MINI REPAIR / MINI SERVICE 

• The valve cover on the top of the engine fails. There is a whistling noise associated with this.​

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• The valve cover gasket falls apart. The valve cover will then leak oil. This oil tends to burn on the exhaust manifold. This can lead to a rather strong smell inside the cabin of the vehicle. However, over time the oil can make its way into the spark plugs. This will destroy the spark plugs and cause the vehicle to run improperly. 

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• The oil filter housing gasket falls apart. The oil filter housing then begins to leak oil. The oil can leak onto the drive belt. This can destroy the drive belt. 

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• The oil pan gasket falls apart and begins to leak oil. This can lead to a rather large loss of oil. 

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• The drive belt(s) begins to tear. This is extremely dangerous. If a drive belt fails it can be sucked into the engine. 

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• The belt tensioner fails. This is usually at the same time the drive belt begins to fail. This will stop the drive belt from moving. If the drive belt does not move several issues can occur. The vehicle could overheat, the battery could be damaged, the A/C system can stop working, etc. 

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• The timing chain becomes loose. When the timing chain becomes loose it will make the vehicle run improperly. This would damage the engine. 

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• Hoses and lines are common for breaking. These components deteriorate over time. This can lead to leaks, either fluid or air leaks. A loss of coolant will overheat and destroy an engine. Air leaks will cause a vehicle to run improperly. Oil leaks could destroy other components and cause oil levels to run too low. Too low of oil will damage the internals of an engine. 

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• The shocks and struts begin to leak. This will lead to a rough ride. 

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• Engine mounts wear out over time. They eventually collapse as a result. When an engine mount collapses the vehicle will begin to vibrate noticeably.

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• The battery on a Mini tends to last around three to five years. When the battery needs to be replaced, strange issues can occur. One specific example occurs to vehicles equipped with start-stop. The vehicle will go into park when releasing the brake from a complete stop. ​

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• Suspension components, like end links and bushings, become worn over time. Strange sounds are usually a sign of this. For example, creaking or knocking noises. These issues can cause the vehicle to have worse handling and grip. 

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• Expansion tanks and caps are common for leaking. Making sure the vehicle has enough coolant at all times is important. 

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• CV joints tend to break and tear with time. If they tear, then the grease in the CV joint will leak. This leak will lead to more stress on the component. In fact, CV joints are common to break because they are always under a lot of stress. Hence, when grease leaks from them, it is strongly recommended to replace them. When a CV joint breaks there are a couple of common signs. There may be a knocking noise that appears. Another common noise is a "clicking" noise while turning. The vehicle may also vibrate. Please know, the CV joint connects the transmission to the wheels. It is very important for this part to be in good condition. If not, the vehicle may become undrivable.