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New to MINI and cars in general..help?

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Old May 8, 2019 | 02:28 PM
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New to MINI and cars in general..help?






Hey guys! I've never owned a car and recently purchased a 2013 MCS and trying to figure out what any indicator lights mean is really new and confusing to me. If anyone could explain what these things showing up on my tachometer mean it'd be much appreciated!!
 
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Old May 8, 2019 | 04:25 PM
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https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-lights-431122
 
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Old May 9, 2019 | 07:19 AM
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+1^^
 
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Old May 9, 2019 | 07:32 AM
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Nix, a day has gone by and if you haven't done anything about any of the warning lights you've gotten, this one needs IMMEDIATE attention. Oil is the engine's lifeblood and without it, your engine will die. All the fluids should be checked at least weekly along with tire pressure. These MINIs are NOT drive 'em and forget 'em appliances like everybody else drives.
 
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Old May 9, 2019 | 08:38 AM
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I don't get any warning lights. The pictures of the oil and brake information is the information you get when you toggle through the service info settlings on the tachometer screen. I am getting the lift symbol with the date 3/2019 when I start the car but then it goes away while driving. I don't have any other lights or symbols while driving. I am under the impression that negative numbers such as -800mls would mean service is due but mine aren't in the negative. I just want to know what the lift symbol with a date means because I can't find information on that anywhere.
 
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Old May 9, 2019 | 09:37 AM
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The light is showing the need for servicing. (the one with the car on lift) The oil is over due, or was not reset when new oil was installed. Make sure to use 100% synthetic oil and change filter every time you change oil!
Check brake fluid.
Coolant
As already stated. Mini is a car that needs weekly fluid checks and regular maintenance. Super fun has it's costs! Hopefully you will learn to do many yourself!
 
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Old May 9, 2019 | 10:10 AM
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Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it! I'll be taking it in to the dealer for servicing. My brother's friend has an R53 and said he'd do my oil changes and brake service but I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with that yet. It's all still new to me and I want to make sure it's in good hands, but I really look forward to learning more through everyone at NAM
 
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Old May 9, 2019 | 10:18 AM
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OK, your explanation helps. The predominant wisdom is to change oil and filter every 5K miles. It's a good idea to have an extra qt. (and funnel) sitting around handy just in case. Tires need rotated at the same interval. My easy way to remember is when the odometer shows either 4 zeros or a 5 followed by 3 zeros and ignore the computer nanny. Other intervals vary.
Personally, mine are as follows, I keep a spread sheet of all service done so it's easy to know what needs done when.
Brake fluid 20K
Coolant, PS fluid flush and PCV valve replace every 30K
Plugs and serpentine belt every 40K
Fuel filter every 50K
 
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Old May 9, 2019 | 10:20 AM
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All cars need fluid checks. Back in the old days when you got gas, you popped the hood and the attendant checked the fluids for you. A lost service, even in the few states where they still pump gas for you.

I used to recommend going to the dealer, I no longer think that taking an out of warranty car to the dealer makes sense. Many of them will target you for unneeded repairs at inflated dollars. Find a good indy mechanic.
 
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