winter tires MINI COOPER 2005 Owners Manual

Page 102 of 165

100
TIRE CODING
TIRE CONDITION
Traction The traction grades, from highest to low
-
est, are AA, A, B, and C.

Those grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified govern
-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction per
-
formance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead brak
-
ing traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.<Temperature The temperature grades are A, the highest,
B and C, representing the tire&#39;s resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under con
-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor lab
-
oratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the labora
-
tory test wheel than the minimum required
by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire fail
-
ure.<RSC: Run Flat tiresYou will recognize Run Flat tires by a circu
-
lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire, refer to page
101
.
M+SWinter and all-season tires.

These have better winter performance
properties than summer tires.
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.Tire tread The tread depth should not fall below
ε in / 3 mm.

Below ε
in / 3 mm tread depth, there is a
very high danger of hydroplaning at higher
speeds even if there is only a small amount
of water on the road.

Below a tread depth of
1/6 in / 4 mm, win
-
ter tires display a perceptible decrease in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions, and should be replaced in the
interest of safety.
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Page 105 of 165

103
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
NEW WHEELS AND TIRESThe correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle

recommends mounting only wheels
and tires that it has specifically tested and
approved for use on your particular model.
Although other wheels and tires may theo
-
retically have the same dimensions, varia
-
tions in factors such as manufacturing tol
-
erances can result in contact between tire
and bodywork, ultimately leading to seri
-
ous accidents. The manufacturer of your
vehicle cannot evaluate non-approved
wheels and tires to determine if they are
suited for use, and therefore cannot ensure
the operating safety of the vehicle if they
are fitted.<To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand
and tread configuration. In the event of a
flat tire, remount the previous wheel and
tire combination as soon as possible.Recommended tire sizes and brands:For each tire size, certain tire brands have
been tested, classified as road safe and
approved by the manufacturer of your
vehicle. You can find out about these from
a professional tire center, preferably your
MINI Dealer. Observe any local regulations,
e.g. on making a corresponding entry in the
vehicle documents. The factory-approved radial belt tires are
matched to your vehicle and provide opti
-
mum safety and driving comfort when
used properly.Run Flat tires:If your vehicle is equipped with Run Flat
tires, refer to Run Flat tires, please note the
following: when mounting new tires or
replacing summer tires with winter tires, or
vice versa, use only Run Flat tires since no
spare wheel is available in the event of a
flat. The manufacturer of your vehicle will
be glad to advise you.Special characteristics of winter tires The manufacturer of your vehicle recom
-
mends winter tires for driving in adverse
winter road conditions. While all-season
tires with the M+S designation provide bet
-
ter winter traction than summer tires, they
generally do not achieve the full perfor
-
mance of winter tires. Observing speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum speed for which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser
-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci
-
dents. Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. The technicans at your
MINI Dealer will be glad to assist you with
the required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible. Pro
-
tect the tires against contact with oil,
grease and fuel. Do not exceed the tire
inflation pressure specified on the tire side
-
wall.
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Page 129 of 165

127
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
CHANGING TIRES
9.
Pull out the space-saver spare tire towards the rear underneath the vehi
-
cle
10. Position the space-saver spare tire with
the valve facing upwards11. Unscrew the valve extension from the
valve of the space-saver spare tire12. Unscrew the dust cap from the exten
-
sion and place it on the valve of the
space-saver spare tire.Due to its different dimensions, the damaged wheel cannot be placed in
the recess for the space-saver spare tire.<
Driving with the space-saver spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph
/ 80
km/h.
You must expect changes in vehicle han
-
dling such as lower track stability during
braking, longer braking distances and
changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These effects
are more pronounced when driving with
winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire may be mounted at one time. Reinstall a
wheel and tire of the original size as soon
as possible.<Check the tire inflation pressure at the earliest opportunity and correct it
if necessary. Replace the defective tire as
soon as possible and have the new wheel/
tire assembly balanced.<
Additional safety measures in the event of a tire change:

Change the tire only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery.

The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways
on soft or slippery support surfaces, such as
snow, ice, flagstones, etc..

Do not use a wooden block or similar object
as a support base for the jack, as this would
prevent it from extending to its full support
height and reduce its load-carrying capac
-
ity.

Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack – risk of fatal injury.<Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding flat tires on page
125
.<
1. For vehicles with a space-saver spare
tire:

Place the folding chock behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle;
on downward inclines, place it in front of
this wheel. If the wheel is changed on a
surface with a more severe slope, take
additional precautions to secure the
vehicle from rolling
2. Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
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Page 150 of 165

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
148
A ABS Antilock Brake System
70
indicator lamp
17, 18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle
6
Activated-charcoal filter
80
Adjusting interior
temperature
76, 79
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode
76, 79
Air conditioning

air conditioning system
76
automatic climate control
79
Air conditioning system
75
Air distribution

air conditioning system
76
automatic climate control
79
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation
77, 80
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure
97
Air volume

air conditioning system
76
automatic climate control
79
Airbags
72
safe seating position
41
warning lamp
18
AKI, refer to Fuel quality
94
All Season traction Control
(ASC)
68
indicator lamps
17, 18
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires
103

Antenna
114

Antifreeze

coolant
110

washer fluid
108

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
70
indicator lamp
17, 18
Anti-theft system
24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights
143
, 144

Approved engine oils
109

Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights
143
, 144

ASC All Season traction
Control
68
indicator lamps
17, 18
Ashtray
81
Assistant systems, refer to

All Season traction Control
(ASC)
68
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
69
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
79
Automatic

air distribution
79
air volume
79
cruise control
61
Automatic car washes
113

Automatic climate control
78
Automatic transmission

with Steptronic

indicator lamp
56
interlock
51
selector lever lock
54
shiftlock
54
towing
136

tow-starting
137

Average consumption
67
setting units
67
Average speed
67
setting units
67
Axle loads, refer to
Weights
143
, 144

B Backrests, refer to

Adjusting seats
43
Backup lamp
54
bulb replacement
123

Bar, towing
137

Battery
132

charging
132

disposal
132

indicator lamp
16
jump-starting
134

power failure
132

Battery care
65, 112

Belts, refer to Safety belts
45
Beverage holders
81
Blower

air conditioning system
76
automatic climate control
79
Blower, refer to Air volume
76
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation
77, 80
Bonnet
105

indicator lamp
17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders
81
Brake discs

brake system
96
break-in procedures
92
Brake fluid
111

adding
111

level
96
warning lamp
16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement
123

Brake pads
96
break-in procedures
92
warning lamp
18
Brake system
96
brake fluid
96
brake pads
96
break-in procedures
92
disc brakes
96
warning lamp
17
Brake wear warning

brake pads
96
warning lamp
18

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Page 155 of 165

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
153
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Interlock, refer to Steering
locked
51
Intermittent operation of the
wipers
59
Interval

display, service
112

J Jack
125
, 129

points
128

Jack, refer to Tire change set

MINI Mobility System
129

Run Flat tires
102

space-saver spare tire
125

Jacking points
128

Jets, refer to Ventilation
77, 80
Jets, refer to Windshield
washer jets
60
Jump-starting
134

K Keys
24
Kickdown
55
Knock control
94
L Lamp defect
121

Lamp replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs
121

Lamps and bulbs
121

Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams
57
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing the load
88
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system
50
Leather care
115

LEDs light-emitting diodes
124

Length, refer to
Dimensions
141
, 142

License plate lamp, bulb
replacement
124

Lifting handle, space-saver
spare tire
125

Light switch
57
Light-alloy wheels, care
114

Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs)
124

Lighter
82
Lighting of the instruments
58
&#39;Lights on&#39; warning
57
Load securing devices, refer to
Securing the load
88
Loading the vehicle
86
Loads, refer to Loading cargo
86
Locking

from inside
28
from outside
26
Locking/unlocking the vehicle,
acknowledgment
signals
26, 27
Low beams
57
bulb replacement
122

Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support
43
Luggage compartment

cover
85
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release
30
opening from the outside
29
opening with the remote
control
26
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate
29
tailgate
29
volume
143
, 144

Luggage compartment in the
MINI
85
Luggage compartment lid

emergency operation, refer
to Manual release
30
opening, remote control
26
Luggage compartment lid, refer
to Tailgate
29
Luggage compartment net
88
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack
89
Lumbar support
43
M M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires
103

Maintenance system
112

Make-up mirror, illuminated
47
Malfunction

Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
56
convertible top
37
door lock
27
fuel filler door
95
glass sunroof, electric
34
tailgate
30
Manual air distribution
76
Manual operation

door lock
27
driver&#39;s door
27
fuel filler door
95
glass sunroof, electric
34
power convertible top
37
tailgate
30
transmission lock for
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
54
Manual transmission
53
Master keys with remote
control
24
Maximum cooling
79
Maximum speed, with winter
tires
103

