winter tires MINI COOPER 2004 Owners Manual

90
TIRE CODINGTraction The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
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. B and C, representing the tire'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 a sudden flat tire. 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. lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire, refer to page 93.M+SWinter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance
properties than summer tires.
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91
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE CONDITION Tire tread Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
The tread depth should not fall below
1/8 in / 3 mm.
Below 1/8 in / 3 mm tread pattern depth,
there is an increased risk of hydroplaning,
even at relatively moderate speeds and
with only small amounts 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.Wear indicators in the tread-groove base,
arrow, are spread around the circumfer-
ence of the tire and are marked on the side
wall of the tire with TWI, Tread Wear Indi-
cator. The indicators in the tread indicate at
1/16 in / 1.6 mm tread depth that the
legally permitted wear limit has been
reached.
Tire damage
Unusual vibrations while driving can
indicate tire damage or other dam-
age to the vehicle. This may be caused, for
example, by driving over a curb. This is also
true for abnormalities in the vehicle's han-
dling characteristics, such as a pronounced
tendency to pull to the left or right. Should
this occur, respond by immediately reduc-
ing your speed. Proceed carefully to the
nearest MINI Dealer or professional tire
center, or have the vehicle towed there to
have its wheels and/or tires inspected or
controlled. Tire damage – up to and includ-
ing blowouts – can endanger the lives of
both the vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
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92
WHEEL AND TIRE REPLACEMENT
Unprofessional attempts by laymen
to service tires can lead to damage
and accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. Your MINI Dealer will be glad
to assist you with both their expertise and
the proper equipment for your vehicle.<
The correct wheel and tire combination
also affects various systems that would
otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS or DSC.
Have the wheels balanced after each tire or
wheel replacement.
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends that you avoid using
retread tires, as this could impair driving
safety. This is due to the possible variations
in casing structures and, in some cases, to
their extreme age, which can lead to a
decrease in their durability.<
The correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends never mounting wheels
and tires that have not been specifically
approved by the manufacturer for use on
your particular model. Although other
wheels and tires may theoretically have the
same dimensions, variations in factors such
as manufacturing tolerances can result in
contact between tire and bodywork, ulti-
mately leading to serious accidents. The
manufacturer of your MINI cannot evaluate
non-approved wheels and tires to deter-
mine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are fitted.<
Recommended tire makes:
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
In the event of a flat tire, remount the pre-
vious wheel and tire combination as soon
as possible.
Run Flat tires:
If your MINI is equipped with Run Flat tires
– refer to Run Flat tires – use only these
tires, since no space-saver spare tire may be
available in the event of a flat. Special characteristics of winter tires The manufacturer of your MINI 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.
For mounting winter tires, refer to the
descriptions under Tire condition, page 91,
and Wheel and tire replacement.
Run Flat tires:
If your MINI is equipped with Run Flat tires
– refer to Run Flat tires – use only these
tires, since no space-saver spare tire may be
available in the event of a flat.
Observing speeds:
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 accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. The technicians at your MINI
Dealer will be glad to assist you with the
required professional knowledge and spe-
cialized 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 maxi-
mum tire inflation pressure specified on
the tire sidewall.
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93
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
RUN FLAT TIRES
*
You will recognize Run Flat tires by a circu-
lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire. Run Flat tires consist of
self-contained tires and special rims. The
tire reinforcement ensures that driving
remains possible to a restricted degree in
the event of a pressure drop or even a flat
tire.
When mounting or replacing summer
Run Flat tires with winter tires, or vice
versa, use Run Flat tires again since no
space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. In this event, the manufac-
turer of your MINI recommends consulting
your MINI Dealer. Your MINI Dealer has the
necessary special equipment and expertise
for handling Run Flat tires.<
Continuing driving with a damaged
tire Depending on the load, you can continue
driving with Run Flat tires at a maximum
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h.
If there is a total loss of tire inflation pres-
sure, 0 psi / 0 kPa, or obvious tire damage,
you can gauge the mileage for continued
driving on the basis of the following indica-
tions:
>With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles / 250 km
>With a medium load:
2 persons, full cargo area, or
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 95 miles / 150 km
>With a full load:
4 persons or more, full cargo:
approx. 30 miles / 50 km.Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. In case of
tire pressure loss you must expect changes
in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking dis-
tances and changes in self-steering proper-
ties when close to the handling limit.
