Wise drivers replace their tires when they suffer from age and use. Sometimes, however, it might also prove advisable to switch to a different type of tire to address seasonal changes. All-season tires might be fine for most of the year, but winter tires could be more appropriate during the cold season.

All-season tires seem to be the standard tires people drive. Intended for normal driving conditions, they can handle wet roads and light snow. People dealing with harsh winters known for heavy snowfall and slushy, icy roads might find snow tires worth buying.

Car wax application is a central component of overall car care that dates back decades. Waxing on and waxing off with car wax gives your ride a showroom-new look. According to our MINI of Portland service team, the benefits of car wax are more than merely superficial.

Protection from Pollutants

Sometimes your alignment can be thrown off and this can cause major problems with your vehicle later on if it isn't taken care of. 

What Does Getting an Alignment Mean?

An alignment means that your tires are being shifted to point straight so that they hit the road at the correct angle and your tires are perfectly centered in the wheel wells. Your vehicle will now have better contact with the road, get better gas mileage, and prolonged tire life.

When Should You Get an Alignment?

You should make an appointment to have your vehicle aligned right away if…

For every driver knowing how to change a tire is essential. You will require a spare tire, scissor-car-Jack, Lug Wrench, and a manual for your specific vehicle to guide you.

Find a secure place to park and put your hazard lights on. Set the parking brakes to reduce the chances of your vehicle rolling off. Then, apply the wheel wedges on the front tire if the punctures tire you are changing is on the back tire and vice versa.

Unscrew the Hub-cap or the wheel-cover because it will be easy to remove before you lift it. Remove it using the…

Our MINI of Portland service department team recommends having your vehicle's gaskets checked during routine scheduled maintenance. Why? Gaskets are small but tough and very important to your car's overall health. Here's a quick look at what they are and what they do.

Automotive Gaskets Demystified

Hundreds of gaskets inside your car form seals between various parts. The seals are airtight, keeping debris out of the automotive component and keeping the component from leaking. Gaskets come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, such as:

• Rubber
• Composites
• Copper
• Stainless steel
•  

Motor oil myths have always misled most car users, and it is time to educate them on these myths and how true they are. Some of these myths have worked as marketing strategies for most companies, but let's look at the list below.

Myth: That bulk oil is of lower quality than the bottled motor oil
False. The bulk oil is still the same type of oil in the smaller bottles and usually sold out at a retail price.

Myth: Oil only gets dirty, it never wears out
False. Most oil additives will weaken as the engine oil continues…

Noticing odd things happening when you apply your brake? Don't ignore it! Instead, keep watch for the following signs of needing a brake repair. If you notice any of them, get your car to the shop, as soon as you can.

1. Squealing and Screeching: Does stopping your car make you embarrassed? Those loud noises are a signal you have some serious issues on your hands. Get to the shop quickly!
2. Less Than Firm Braking: When you apply your brake, the pedal should feel firm. Does it feel soft, instead? If so, have your mechanic check it out. It may…

Have you ever hydroplaned while driving? It's not a fun experience. For a few seconds, you don't have control over where your car goes, and those few seconds can lead to an accident. But you can take some precautions to lessen the likelihood that you'll hydroplane when you're out in a rain storm. At MINI of Portland, we're happy to give you a couple of the most important tips.

Keeping your tires inflated is one of the most important things that you can do to give yourself optimal control over your vehicle at any time…

A matching full-size spare is more aesthetically pleasing and prevents the need from automatically having to go to a tire repair shop. The vehicle must be equipped to store a full-size tire. The spare should also be included in the rotation cycle to provide even wear.

A full-size spare does not have to match the rest of the tires. It might also have a different wheel design. While the tire is handy should a flat occur, the spare should not be part of tire rotation cycles. Just make sure the vehicle capably stores a full-size spare.

Many vehicles come with…

Although you might not want to experience an emergency while on the road, you should be prepared for one just in case it happens. Try to keep a small box in the back of your vehicle with various tools that could be used in an emergency, such as a screwdriver, wrench, and jumper cables.

If possible, get your vehicle to the side of the road or a parking lot until you're able to contact MINI of Portland to have someone offer assistance. This will help to keep you safe as you won't be in traffic. Road flares can…