Powertrain level provides comprehensive coverage for the transfer case and induction system with limited coverage for the engine, transmission, cooling, fuel, and electrical systems. The Platinum level offers the most comprehensive coverage with only limited coverage for the interior and exterior. MINI FastService When you need service in a hurry and don't want to wait around or borrow a loaner vehicle, request MINI FastService. Our technicians will get you in and out quickly. FastService is available for oil changes, tire rotation and replacement, brake service, spark plug replacement, windshield wiper replacement, small item replacements like light bulbs, and more. Oil Changes and Other Services Schedule all of your routine maintenance and necessary repairs through our service department. Oil changes are needed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on your vehicle. Anytime you hear a strange noise, notice a difference in how your vehicle drives, or see an indicator light on your dashboard, schedule service. Tire Center During routine maintenance, we'll check your tires for wear and tear and rotate them as needed. We'll keep you informed about the condition of your tires. When you're ready for new tires, you have options. Our performance tires offer better handling. All-season tires give you better traction and smooth handling. If you're headed north to icy roads this winter, we can help you switch to winter tires. Collision Repair No matter what kind of collision you're in, with another vehicle or a shopping cart that dinged your door, our technicians can help restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. We'll repair damage and replace parts with original MINI equipment so your vehicle continues to run as it should. We can also handle body and structural repairs. Take care of your MINI and extend the life and value of your vehicle in the years ahead. Call Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, FL to schedule maintenance for your MINI today.

The ignition coil plays a vital yet unseen role in your MINI's startup and performance by firing the spark plugs. As one of the key components inside the distributor or coil packs, a faulty coil can lead to frustrating issues. It's important to understand the signs that this important part may need servicing by the experienced technicians at your MINI dealer. 8 Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil 1. Hesitation or Misfires One of the first signs is hesitation, stalling, or misfires upon acceleration. This occurs as a failing coil struggles to generate a strong enough spark for proper combustion in each cylinder. You may also notice rough idling. more 2. Low Fuel Economy Misfires and hesitation from a faulty coil result in unburned fuel passing through the exhaust. This wasted fuel means lower fuel economy at the pump over time. Pay attention to rapidly decreasing mpg. 3. Diagnostic Trouble Codes Your MINI's onboard diagnostic system is uniquely capable of detecting problems with individual coils and generating diagnostic trouble codes corresponding to the specific coil circuit. Have any ignition-related codes checked by the expert technicians at your local MINI dealer. 4. Deteriorating Spark Plug Performance Over time, the weak spark from a failing coil can cause spark plugs to wear out prematurely. Plugs may look wet, oily, or burned at an accelerated rate. Replacing worn plugs may not resolve issues if the underlying coil is faulty. 5. Engine Knock or Pinging Sounds Weak sparking can sometimes allow fuel to auto-ignite outside of the engine's timed ignition window, producing audible pinging or knock. This damaged engine components over the long haul if left unresolved. 6. Hard Starting When trying to start a vehicle with a bad coil, the starter may crank the engine for longer than usual before it catches. This is because weak sparking can't fully ignite the air-fuel mixture on the initial cranking attempts. It takes extra time for combustion and the engine to stabilize. Hard starting is more prevalent in colder weather. 7. Check Engine Light The check engine light will eventually illuminate most modern vehicles with coil failure. Advanced engine diagnostics detect misfires and store diagnostic trouble codes pointing to problems in the primary or secondary ignition circuits. Trust Dash lights as another clear sign for further inspection. 8. Occasional Mild Energy Surge In rare cases, a faulty coil may produce an unusually strong spark, potentially causing a momentary energy surge felt through the vehicle. However, surging is not a very common symptom of a coil pack issue. Replacing faulty coils identified by auto diagnostic tools can restore proper sparking and help prevent escalating repairs down the road. Visit us today at Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, FL, for a coil check. Our factory-trained technicians can diagnose ignition problems and ensure your MINI's coil packs are in good working order to avoid future misfires.