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your MINI recommends not having dam-
aged Run Flat tires repaired. In this case,
consult your MINI dealer.<
Tire change setYour MINI is additionally equipped with a
tire change set. This is located in the MINI
COOPER in the cargo area under the floor
mat.
In the MINI COOPER S the tire change set is
located in a separate bag which is attached
to the eyelets on the cargo area floor by
means of tie-down straps.
When changing a tire, always observe the
safety measures on page 116, and follow
the procedure described on page 117 ff.
In case of a flat tire, the tire change
set is not needed, since your MINI has
Run Flat tires.<
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120
CHANGING TIRES: MINI WITH SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
Fitting the space-saver spare tire
1. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel
2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt
from the mounting surfaces of the
wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts
3. Fit the space-saver spare tire
4. Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight
into opposite bolt holes
5. Screw in the remaining bolts
6. Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diag-
onal pattern
7. Lower the vehicle
8. Remove the jack.Tightening the lug bolts Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
As soon as possible, have the secure
seating of the lug bolts, tightening
torque 88.5 lb ft / 120 Nm, checked using a
calibrated torque wrench. Otherwise, a
wheel coming loose can lead to a severe
accident.<
Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.
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.<
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
138
A
ABS Antilock Brake System 61
indicator lamp 16, 17
Accessories, refer to
For your own safety 7
Your individual vehicle 6
Activated-charcoal filter 72
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode 68, 71
Air conditioning
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Air conditioning system 67
Air distribution
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation 69, 72
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 87
Air supply
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 72
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning 68, 71
Airbags 65
indicator lamp 16
safe seating position 31
AKI, refer to Fuel quality 85 All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
indicator lamp 16, 17
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires 92
Antenna 103
Antifreeze
coolant 100
washer fluid 98
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 61
indicator lamp 16, 17
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights 134
Approved engine oils 99
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights 134
ASC All Season traction
Control 59
indicator lamp 16, 17
Ashtray 74
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution 71
Automatic
air distribution 71
air supply 71
cruise control 52 Automatic car washes 103
Automatic climate control 70
Automatic headlamp range
control for xenon lamps,
refer to Daytime driving
lamps 48
Average consumption
setting units 58
Average speed
setting units 58
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 134
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats 33
Backup lamp 44
bulb replacement 114
Bar, towing 128
Battery 124
disposal 22, 124
indicator lamp 15
jump-starting 126
remote control 22
Belts, refer to Safety belts 35
Beverage holders 74
Blower
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 72
Blower, refer to Air flow 68, 72 Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation 69, 72
BMW 6
Bonnet 95
indicator lamp 16
Bore, refer to Engine data 132
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders 74
Brake discs
brake system 86
break-in procedures 82
Brake fluid 101
adding 101
level 86
warning lamp 15
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 114
Brake pads 86
break-in procedures 82
warning lamp 16
Brake system 86
brake fluid level 86
brake pads 86
disc brakes 86
warning lamp 16
Brake wear warning
brake pads 86
warning lamp 16

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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
143
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Intermittent operation
wipers 50
Interval display, service 102
J
Jack, refer to Tire change set
MINI Mobility System 121
Run Flat tires 93
space-saver spare tire 117
Jacking points 119
Jets, refer to Ventilation 69, 72
Jets, refer to Windshield
washer jets 51
Jump-starting 126
K
Keys 22
Kickdown 46
Knock control 85
L
Lamp defect 111
Lamp replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 111
Lamps and bulbs 111
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 48
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing
the load 77
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 40 Leather care 105
LEDs light-emitting diodes 50
Length, refer to
Dimensions 133
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 115
Lifting handle, space-saver
