How much do you really know about the inner workings of your Mini?
We've put together a brief guide of just some of the parts that make your Mini work! Check it out & let us know which parts you'd like us to cover next!
Hopefully this guide will be helpful if you're a keen tinkerer, or even if you're visiting a garage for work on your Mini!

Mini Distributor

Mini Distributors, or the 'dizzy' as they're sometimes referred, is the part that 'distributes' the power to each of your spark plugs. It plays a vital role in the ignition process. Distributors were used on Minis along with an Ignition Coil up to 1996.

Possible telltale signs that you're having problems with your distributor:

  • Your Mini won't start
  • Your 'Check Engine' light is on
  • Failing your emissions inspection
  • Your engine is rattling, tapping, or clicking.

General wear & tear along with dirt build up can cause distributor cap faults, this can be avoided with regular cleaning. Regular checks to your distributor cap are advised, the vibrations from your engine can cause the cap to work its way loose or damage it. Luckily the caps are not a very expensive part to replace and can be found on our website here. Don't forget though when replacing your distributor cap to reconnect the spark plug wires in the correct order! We recommend that you change both the distributor cap and rotor at the same time regardless of condition.

The Mini Distributor itself can also become damaged by water intake. Driving in wet conditions, such as through puddles, can cause water to get in to the distributor housing resulting in your electrics to short out. You can fix this by thoroughly drying out the distributor, removing the cap & rotor before wiping everything down.

 

Mini Distributor

Mini Alternator

The Alternator in your Mini powers all of your electrics that keep your Mini going, it also charges your battery!

Unfortunately as with most important parts on your Mini, there's a lot that can go wrong with your alternator! If your battery warning light is on, the chances are your alternator is dead. Not much warning will be given before it dies, but it may only be one component that needs replacing.

A loose, or well worn drive belt, connector faults or even worn bearings can often be related to the alternator.

Replacing the alternator on your Mini can be a straightforward job if you have the knowhow & the correct tools - however if in doubt, it's a trip to the garage! The job needs to be carried out confidently & safely.

Mini Radiator

The radiator in your Mini helps to prevent the car from overheating by reducing the temperature of the hot coolant that leaves your engine, before sending it back through.

Luckily radiators have a relatively long life, but be aware of leaks, rust & overheating as these can all reduce the longevity!

If you notice coolant leaking underneath your Mini, or if the temperature gauge is displaying a high temperature, it could indicate that your radiator has an issue that should be looked at.

Remember to keep topped up on coolant, but if your radiator is leaking you will need to replace it with a new one! You can browse our range of Mini Radiators here & book in to the garage for this job.

Mini Radiator

Mini Thermostat

The thermostat on your Mini helps to regulate the temperature of your engine, helping your engine heat up or cool down with the flow of coolant as it's needed.

You must replace your thermostat if you think there's something wrong with it - even if it looks okay, it could damage your engine in very little time if you don't!

Usually if there is an issue with the thermostat, it's either stuck open or stuck closed! If it gets stuck closed, you will likely notice this quite quickly as your temperature gauge will go in to the red!

You can shop all Mini Thermostats on our website here & we would recommend that you leave changing your thermostat to a professional garage.

Mini Thermostat

Mini Spark plugs

The Spark Plugs on your Mini engine provide that vital spark in your ignition system that sets off the combustion, allowing your Mini to move!

We would advise you replace your spark plugs every 30000 miles, as the plugs take a lot of wear & tear, meaning the electrodes get worn away. Oil leaks will also affect the lifespan of your spark plugs, so if you think they are failing with plenty of miles to go - it suggests there's also another problem!

Replacing your spark plugs yourself is not a problem, providing you've got the right tools of course! You will need a new set of plugs, a torque wrench, spark plug socket spanner & feeler blades. Remember to remove your HT Leads first before unscrewing your plugs & give the area a good clean. You can check the electrode gap with the feeler blades, then it's time to screw the new plugs in!

Mini Spark Plugs

Mini Ignition coil

Another important part of your Mini's ignition system is the ignition coil, which supplies the high voltage to your spark plugs in the Mini's engine, that's needed to create a spark!

A telltale sign of your ignition coil being faulty, is if your Mini backfires or stalls regularly, this could be making your spark plugs not to ignite correctly.

We would recommend that you replace your coil approximately every 100000 miles, as they do deteriorate with wear & tear. If you think yours has gone faulty, it's best to get it checked as a faulty one can damage your engine with leaky fluids!

We would advise that you have your ignition coil replaced by a qualified technician.

Mini Ignition Coil

Mini Shock absorbers

A key part of any suspension system, having fully-working shock absorbers will ensure a smooth and safe drive. The pump-like devices keep a vehicle’s tyres in contact with the road by controlling the rebound of its suspension springs – as long as the tyres remain in contact with the road, steering, handling and braking will be at optimal levels.

General wear & tear on your shock absorbers can lead your Mini to vibrate or even make a clunking sound when you drive, or even if your Mini drifts when braking, you need to check your shock absorbers - you may have a leak or ruptured seal. Whilst you can change shock absorbers on your Mini individually, we would advise you to change all four at once, or at the very least in sets of front & rear. This will help you maintain the correct balance & handling on the roads.

If you feel confident to carry the work out yourself, we have put together a handy guide on checking & changing your suspension.

Mini Shock Absorbers

Mini Brakes

The stopping power behind your Mini!

There are two different brake systems used on Classic Minis, Drum Brakes all round, or Disc Brakes on the front. The main issues that you could face with your Mini brakes is a sticking caliper, low brake fluid, or worn brake pads! You should ideally be changing your brake pads every 25000 miles, as they get easily worn - however this is dependant on how you drive! Heavy braking will lower the life span of your pads, even as low as just 15000 miles.

Regularly servicing your brakes will help keep your Mini stopping as and when it should! We've a handy guide on servicing your brakes here, but if in doubt - seek a professional mechanic to carry out the work! Brakes are too vital to get wrong.

Mini Brakes

Mini Air filter

Protecting the engine, radiator and fuel lines (amongst other key components) from harmful debris, the importance of fully functioning air filters cannot be underestimated.

If your air filter becomes clogged with debris, dirt or dust, it can lead to a reduced fuel economy, smoke from the exhaust or even strange engine noises!

Ideally your air filter needs to be changed every 3 years, or every 30000 miles - whichever is first!

Mini Air Filter

 

Mini Water pump

Also attached to your Mini's engine is the water pump. The water pump is another key part of the cooling system. By circulating coolant around your engine picking up the head & transporting it through to the radiator where it is cooled back down. This vital part is essential in ensuring your Mini runs at the right temperature & doesn't overheat!

Unfortunately water pumps are known to fail, with issues from cracks, to leaks & baring failures. If your Mini is struck by one of these faults, it's time for a new water pump!

We hope that this guide can give you an overview on some of the parts that are fitted to your Mini! Don't forget, our team is available 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday to assist you with any questions you may have – or assistance you may need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!