Is your MINI's engine not as responsive as usual? The source of your engine troubles might be a clogged, worn-out, or dirty oil filter. Look out for signs of filter issues and visit your local MINI dealer to get a new one. Does Your MINI Need a New Oil Filter? Visit Your MINI Dealer Today Dark or Dirty Oil on the Dipstick After miles of driving, debris accumulates in your MINI's filter, preventing it from catching all contaminants in the oil. Many unwanted contaminants then circulate in the engine oil, causing it to look dark and dirty on the dipstick. You may also notice a sludgy buildup in the oil. These are signs that you should replace the filter and change your oil to allow proper lubrication in the engine. more Dropping Oil Pressure Gauge Your filter does a good job of trapping debris and preventing it from circulating in the oil. But over time, contaminants build up in the filter, preventing oil from flowing freely through it. This reduces the pressure of the oil circulating in the system. Low oil levels leave the engine vulnerable to excess friction, overheating, and premature wear. Declining Engine Performance If you notice poor acceleration or spluttering when the vehicle is running, it is time to get a new filter. These problems occur when carbon deposits and other debris contaminate the oil, preventing it from lubricating the engine components. This causes overheating, which forces the engine to work harder to provide power. Replace the clogged filter with one that can trap all the contaminants in the oil to allow proper performance. Reduced Fuel Economy If your filter is blocked or worn out, your engine will struggle to run optimally. This may cause it to burn more fuel to provide adequate power. Swapping in a new, clean filter can quickly restore proper lubrication, so your MINI's engine doesn't have to work as hard. Change the oil as well to prevent the degraded oil from clogging your new filter. Grinding Noises Grinding noises under the hood could be caused by various issues, including a bad filter. If your filter isn't trapping all the contaminants effectively, it allows dirty oil to flow through the engine. Degraded oil cannot properly lubricate the engine, so there will be increased friction between the components. This will cause grinding sounds when the engine is running. Black Exhaust Fumes Excessive black smoke coming from your tailpipe is a sign that oil is being burned in the combustion chamber. This can happen if you have a clogged filter that prevents oil from flowing and coating the engine components. Piston rings wear out due to friction and excess heat, causing oil to seep into the chamber. The oil gets burned and releases hydrocarbons, leading to black exhaust fumes. Your filter plays a key role in optimizing your engine's overall health, so replace it if you notice these signs. Swing by Tom Bush MINI to replace your filter and change your engine oil.

All car engines need high-quality motor oil to lubricate the moving parts and help reduce wear and tear. If your motor oil starts to thicken, degrade, leak, or reduce in volume, your engine will rapidly run into trouble. Routinely having your oil refreshed helps to make sure you avoid expensive engine repair jobs. Let's take a look at how often you should visit your local MINI dealer for an oil change. How Long Has It Been Since Your MINI's Last Oil Change? Every Six Months Is a Good Rule of Thumb Most drivers should change their motor oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Once every six months usually ensures that most drivers don't accidentally leave it for longer than 7,500 miles. If you have your oil refreshed twice a year, you can also conveniently coincide it with other important maintenance, such as rotating your tires and having the brakes serviced. more Consider Your Regular Driving Conditions Some driving conditions cause motor oil to wear down faster. If you think you might be putting your engine and oil through more severe driving conditions, it's best to have your oil refreshed more frequently, perhaps three or four times a year. Severe driving conditions include regular short trips of under five miles, which doesn't really give the oil time to warm up and lubricate properly. Commutes in heavy stop-and-go traffic can also cause motor oil to degrade more rapidly, as can driving for long distances at relatively low speeds. Towing trailers and carrying heavy loads can also put additional strain on an engine. And using particularly dirty, dusty, sandy roads can cause motor oil to fill with contaminants and thicken prematurely. Set Up a Routine Schedule at Your Local MINI Dealer It's a good idea to consult with a trusted technician at your local dealership. That way, you can set up an optimal schedule for changing your oil that takes your personal driving conditions into account. You'll then have a regular routine to stick to, with automatic reminders from your dealership should you forget about an upcoming visit. Take Your Powertrain Warranty Into Account It's also worth taking any valid warranties into account. Powertrain warranties usually demand regular oil servicing to stay valid. So if you wish to keep your warranty from voiding, look up the stipulated oil servicing schedule and stick to it. The fact that warranties require frequent changes of the motor oil further emphasizes how important fresh oil is to keep a car's engine in tip-top condition. Have your motor oil refreshed today by courteous, experienced technicians at Tom Bush MINI. We're an award-winning community-focused local dealership that's been serving the region's MINI drivers with excellent vehicles, maintenance, repairs, and customer service for over two decades.