spare tire, refer to Tire
change set 117
Light switch 48
Light-alloy wheels, care 104
Light-emitting diodes 50
Lighter 74
'Lights on' warning 48
Load securing devices, refer to
Securing the load 77
Loading cargo
vehicle 76
Loads, refer to Loading cargo 76
Locking
from inside 26
from outside 24
Low beams 48
bulb replacement 112
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support 33
Luggage compartment
capacity, refer to Cargo area
volume 134
Luggage compartment cover,
refer to Cargo area cover 75 Luggage compartment lamps,
refer to Cargo area lamps 116
Luggage compartment lid
emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation 27
Luggage compartment lid, refer
to Tailgate 27
Luggage compartment, refer to
Cargo area 75
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 78
Lumbar support 33
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 92
Maintenance system 102
Maintenance, refer to Service
interval display 56, 102
Malfunction
door lock 25
glass sunroof, electric 30
tailgate 27
Manual mode, refer to
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 46 Manual operation
door lock 25
driver's door 25
fuel filler cap 84
glass sunroof, electric 30
tailgate 27
Manual transmission 44
Manufacturer 6
Master key
initializing 22
with remote control 22
MC operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory 37
MFL Multifunction steering
wheel 18
Microfilter
air conditioning system 69
automatic climate control 72
MINI Maintenance System 102
MINI manufacturer 6
MINI Mobility System 121
compressor 122
liquid sealant 122
Mirrors 36
heating 36
Mobility System 121
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety 7
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
147
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Tires
age 89
break-in procedures 82
changing 117
condition 91
damage 91
flat tire 93, 116
inflation pressure 87
replacement 92
storage 92
tread 91
wear indicator, refer to Tire
tread 91
winter tires 92
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit 110
Torque, refer to Engine
data 132
Tow
bar 128
eyelet 128
rope 128
Tow fitting, refer to
Towing eyelet 128
Tow socket for towing
eyelet 128
Towing 128
with automatic
transmission 129
Towing eyelet 128 Track width, refer to
Dimensions 133
Traction grades 90
Transmission
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
manual transmission 44
Transmission lock, refer to
Range selection 45
Transmission malfunction 47
Transporting children 38
Transporting children safely 38
Trash container, refer to
Ashtray 74
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 91
Treadwear grade 89
Trip odometer 54
Trunk, refer to Cargo area 75
Turn signal indicators 49
indicator lamp 17
Turn signal indicators, front
bulb replacement 112
Turn signal indicators, side
bulb replacement 113
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 133 U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 89
Units
average consumption 58
average speed 58
temperature 57
Unlocking
bonnet 95
from inside 26
from outside 24
Used batteries, refer to
Disposal 124
Using antifreeze 98, 100
V
Vacuum cleaner, connecting,
refer to Cigarette lighter
socket 74
Valve
core 121
dust cap 118
remover 121
spare 121
Valve remover, refer to
Onboard tool kit 121
Valve stem and replacement
valve, refer to Onboard tool
kit 121 Vanity mirror
bulb replacement 115
illuminated 36
Vehicle
battery 124
break-in procedures 82
care 103
dimensions 133
loading cargo 76
storage 105
switching off 83
washing 103
weight 134
Vehicle Memory 37
Ventilation
draft-free 69, 72
Volume
cargo area, refer to
Weights 134
fuel tank, refer to
Capacities 135
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 15
Warranty, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models 102
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
148
Washer fluid 98
Washer fluid reservoir, refer to
Capacities 135
Washer fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer/Wiper system 98
Washer systems 98
Washer/wiper system 50
Washing your vehicle 103
Water on roadways, deep
water 83
Wear indicators in the tires,
refer to Tire tread/Tire
damage 91
Weights 134
Wheel stud wrench
MINI Mobility System 121
space-saver spare tire 117
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions 133
Wheelslip control
All Season traction Control
(ASC) 59
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 60
Width, refer to Dimensions 133
Window
convenience
operation 24, 25
Windscreen wipers
replacement 110, 111 Windshield heating
air conditioning system 68
automatic climate control 71
Windshield washer jets 51
Windshield washer reservoir 98
refer to Capacities 135
Windshield washer system
washer fluid 98
washer/wiper system 50
Windshield wiper blades
care 104
replacement 110, 111
Windshield wipers, refer to
Washer/wiper system 50
Windshield, cleaning 51
Winter tires
changing 117
storage 92
Winter tires, refer to Special
characteristics of winter
tires 92
Wood paneling 104
Work in the engine
compartment 95
Wrench, refer to Onboard tool
kit 110
X
Xenon lamps
bulb replacement 112
daytime driving lamps 48
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