Keys to Getting a Quality Collision Repair for Your Mini

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.

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

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.