Have you ever been driving your MINI and noticed it starting to shudder or jerk unexpectedly? If your car seems to be hiccuping on the road, you might be dealing with engine misfiring. There are a few different reasons that your engine might be misbehaving this way, but a trip to your MINI dealer can help take care of it. Understanding Engine Misfiring An engine misfire occurs when one or more of the engine's cylinders fail to fire correctly, leading to a lack of power, decreased fuel efficiency, and shaky driving. Ignoring these signs can lead to even more severe issues, so it's important to get it fixed right away. Unfortunately, it can be tricky to diagnose the cause of your engine problems at home, but the experts at the dealership can track down the cause in no time. more Ignition System Issues One of the most common causes of misfires is a problem with your spark plugs or ignition system. Spark plugs are crucial pieces of your car, igniting the fuel and air mixture in the cylinders. Faulty spark plugs, a malfunctioning coil pack, or issues with the ignition wires can all lead to misfires. Your local dealer can quickly diagnose and fix these issues, ensuring your ignition system functions correctly. Fuel System Malfunctions The engine must receive the correct amount of fuel to function properly. A clogged fuel injector, a faulty fuel pump, or issues with the fuel pressure regulator can disrupt this balance, leading to those pesky misfires. Air Intake System Problems A well-functioning air intake system ensures that the engine receives the right amount of air. A dirty air filter or a malfunctioning mass air flow sensor can lead to an imbalanced air-fuel mixture and cause misfires. Compression Issues Issues with the engine's compression, such as problems with the pistons, cylinder walls, or head gasket, can also lead to misfires. Any of these are significant issues that require professional attention. Vacuum Leak If your car has been acting a bit jittery, a vacuum leak might be the culprit. Your car relies on a balance of air and fuel to run smoothly. When there's a vacuum leak, it means extra air is sneaking into the engine that isn't supposed to be there. With too much air and not enough fuel, it's no wonder your car is misbehaving! Get Help at Your MINI Dealer Diagnosing and fixing a misfiring engine is not a good choice for the DIY mechanic. The experts at the dealership have the training, tools, and experience to find the source of the problem and get your engine running smoothly again in no time. If your MINI's engine has been misfiring, you shouldn't wait to seek professional help. Maintain your car's performance and get your peace of mind back. Schedule service at Tom Bush MINI today to keep your vehicle running at its best.

All proud MINI owners know that these compact cars offer not only style and performance but also a fun driving experience. However, like any vehicle, MINIs can encounter issues from time to time. If you notice your car smells like gas, it could be an emergency. If not, it might still be an issue you need to take to your MINI dealer. Never Ignore It If Your Car Smells Like Gas Gasoline has a distinctive, pungent odor, and it's hard to mistake. If you smell it inside your car, there's a reason for it. While you might be tempted to just keep going, there's a chance that the smell is a sign of something serious. That means you need to take it seriously. Pull Over in a Safe Place If you detect a strong smell of gasoline in your MINI, the first thing to do is to pull over in a safe location away from traffic. Once you do, turn off the engine immediately. Gasoline is highly flammable, and driving with a fuel leak could be extremely dangerous. more Identify the Source Once you've pulled over and turned off the engine, take a moment to identify the source of the smell. Here are a few common areas to check: 1. Fuel Cap Sometimes, a loose or improperly sealed fuel cap can allow gasoline vapors to escape. Check the fuel cap to make sure it's securely tightened. 2. Fuel Lines Inspect the fuel lines and connections under the hood. Look for any visible leaks or signs of damage. 3. Fuel Tank While this is less common, a damaged fuel tank can also be the source of the small. Check for any visible signs of damage or leaks from the fuel tank. Go to Your MINI Dealer for Help If you can't identify where the smell is coming from, or you suspect a problem you can't fix, it's time to call for help. Do not try to drive your car. Instead, contact your insurance company for help getting your car to the nearest service center. Be sure to explain the situation and mention that you smell gasoline. Avoid Smoking or Open Flames While you wait for assistance, be careful not to smoke near your car. Avoid any open flames. Gasoline fumes are highly flammable and can pose a serious fire hazard. Keep a safe distance away, and make sure any passengers do the same. A gasoline smell inside your MINI should never be taken lightly. It's a sign that something might be wrong with your fuel system. While it's possible that the smell is due to a minor issue, there's a chance that it's something serious instead. Always pull over and turn off the engine before you investigate. When in doubt, seek assistance from our technicians at Tom Bush MINI to make sure your car is running safely.

