April is the time of the year when you start giving your MINI some extra care and attention. It’s a month when winter has officially come to an end, long road-trips have begun, and National Car Care Month is observed. Basic maintenance can improve your vehicle’s safety and dependability, while preventing costly issues down the…
After a long season of cold temps, ice and snow, your car needs a little extra care. Say goodbye to winter and prepare for the warmer months with this easy car maintenance checklist. Thoroughly Wash Your Car The first thing you should do is give your MINI a thorough washing. Not only will this clear…
As the temperatures drop more and more in Chicagoland, the weather conditions will only worsen as well. It’s important to know if your vehicle has been outfitted with the proper tires for the season. We at Patrick MINI have fielded a lot of questions about what the differences are between all-season and winter tires. In…
Winter in the Chicagoland area: it’s an achievement for your vehicle to overcome yearly. Freezing rain, snow, the polar vortex and black ice are just a few challenges your vehicle endures. Making sure your vehicle is serviced for the season can extend the life of the vehicle and it helps to protect your checkbook from…
The starter and battery are responsible for ensuring that there is enough power to turn the engine over when you put the key into the ignition. However, the alternator is the part that keeps the headlights and radio on after the engine turns over. It is also responsible for making sure that the power windows…
This time of year is the perfect time to begin preparing your vehicle for the long winter that lies ahead in Schaumburg, IL. While oil changes, winter tires, and other maintenance items are certainly important, be sure that you don’t overlook your windshield wiper blades when having your vehicle serviced at Patrick MINI. By changing…
Unfortunately, accidents do happen; and when they do, you want to forget about it as soon as possible. If you weren’t aware, you can choose your own auto body repair facility under Illinois law. While you might like the people at your local body shop, they may not have the experience or equipment to help….
Many of our Schaumburg customers at Patrick MINI ask how to change a flat tire. Although it may seem like a difficult task, it’s quick and easy if you understand the right way to do it. If you’ve never changed a flat tire, it’s suggested to give it a test run before it happens when…
Gaskets form airtight seals between many different components in your car. The seals keep crucial automotive fluids from leaking or mixing. Gaskets also keep foreign matter, such as dust, debris, and water, from getting into your car’s parts. According to our service department techs here at Patrick MINI, gaskets are one of the smallest but…
Disc Brakes Give Your Vehicle The Power To Stop Modern vehicles are equipped with metal disc brakes that sit on each side of a spinning rotor on each wheel. When you press on the gas pedal, you are putting hydraulic pressure on the brake lines activating the brake pistons at each wheel. These pistons squeeze…