MC operation, refer to

Owner&#39;s Manual for Radio

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Page 157 of 165

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
155
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
R Radiator, refer to Coolant
110

Radio, refer to separate Owner&#39;s Manual

Rain sensor
59
Range
66
Reading lamps
59
Rear backrest, foldable
85, 86
Rear fog lamp
58
bulb replacement
124

indicator lamp
58
Rear lamps, bulb
replacement
123

Rear seats, adjusting head
restraints
43
Rear shelf, refer to Luggage
compartment cover
85
Rear turn signal indicators, bulb
replacement
123

Rear window wiper
60
replacement
121

Rearview mirror
46
Recirculated air mode

air conditioning system
76
automatic climate control
79
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest
tilt
43
Refueling
94
fuel filler door
94
Remaining distance for
service
65
Remaining distance, refer to
Range
66
Remote control
25, 26
garage door opener
83
malfunction
27
Remote control key, refer to
Master keys with remote
control
24
Replacement key
24
Replacement of tires

changing tires
125

new wheels and tires
102

Reporting safety defects
9
Reserve indicator light, refer to
Fuel gauge
63, 64
Reservoir, washing
systems
108

Restraint systems

for children
48
refer to Safety belts
45
Retaining straps
88
Reverse

Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
55
manual transmission
54
Roller sun blind
34
Roof load, refer to
Weights
143
, 144

Roof-mounted luggage rack
89
Rope, refer to Towing and Tow-
starting
137

RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to

Run Flat tires
101

Run Flat tires
101

tire failure
101

tire inflation pressure
98
tire replacement
102

winter tires
103

Runflat System Component
(RSC), refer to Run Flat
tires
101

Runflat Tyres, refer to Run Flat
tires
101

S Safety belt height
adjustment
45
Safety belts
45
care
115

height adjustment
45
indicator lamp
17, 45
safe seating position
41
Safety lock buttons, doors,

refer to Locking
28
Safety systems, refer to

Airbags
72
All Season traction Control
(ASC)
68
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)
70
Brake system
70
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
69
Safety tires, refer to

Run Flat tires
101

Screwdriver, refer to Onboard
tool kit
120

Seat adjustment
42
Seat heating
46
Seat-belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts
45
Seats

heating
46
safe seating position
41
Securing loads, refer to Loading
cargo
86
Securing the load
88
Securing the vehicle

from inside
28
from outside
26
Selector lever positions,
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
54
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Page 158 of 165

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
156
Selector lever shiftlock, refer to
Shiftlock
54
Selector lever, Continuously
Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT)
54
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
112

Service interval display
65, 112

Shift paddles
56
Shifting gears with
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
55
Shiftlock, refer to Range

selection
54
Side airbags
72
Side turn signal indicators, bulb
replacement
123

Signal horn, refer to Horn
12
Sitting safely
41
with airbags
41
with safety belt
41
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector
39
Smoker&#39;s equipment package,
refer to Ashtray
81
Snow chains
104

Socket 12 V
82
Socket for

onboard diagnostics
113

Space-saver spare tire

changing tires
125

inflation pressure
98
Spare key
24
Spare tire, refer to Space-saver
spare tire
125

Special oils, refer to Specified
engine oils
109

Special wash program
113

Specified oils
109

Speed
140

with Run Flat tires
101

with the space-saver spare
tire
127

with winter tires
103

Speedometer
13, 14
Speedometer, refer to Display
elements
13, 14
Split rear backrest, refer to

Foldable rear backrest
85
Through-loading system
86
Sport program, Continuously
Variable automatic
Transmission CVT
55
Stability control

All Season traction Control
(ASC)
68
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
69
Standing lamps
57
bulb replacement
122

Starting aid, refer to Jump-
starting
134

Starting problems

at very low temperatures
52
jump-starting
134

Starting the engine
51
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine
51
Start-off assistance, refer to
ASC
68
Start-off assistance, refer to
DSC
69
Steering lock
51
Steering wheel
12
settings
46
Steering wheel lock
51
Steering wheel with
multifunction buttons
20, 21
Steptronic, refer to Manual
mode
55
Storage compartments
81
Storage space, refer to

Luggage compartment in the
MINI
85
Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible
86
Storing the tires
103

Storing the vehicle
116

Sun blind, refer to Roller sun
blind
34
Sun visors
47
Surface ice, refer to Ice
warning
66
Switches, refer to Cockpit
12
Switching off

the engine
52
Switching the air conditioning
on and off manually
76, 79
Symbols
6
T Tachometer
65
Tail lamps, bulb
replacement
123

Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps
123

Tailgate
29
emergency operation
30
indicator lamp
17
opening from the outside
29
releasing manually
30
remote control
26
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel tank
capacity
145

Tank gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge
63, 64
Technical data
140

Technical modifications
7
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Page 159 of 165

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
157
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety
7
Telephone call, refer to the Owner&#39;s Manual for the telephone

Temperature

air conditioning system
76
automatic climate control
79
Temperature display

ice warning
66
outside temperature
66
setting units
66
Temperature grades
100

Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control
61
Three-point safety belt
45
Through-loading system
85, 86
Tightening the lug bolts

keys
125
, 129

torque
128

Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts
128

Tire change set

MINI Mobility System
131

Run Flat tires
102

space-saver spare tire
125

Tire failure
125

MINI Mobility System
129

space-saver spare tire
125

Tire inflation pressure
97
reinflation
130

Tire pressure monitor, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor
71
Tire pressure monitoring, Flat
Tire Monitor
71
Tires

age
99
break-in procedures
92
changing
127

condition
100

damage
101

flat tire
101
, 125

inflation pressure
97
replacement
102

size, refer to New wheels and
tires
102

storage
103

tread
100

wear indicator, refer to Tire
tread
100

winter tires
103

Tires with emergency
properties, refer to Run Flat
tires
101

Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit
120

Torque

engine
140

lug bolts
128

Tow bar
137

Tow rope
137

Tow socket for towing
eyelet
136

Towing
136

with automatic
transmission
136
, 137

Towing eyelet
136

Tow-starting
137

Track width, refer to
Dimensions
141
, 142

Traction grades
100

Transmission

Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
54
manual transmission
53
Transmission lock, refer to
Range selection
54
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction
56
Transporting children safely
48
Transporting securely, refer to
Securing the load
88
Trap protection,

electric glass sunroof
34
Trash container, refer to
Ashtray
81
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread
100

Treadwear grade
99
Trip odometer
63
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI
85
Turn signal indicators
58
indicator lamp
19
Turn signal indicators on the
side, bulb replacement
123

Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions
141
, 142

U Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
99
Units

average consumption
67
average speed
67
temperature
66
Universal garage door
opener
83
Universal remote control
83
Unlocking

bonnet
105

from inside
28
from outside
26
Used batteries, refer to
Disposal
132

Using antifreeze
108
, 110

V Vacuum cleaner, connecting,
refer to Cigarette lighter
socket
82
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Page 160 of 165

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
158
Valve

core
129

dust cap
127

remover
129

spare
129

Valve remover, refer to
Onboard tool kit
129

Valve stem and replacement
valve, refer to Onboard tool
kit
129

Vehicle

battery
132

break-in procedures
92
care
113

dimensions
141

loading cargo
86
parking
93
storage
116

washing
113

weight
143
, 144

Vehicle battery
132

Vehicle identification number,
refer to
Engine
compartment
106
, 107

Vehicle Memory
47
Ventilation, draft-free
77, 80
Ventilation, refer to Draft-free
ventilation
77, 80
Viscosity
109

Volume

luggage
compartment
143
, 144

W Warning and indicator
lamps
16
Washer fluid
108

Washer fluid reservoir,
capacity
145

Washer fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer/Wiper system
108

Washer systems
108

Washer/wiper system
59
Washing your vehicle
113

Water on roadways, deep
water
93
Wear indicators in the tires,
refer to Tire condition
101

Weights
143
, 144

Wheel stud wrench

MINI Mobility System
129

space-saver spare tire
125

Wheel/tire combination
102

Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions
141
, 142

Wheels and tires
102

Wheelslip control

All Season traction Control
(ASC)
68
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
69
Width, refer to Dimensions
141

Wind deflector
39
Window washer reservoir
108

capacity, refer to
Capacities
145

Window washer system

washer fluid
108

washer/wiper system
59
Windows, convenience
operation
26, 27
Windscreen wipers

replacement
120
, 121

Windshield heating

air conditioning system
76
automatic climate control
79
Windshield washer jets
60
Windshield wiper blades

care
115

replacement
120
, 121

Windshield wipers

intermittent operation
59
Windshield wipers, refer to
Washer/wiper system
59
Windshield, cleaning
60
Winter tires
103

changing
127

condition
100

Run Flat tires
103

storage
103

Wood paneling
115

Work in the engine
compartment
105

Wrench, refer to Onboard tool
kit
120

X Xenon lamps

bulb replacement
122

daytime driving lamps
57
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