Warm Weather Driving Tips: How to Increase Your Car’s Resale Value

Although this time of year is great for getting out in the sun, increasing temperatures and UV rays can be bad for your car. We’ve put together a list of warm weather driving tips to help you beat the heat.

According to Wikihow, keeping your car cool and out of direct sunlight can increase the life of your car, as well as its resale value. The best thing you can do while parking is to seek out those shady spots. If you can’t find one, consider buying a sun shade. By simply blocking out light, your car will stay cool and protected.

While it might be common sense for some of you, it can be easy to forget to check your coolant levels regularly. Check to make sure your car doesn’t need topped-off every once in a while, and make sure to flush the coolant out every few years. This will eliminate clogs and get rid of old fluid.

Our last tip is to drive when it’s cooler, such as early morning or late evening. A lot of people can’t help it when they drive during the day, but leaving 30 minutes earlier can have drastic effects. By avoiding gridlock and direct sunlight, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and keep your car out of the heat.

To keep your car up-to-date and fully protected against the summer sun, stop in for a quick service here at MINI of Pittsburgh.

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MINI Augmented Vision Concept Glasses Do it All

MINI’s new glasses provide you with a heads-up display and even a x-ray vision feature to help you see through typical blind spots.

MINI may have just introduced the future of eyewear. The MINI Augmented Vision concept glasses look something like the possible offspring of Google Glass and WWI aviator goggles, which is to say they’re somewhat crazy but 100% awesome. Designed in partnership with Qualcomm, the glasses feature cutting edge technology that conveniently displays vehicle data right in front of the driver’s eyes.

Similar to modern Heads-Up Display (HUD) systems, which are embedded in the windshield, these glasses make the same types of information (speed, navigation, etc.) visible through the glasses. Unlike a HUD though, these glasses do much, much more.

First, and maybe most impressively, the glasses are equipped with an X-ray vision feature, which allows drivers to see through typical blind-spots (such as the A-pillars and doors). Other notable features include: the ability to search for and select destination points before entering the vehicle; points of interest are visibly displayed as the driver approaches them; text messaging; and parking assistance that allows the driver to see the vehicle’s exterior as they approach curbs and other vehicles or obstructions.

“MINI Augmented Vision gives an insight into how intelligent connectivity between a MINI car and eyewear into which relevant content is projected might work in the future,” explained Dr. Jörg Preißinger, project-manager MINI Augmented Vision, BMW Group research and technology in a statement.

Though we are still likely a long way from a production version of these types of glasses, MINI points out that this is a good example of how augmented-reality could be used in cars someday.  Here at MINI of Pittsburgh, we want to know what you think: do these concept glasses represent a true solution for wandering eyes, or are they simply another distraction?

MINI Performance Features: A Cut Above the Rest

If you’re looking for some fun performance features in your next car, look no further. MINI has a new car for you.

What makes the MINI…well…less than mini? Quite fankly? Everything! From its powerful performance, superior handling and dynamic style to its overall value, the MINI is anything but miniature in terms of performance and presentation. Above all, when you first drive a MINI you’re going to notice the pickup you get from simply pushing the gas pedal. Its power is undeniable.

Check out the list below to see the best of all MINI performance features:

MINI Cooper

• 5-liter 3-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo Technology
• Turbocharging, direct injection, VALVETRONIC, Dual VANOS
• Electronic throttle
• Dual-cone synchronizers
• 6-speed manual

MINI Cooper S

• 0-liter 4-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo Technology
• Turbocharging, direct injection, VALVETRONIC, Dual VANOS
• Hood scoop air intake
• Performance control
• Performance suspension
• Runflat tires
• Brake Ducts
• Available 6-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles

John Cooper Works

• 0-liter 4 cylinder engine with TwinPower Technology
• Tuned, Turbocharging, direct injection, VALVETRONIC, Dual VANO
• Rear spoiler
• Performance control
• Sport suspension with stiffer front and rear stabilizer bars
• Runflat tires
• Available 6-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles

 

As you can see, there’s something for everyone when searching for the perfect MINI! If you’re interested in taking one out for a test drive (and trust us, you want to!), visit us at MINI of Pittsburgh!

 

April MINI Second Date Event: Fall In Love All Over Again

MINI of Pittsburgh would like to invite you to our MINI Second Date Event this coming Monday, April 13^th from 7:00PM – 10:00PM. What is the MINI Second Date Event? It’s a time where you get to come in and hang out with our MINI genius and learn all about your MINI from Boot to Bonnet.

No matter if you’re an old hat and have been to one of our Second Date Events before, or if you just bought your MINI and you want to learn more about it, stop by our dealership for this fun, free Event. You will not only get to learn all about the inside and outside of your new MINI, but you will get to meet other Pittsburgh area MINI lovers. By the time you walk out of our Second Date Event, our goal is for you to be so comfortable with your new MINI that you will consider yourself a Motoring Expert.

What?  

MINI Second Date Event

When?

April 13^th

7:00PM – 10:00PM

Where?

MINI of Pittsburgh

4900 Baum Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Watch the MINI Cooper S Save the World in the new PIXELS Trailer

MINI Coopers and movies have a long, rich history together. Of course, The Italian Job—both the original classic starring Michael Caine and the slick 2003 remake—first pops to mind when thinking about MINIs on the big screen. Now the MINI Cooper S faces an even bigger mission—saving the entire world.

In the new Sony Pictures film PIXELS, classic video games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong have come to life and are causing havoc and terror all over the country. In the trailer, it seems like Pac-Man is taking the lead as the big bad guy here. The MINI Coopers are recruited as the Pac-Man Ghosts—the cars even get to have the names and colors of the ghosts from the original game.

In the movie, the ghosts will be driven by four classic and talented arcade game players, hoping to drive their ghost MINIs to victory against the evil Pac-Man. You can see the new PIXELS trailer online now, and you can see the whole movie in theaters starting July 24. Of course, you can see the MINI Cooper S way before that, though. Just come in to MINI of Pittsburgh and we’ll get you set up in your own “ghost” today!