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.
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If you’re looking for a fun day trip near Jacksonville, FL, we suggest taking the MINI and checking out these three best views. These locations offer beautiful scenery and are perfect for a summer day spent with family or friends.
Take the MINI and Check Out These 3 Best Views Near Jacksonville, FL
1. Southbank Riverwalk
The Southbank Riverwalk in Jacksonville is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Stretching for 1.2 miles along the St. Johns River, the riverwalk offers stunning views of the downtown skyline and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or go for a jog.
There are also several restaurants and cafes along the way, a playground, and an interactive water fountain that kids will love. The Riverwalk is also a popular spot for fishing; you can often see people casting their lines from the bridges that span the river. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a place to have some fun, the Southbank Riverwalk is sure to please.
Read the rest of this entry »Electrical Problems? Visit Your MINI Dealer Today!
The electrical systems in your car are responsible for getting it going in the first place, as well as powering multiple functions for a safe and comfortable drive. Make sure that you know how to recognize electrical problems and when to contact your MINI dealer for help.
Electrical Problems? Visit Your MINI Dealer Today!
The electrical systems in your car include the battery, alternator, starting motor, ignition, lights, and other equipment, so if there’s a problem then a number of functions and accessories might fail.
The Engine Won’t Crank
“Cranking” is shown by the chirping noise that your car makes before the engine ignites when you turn the key to start. If there’s no response when you turn the ignition, check to see if the lights are working. If they aren’t, you probably have a dead battery, if they are, then you may have a problem with your alternator.
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Jacksonville, FL is a city with an abundance of natural beauty. From the riverfront to the sprawling parks, there are plenty of places to enjoy a picnic in Jacksonville. So pack your lunch and sunscreen and get ready to enjoy the fresh air in one of the picnic spots listed below.
Take the Car and Check Out These 3 Great Picnic Spots in Jacksonville, FL
Memorial Park
Drive to Memorial Park, located on the St. Johns River, in your comfortable Mini Cooper S with heated front seats to take in the stunning river views. Visitors can also enjoy various recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The park also has a playground and a pavilion where picnickers can enjoy their meals.
Memorial Park is also popular because of its rich history. It was initially built in honor of soldiers who fought in World War I and now serves as a memorial to men and women who have served in the armed forces. The park is well-maintained and offers a peaceful setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
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When you driving on the open road, or anywhere far from immediate help, it’s good to take precautions. A good car tool kit is invaluable in helping you to get back on the road again if a breakdown happens. Many problems can be temporarily repaired to let you get to your Mini dealer. These are some of the tools to keep in your kit for emergencies.
Advice From Your MINI Dealer: 5 Items You Need in Your Car Tool Kit
Tire Inflator
You’ve got a spare tire, but what if more than one tire goes flat? If you need to get mobile ASAP, a can of tire inflator will get you on your way. Tire inflators don’t require a level of strength or special tools to use.
All you need to do is to attach the nozzle to the tire pressure valve and pump the contents of the can into the flat tire. To be safe, we recommend that you keep at least two cans in your car.
Flashlight
A good, strong flashlight is really useful, especially if it’s night or you’re working in a dark part of your car. An LED flashlight will provide excellent visibility. We recommend keeping extra batteries for the flashlight in your car. It’s also advisable to choose a flashlight with a magnet or a hook as you may need both hands when you’re working
Read the rest of this entry »Electrical Problems? Visit Your MINI Dealer Today!
The electrical systems in your car are responsible for getting it going in the first place, as well as powering multiple functions for a safe and comfortable drive. Make sure that you know how to recognize electrical problems and when to contact your MINI dealer for help.
Electrical Problems? Visit Your MINI Dealer Today!
The electrical systems in your car include the battery, alternator, starting motor, ignition, lights, and other equipment, so if there’s a problem then a number of functions and accessories might fail.
The Engine Won’t Crank
“Cranking” is shown by the chirping noise that your car makes before the engine ignites when you turn the key to start. If there’s no response when you turn the ignition, check to see if the lights are working. If they aren’t, you probably have a dead battery, if they are, then you may have a problem with your alternator.
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.
Read the rest of this entry »
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
Read the rest of this entry »
If you’re looking for a fun day trip near Jacksonville, FL, we suggest taking the MINI and checking out these three best views. These locations offer beautiful scenery and are perfect for a summer day spent with family or friends.
Take the MINI and Check Out These 3 Best Views Near Jacksonville, FL
1. Southbank Riverwalk
The Southbank Riverwalk in Jacksonville is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Stretching for 1.2 miles along the St. Johns River, the riverwalk offers stunning views of the downtown skyline and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or go for a jog.
There are also several restaurants and cafes along the way, a playground, and an interactive water fountain that kids will love. The Riverwalk is also a popular spot for fishing; you can often see people casting their lines from the bridges that span the river. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a place to have some fun, the Southbank Riverwalk is sure to please.
The idea of your car overheating is a nightmare for any driver. The temperature gauge on your dash is the best warning of rising temperature. If you see the gauge is going up, call your MINI dealer right away. The sooner we can investigate, the great the chance we can prevent damage to your engine. These are some signs that your engine is getting too hot.
Is Your Car Overheating? Visit Your MINI Dealer Today
Blocked Radiator
The radiator’s job is to remove heat from the engine. Heat is brought to the radiator inside the coolant. The coolant is directed into rows of metal tubes in the front of the radiator. Airflow from the radiator grille blows over the tubes and removes the heat. The now-cool coolant is recirculated through the cooling system to continue the process.
Coolant also absorbs dirt, metallic chunks, and other debris as it moves through the engine. This junk is deposited at the bottom of the radiator when the coolant flows out. If your radiator isn’t regularly serviced, this debris will build up and block it. A blockage prevents coolant from circulating, and your engine temperature will rise. We can clear your radiator by flushing it to remove the debris.
Broken Thermal Switch
The thermal switch is attached to a fan at the rear of the radiator. This fan cools the engine when your car is idling. When your car is moving, heat is removed from the coolant by airflow through the radiator grille. When your engine idles, airflow is restricted, and the temperature will start to rise. When this happens, the thermal switch detects the temperature change and switches on.
The fan will blow across the rear of the tubes and push the hot air out of the engine. If the thermal switch fails, the fan won’t start and your engine can overheat. We can easily replace a broken switch to fix this problem.
Loose Clamps
The radiator is connected to the rest of the cooling system by two rubber hoses. One of the hoses brings hot coolant into the radiator, and the other removes it when it’s cooled. These hoses operate under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. They’re attached to the radiator with tough metal clamps that provide an airtight seal and prevent coolant from leaking out.
As your car moves, engine components are subject to small vibrations. The hoses also move as the hot coolant flows through them. Over time the hose clamps can loosen slightly. The high pressure in the system will cause coolant to leak out and raise your engine temperature. We can examine the clamps and replace them for you.
Overheating can damage your engine. Call us right away at Tom Bush MINI.
What Can You Do About Car Dents and Scratches?
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
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