brake pads MINI Clubman 2012 Owner's Manual

DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
94
Things to remember when driving
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or coun try version. This also
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distan ce driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Ground clearance
When driving, ensure that there is suffi-
cient ground clearance, such as when
entering underground parking garages, driving
over curbs or when driving in winter; otherwise
damage to the vehicle may result. <
Close tailgate/Split Rear Barn Doors
Only drive with the tailgate/Split Rear Barn
Doors closed. Failure to do so may endan-
ger passengers or other road users or may
damage the vehicle in the event of an accident
or a braking and evasive maneuver. In addition,
exhaust gas may flow into the passenger com-
partment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely
necessary to drive with the tailgate/Split Rear
Barn Doors open:
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
95
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off the recirc ulated-air mode and
switch the airflow contro l of the heating, air
conditioner, or automa tic climate control to
high, refe r to page 81 or 83.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various se ctions of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating to them.
Make sure that when driving, idling or when
parking, no easily flamma ble materials, such as
hay, leaves, grass, etc. come into contact with
the hot exhaust system. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries
and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
tail pipes. Otherwise, there is a risk of burns. <
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form betw een tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly. <
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page 139.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. <
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise, greater clutch wear will result. <
For information on drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 66.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steeri ng responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is functioning properly.
Objects in the movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carp et, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhi bit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an
existing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the fl oor mats are securely
fastened again after they have been removed,
e.g. for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or ther e is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that.
Then full braking force will be immediately
available when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheatin g and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
96
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, page48.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking action will not be present or there will be
no power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in op erating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blowout. <
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo area as they
could damage the vehicle. <
MINI: cargo area cover
Do not place any objects on the cover;
otherwise, they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving, or they may damage the cover. <
When you open the tailgate, the roll-up cover is
raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2. Pull the cover out of the holders toward the
rear.
MINI Clubman: luggage compartment
roller cover
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the
luggage compartment roller cover. If you
do so, they may already po s e a d a n g e r t o v e h i c l e
occupants during braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not allow the luggage compartment roll-up
cover to snap back, otherwise it can be
damaged. <
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Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
177
Display in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too lowBraking action is reduced, stop with
care. Contact your nearest MINI
dealer.
Display in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Display in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Display in US models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your MINI dealer.
Display in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your MINI dealer.
12Cause What to do
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
195
Battery165
– disposal 32,165
– jump-starting 168
– temporary power failure 165
Battery renewal
– remote control 32
Being towed 170
Belts, refer to Safety belts 38
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 38
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 90
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 55
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 81,83
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 118
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 90
Brake Assist 64
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 59
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 158,159
Brake pads, breaking in 94
Brake rotors 96
– brakes 94
– breaking in 94
Brakes
– ABS 64
– breaking in 94
– MINI Maintenance
System 147
– parking brake 46
– service requirements 59
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 95
Brake system 94
– breaking in 94
– disc brakes 96
– MINI Maintenance
System 147
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 167
Breaking in the clutch 94
Break-in period 94 Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs 155
Button for starting the engine 44
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call ending 122
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing 122
Calling, refer to Telephone 89
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders 90
Capacities 192
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 165
Car care 149
Care 149
– car-care products 149
– car washes 149
– CD/DVD drives 152
– high-pressure washers 150
– leather 151
– manual washing 150
– upholstery and fabrics 151
– windows 150
– wiper blades 150
Cargo, securing 99
Cargo area 96
– capacity 191
– Comfort Access 31
– cover 96
– doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 28
– expanding 97
– lamp 79
– opening from outside 28
– trunk lid, refer to Split Rear
Barn Doors 28
Cargo area doors, refer to Split Rear Barn Doors 28
Cargo area lamp 79 Cargo area lid, refer to
Tailgate 28
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 98
Cargo loading 98
– securing cargo 99
– stowing cargo 99
– vehicle 96
Cargo net 98
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 22
Carpets, care 151
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 89
– refer to Telephone 89,116
Car radio, refer to Radio 16
Car wash, care 149
Car washes 149
Cataly

tic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 95
CD player 109
– changing the track 109
– fast forward/reverse 109
– playing a track 110
– random order 109
– volume 104
Center armrest 89
Center brake lamp 160
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console 14
Central locking system 23
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Changing bulbs 155
Changing wheels 162
Charging the battery 165
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 143
Check Control 61
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 42
Child restraint systems 41
Child seats 41
Chrome parts, care 151
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