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It is imperative to keep your vehicle’s engine in good condition to maximize performance. When your vehicle’s engine begins to overheat, it is recommended to get it inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent serious damage. Here are a few reasons your vehicle’s engine may be overheating.

Low coolant levels is one of the most common reasons an engine will overheat. When the coolant is low, the cooling system is hindered. 

While you have probably heard of automotive gaskets, you might be uncertain about what they are and what they do. We can gladly help.

Every auto features gaskets. These parts are vital to a car's proper operation. Under the hood, gaskets separate metal surfaces and keep gasses and liquids from mixing and causing costly problems. Manufacturers use rubber, layered metal or a combination of both to create automotive gaskets. 

Some terms about vehicles get thrown around all of the time. The term "transmission" is one of those terms. At Rick Hendrick BMW Charleston in Charleston, SC, we want you to have as much knowledge as possible, so we're here to give you the scoop on this often-used term.

A transmission is the part of the vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, and without it, your car simply doesn't move. 

If you get into your car and the engine won’t turn over because of a dead battery, knowing how to jump start your car can save you from an expensive towing bill. By following these simple steps, you can easily get your dead battery started.

Connect the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and a working car’s battery. 

You probably don't think much about your car's windshield wipers until the just don't work well on a rainy day. Ineffective windshield wipers can create a dangerous situation when the rain comes down because your visibility might end up greatly impaired. Worn out windshield wipers must be changed quickly.

Vehicles that are equipped with traditional or sporty engine hardware use gasoline to generate energy. Throughout this process, the fuel heats up as it travels to major engine components. When emissions are produced in an engine, the muffler and exhaust components strategically reduce the pollution that floats into the environment. If a muffler needs maintenance or repairs, an engine will generate loud sounds. 

Before you try to tow any size vehicle, working through a safety checklist will ensure you get to where you are going without any trouble. Minimizing chances of an accident begin with these safety tips.

• Check the hitch on your vehicle to see the rating. If it is not rated high enough for the load you will be towing, don't take a chance. The hitch should be able to handle more than the expected weight.

Not every vehicle these days comes with a full-size spare tire that matches the size of the four tires on the axels. Some are sold with a compact temporary spare tire, sometimes known as a donut. A compact temporary spare has a number of limitations of which you should be aware if you have one riding in your trunk. 

You may have heard the timing belt referred to as a timing chain. This may leave you wondering which is in your vehicle and how to take care of it. Let’s clear up some of the confusion.

The timing belt is connected to the crankshaft and the camshaft. It helps keep the valves opening and closing at the proper time, which is essential to keeping the engine running. 

We break down what gap insurance is & what you need to know when in a dealer’s office: https://t.co/Ct6pOeabvo

— Edmunds (@edmunds) February 2, 2017

Most people do not want entertain thoughts of an accident involving their car, but it is inevitable. When it does happen, your comprehensive or third-party insurance policy will cover the fair market value. The rest of the expenses are up to you to settle out of your pocket.