Generally speaking, a car battery will last for about five years. However, it is possible for a battery to wear out in less time depending on how often you drive. If the battery isn't working properly, it will be difficult or impossible to start the car.

Signs of a poor battery include reduced power while the car is in motion. For instance, you may notice that the lights flicker or the headlights are not as bright as they should be. It may be a good idea to bring your car to MINI of Portland for service to determine if…

Ignitions can break, which can be frustrating if it happens when you're out in the middle of a storm or when you're far away from a mechanic. There are, however, warning signs, and at MINI of Portland, we're here to give you a couple of the most recognizable tip-offs that your vehicle has a faulty ignition.

There are two noises that you should be listening for when you start your engine. The first one is a grinding noise, which is a sign that the starter drive gear is worn and not engaging correctly.  

Having your vehicle serviced takes time, but it one of the most important things that you can do to keep it running smoothly. Most vehicles today are manufactured with a timing belt. While you may or may not have heard of this component, it is a vital part of your vehicle that keeps the camshaft and crankshaft synchronized.

Although timing belts are made to be durable, they will eventually need to be replaced. If the belt becomes worn and snaps, then it could cause damage to your vehicle's engine that may be thousands of dollars to repair. 

Taking care of your radiator and cooling system will save you tons of problems down the road. It will also save you money in repairs, ranging from a blown engine to warped aluminum heads.

It doesn't take a lot of time or money to maintain your radiator and cooling system. The two things you should do regularly only take a few minutes. The first and most important thing to do is make sure you are using the coolant recommended for your vehicle. Your owner's manual will tell you what type you should use. 

When you see a vehicle driving down the street and it's shiny and freshly washed, there's nothing that looks better than this. However, washing your car isn't just for cosmetic reasons. A frequent washing will help protect the integrity of your new car. Strive to clean your vehicle every two weeks or so, using appropriate soaps, sponges, and towels. You'll want to make sure you target spots that have a lot of dirt, dust, or road salt built up.

Washing the body of your vehicle is important, but be sure to pay attention to your tires…

In vehicles, there are some aspects of the maintenance othat you can do by yourself. However, there are other aspects of maintenance that are recommended to be done by a qualified technician so that you can rest assured that your vehicle is going to be properly maintained.

For jobs that require the work of a technician, the type of technicians to look for are ASE-certified automotive technicians. These are the types of technicians that can be trusted to solve the root issue to your vehicle as opposed to fixing a mere symptom.  

When you're driving on the road at night, try to shift your focus to something else on the road aside from the oncoming headlights. This will help to reduce the glare that you experience when you're meeting another car. If you're driving on a busy highway, then consider slightly looking to the right side of the road instead of the center of the roadway.

An option for reducing glare at night is to wear nighttime glasses. They are coated on the front of the lens and the back. This design is similar to sunglasses and reduces the…

It's getting more and more expensive every day to operate a vehicle. One of the major expenses is fuel. No one wants to pay more for gas than needed, so MINI of Portland wants you to know a few tips to get better gas mileage in your vehicle.

Driving in an efficient manner is one of the best ways to improve overall fuel economy. One way to drive more efficiently and save gas is to always drive at or below the speed limit. Driving at a slower speed saves gas and keeps you safer. Cutting down on idling time…

Suppose you were to drive upon any situation where public servants or an automobile were in the breakdown lane. Would you know what American laws expect you to do? At MINI of Portland, we want to help you be an informed, safe driver, and we can answer that question.

Every state in our nation has a Move Over Law. These laws heighten safety for police officers, emergency workers and motorists in breakdown lanes. Of course, each state's law contains unique wording, but all Move Over Laws expect you to give people and autos in breakdown lanes a cushion.  

There is a lot of work that goes into applying touch-up paint. While you may think it’s simple to cover up a paint chip or scratch with a touch-up kit, there are actually a few things that you have to do to pre-treat a spot on your vehicle so that it blends in all the way. The best way to use it for areas that are small, and when you have larger issues, such as a key scratch, you should buff and prime the spot first.

Most automotive touch-up paint doesn’t blend well. This is because it isn…