Like all other automobiles, Mini Coopers need specific things maintained and taken care of for them to run right. Maintenance such as ensuring the oil gets changed on schedule, rotating the tires regularly, and replacing the brakes when needed are all very important if you want the life of your Mini to be a long one. For this reason, knowing where to go to buy the right replacement ‘genuine’ Mini Cooper parts for your automobile is a must.
Windshields and Wiper Blades
Nowadays, cars are a necessity. The windshield in any car is critical for protecting the driver and passengers from things like the weather, dust, and debris. It is important that you keep it in good condition. For this reason, you need to always have windshield wipers that work. If your wipers are leaving streaks, or not clearing the windshield properly, then it is time to replace the blades. It’s a super easy and quick fix, so just order the new wiper blades online and it’ll take less than 15 minutes to install.
If you get a crack on your windshield, it is important to get it fixed soon, and in most cases this would require the help of a professional installer. If you don’t get it fixed promptly, the glass could spider and grow into a much larger crack, impairing your vision further.
Brakes
When it comes to maintaining a Mini, it is imperative that you keep the brakes in good working order. Mini has actually made this a bit easier for you too. Most of the current models are equipped with brake sensors built in on the left wheel in the front and the right wheel in the rear. These sensors will alert you when it is time for the brakes to be replaced. We suggest going ahead and buying the replacement brakes and rotors to store until you need them. Then all you need to do is keep an eye out for the sensor light, and when it goes on take a few hours to remove the old brakes and install the new ones. Being prepared and replacing the brake parts yourself sooner than later will keep you much safer on the road and you won’t have to deal with the headache of making an appointment and waiting for the mechanic to get around to it.
Oil
Checking and changing the oil in your Mini is also something that everyone should know how to do. Checking the oil is easy. Simply lift the hood and locate the dipstick – do this while the engine is off and cool. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it down with a paper towel or cloth. Replace the dipstick all the way and then pull it out again. Look down towards the end of it and you will see markings on the stick. The oil level should fall somewhere in those markings and depending on where it falls, you may need to add a bit of oil or not. If the oil level is low on the markings, then you might need to add a quart or two of oil. If it isn’t low, you are good.
The oil should be changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles. You can do this yourself or have someone else do it for you, but if it is not done, your engine could suffer.
Tires
Tires need to be inflated to the proper amount at all times. If they are not, they could be damaged and even blow out. Carry a pocket tire gauge in your glove box so that you can check the air pressure in the tires when you stop for gas.
Also, tire tread is important. When you run a tire bald – run the tread down – you run the risk of slides and blow outs. It is time to get new tires when you can place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down and you can still see all of Lincoln’s head. If you can’t see all of his head, you are still good for a little bit longer.
All in all, it is no more difficult to maintain a Mini Cooper than it is any other car. Just remember to take care of it and it will take care of you.
