We see quite a few Mini Coopers with direct injection engines that have carbon build-up on the intake valves. While direct injection engines do offer enhanced fuel performance and cleaner emissions, these engines are more likely to have an issue with carbon build up on the intake valves.
In general a fluctuating idle is not a serious problem; however, if it is accompanied by the check engine light coming on or the engine stalling that is more cause for concern.
Recently a customer’s battery died the day after she picked up her car. She was convinced we had caused her battery to die. She told us her boyfriend knew about cars and told her, “I suspect they cooked [overcharged] the battery.”
Ever had this happen? You drive your car, park it for a few minutes to run an errand — then when you return your car won’t start.
We’ve all seen the commercials. A guy wakes up Christmas morning, and waiting for him outside is his ultimate dream car — all wrapped up with a bow and a card from Santa.
Not long ago I was on the front line, servicing cars for our “while you wait” customers. I was performing a 5000 mile service on a Honda Fit. The car is getting up in miles, but it is in perfect condition. My report to our customer, Robin, is a good one — just a tire rotation and an alignment that can wait until next year.
Yes, I know it’s just the end of October, but before you know it winter will be here. In fact, the Farmer’s Almanac says we should expect about three inches more snow than normal this December!
“Every time I bring my Mini Cooper in you say it is low on oil, why?”
You can expect your car’s transmission to last for 200,000 to 300,000 miles, but some maintenance may be required.
One of the most difficult automotive air conditioning problems to diagnose is an intermittent A/C problem. In other words, one day your car’s A/C is blowing cold air, the next day it’s warm air.
It’s not uncommon for Mini owners to experience problems related to coolant leaks. Some of the older Mini Coopers experience radiator and thermostat housing leaks, but the most common issue is with the water pump. In fact, some Mini Cooper water pumps have failed on vehicles with under 10,000 miles!
These are just a few of the power steering complaints that we’ve heard from customers and that we’ve seen floating around the Internet. What is going on?