MINI offers a basic four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty for all new MINI vehicles. But for some drivers, an extended MINI warranty may be a better option. Before you contact your MINI dealer about extending your warranty term, learn more about the extended warranty plans MINI offers. Ask Your MINI Dealer: What's Included in MINI's 2023 Extended Warranty? In general, the extended service contracts for your MINI warranty will last for seven years or up to 100,000 miles. You can apply this extended coverage to the end of your factory warranty or the limited warranty for a certified pre-owned MINI. There are three tiers for these protection plans, so you can get the precise amount of coverage you need. more Platinum The Platinum protection plan can be applied to new, used, and certified pre-owned MINI vehicles. This is the highest tier and offers the most comprehensive protection for your vehicle. Essentially a bumper-to-bumper plan, this protection plan will cover the major components of your vehicle, including systems that are not covered in other protection plans. Gold The Gold plan is available for new and used MINI vehicles. This plan covers the most important components in your vehicle, such as the drivetrain, engine, transmission, and other major systems. However, unlike the Platinum plan, there are some components that may not be covered in this plan. Powertrain Plus The Powertrain Plus plan specifically covers the drivetrain of your vehicle. This extended MINI warranty plan can be purchased for new and used MINI vehicles. The plan may offer limited coverage for other components related to the powertrain and drivetrain. Are There Other Protection Plans? MINI offers several other protection plans that can be packaged with your longer warranty term, so you can have the most comprehensive and personalized vehicle protection possible. These protection plans can be applied to vehicles you are leasing or buying. Lease-End Protection This protection plan can protect you from turn-in fees that accumulate at the end of your lease. Specifically, this protection plan will waive charges that occur because of excess wear, such as dings, scratches, and stained floor mats. Guaranteed Auto Protection This protection plan can be paired with your auto insurance to provide protection if your vehicle is ever a total loss because of theft, a car accident, or a natural disaster. This plan will waive part or all of the difference between the value of the vehicle and the remaining sum on your auto loan. Tire and Wheel Protection This protection plan can help you replace flat tires, cracked wheel rims, and other wheel issues that occur because of road hazards. You can also pair this protection plan with Cosmetic Coverage, so you can easily repair cosmetic wheel flaws. Dent Protection If you ever get a dent or a ding on your MINI, this protection plan can help pay for the cost of repairs or flaw removal without interfering with the factory finish of your vehicle. Windshield Protection This protection plan is designed to help you cover the repair costs if your windshield is damaged by road debris, such as chips from gravel or cracks from objects. MINI offers some of the most customizable protection plan packages in the auto industry. If you're ready to customize your plan, contact Tom Bush MINI.

When the check engine light comes alive on your dashboard, it's best not to ignore it. This warning light means the sensors inside your car have picked up on a problem related to your engine. Most of the time, the detected problem will be minor, but sometimes, it can be urgent enough to stop diving immediately. Let's look at what the car engine light means and what you should do when you see it. What Does It Mean When Your Car's Check Engine Light Turns On? Your check engine light may have been triggered by a problem in the engine or a problem elsewhere that's causing problems for the engine. The light may indicate that one of your cylinders is misfiring as a result of a faulty spark plug, fuel injector, or ignition coil. Alternatively, the engine's airflow may be restricted by a clogged air filter or an exhaust system fault, such as a malfunctioning muffler or catalytic converter. One of the various sensors throughout your engine may be damaged, or your transmission might be having trouble, which can rapidly lead to engine trouble too. The check engine light would also warn you of overheating due to a fault in the engine's cooling system, which would cause the temperature gauge to shoot up as well. The light might also be warning you of something as minor as a loose fuel cap or valve, or low motor oil or coolant. more Is the Car Engine Light Amber or Red? You'll usually have an idea of how urgent the problem is from the color of the check engine light. If you're seeing a solid amber or yellow light, the problem probably isn't extremely urgent. On the other hand, if the light is flashing or red, then you may have a serious issue that requires the immediate attention of a technician. Head Calmly to Your Local Mini Dealer When you see the check engine light, it's important to keep a level head and don't panic. If the light is a solid amber or yellow, drive slowly and carefully to your nearest dealership. As you drive, pay attention to how your car feels, sounds, and smells: does anything seem out of the ordinary? If the check engine light is blinking or red, the problem may be too urgent to keep driving. It's best to find somewhere safe to pull over and turn off your engine. Check the temperature gauge to see if the engine is overheating. Even if you can't detect any discernible signs of trouble, it's best to call your local dealership for guidance on what to do next. Have your car inspected and your engine problems diagnosed today at Tom Bush MINI. We've been helping out the region's MINI drivers with top-notch vehicles, repairs, and car servicing for over twenty years.