brake MINI COOPER 2008 User Guide

ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
85
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 page103.
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 driving off using Hill Start
Assist
*, refer to page59.
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 steering 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 actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there 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 avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating 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-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page42.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing 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 operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants 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.
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Care
112
Care
Suitable car-care products
Use the cleaning and car-care products
available at your MINI Dealer.<
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle.<
Washing your vehicle
You can wash your new MINI in an automatic car
wash from the first day. Preference should be
given to cloth car washes. If, due to lack of avail-
ability, brush car washes must be used, modern
systems with soft brushes should be given pref-
erence.
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain a suffi-
cient distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 1407/606. If the
jet is too close or the pressure is too high, this
can lead to damage or initial damage that can
develop into more serious damage. Water that
enters vehicle components can lead to damage
over the long term.
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them, otherwise water can reduce
braking efficiency over the short term and the
brake rotors can corrode.
Switch the rain sensor off when passing through
an automatic car wash, page44. Failure to do so
could result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Frameless doors
In car washes working with high pressures and
jet positions near the vehicle windows, small
amounts of water may drip into the interior.
Rear window wiper
In automatic car washes, the rear window wip-
ers may be damaged. Ask the car wash operator about measures that can be taken to protect the
wipers.
Rod antenna
If necessary, for example before entering a car
w a s h o r a g a r a g e w i t h a n e l e v a t o r r a m p , r e m o v e
the rod antenna.
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as insects, by soaking with
shampoo and then rinsing with plenty of water.
Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with
an ice scraper; use window de-icers instead.
Vehicle paintwork
Regular care contributes greatly to driving safety
and value retention.
Environmental influences varying from one
region to the next can affect the vehicle paint-
work. Base the frequency and scope of car care
on these various influences.
Care of upholstery
Depressions that come about on the upholstery
material of the seats in daily use can be brushed
out using a slightly damp brush against the
grain.
The fact that velour lays down is not a quality
defect but rather is inevitable, as it is with home
textiles or clothing.
In the case of strong sunlight and longer parking
periods, cover the seats or all windows to pre-
vent discoloration.
Care of special parts
Light-alloy wheels*
Especially in the winter months, care for the
wheel rims with wheel rim cleaner. Do not use
acidic, strongly alkaline and abrasive cleaning
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
117
Replacing a parking/roadside parking
lamp bulb
5 watt bulb, W 5 W
1.Turn in the wheel.
2.Remove cover 2.
To do so, turn the cover counterclockwise.
3.Screw out the upper bulb counterclockwise.
4.To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.
Replacing a fog lamp bulb
H8 bulb, 35 watts
1.Turn in the wheel.
2.Remove cover 2.
To do so, turn the cover counterclockwise.
3.Screw out the lower bulb counterclockwise.
4.To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.
Side turn signal indicators
5 watt bulb, W 5 W1.Push the lamp with the ventilation grate for-
ward and remove.
2.Screw out the bulb holder counterclockwise.
3.Pull out and replace the bulb.
4.To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.
Tail lamps
MINI
1Brake lamp/tail lamp
21 watt/5 watt bulb, W 5 W
2Turn signal lamp
21 watt bulb, P 21 W
3Backup lamp
21 watt bulb, P 21 W
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Replacing components
118
MINI Clubman
1Brake lamp/tail lamp
21 watt/5 watt bulb, W 5 W
2Turn signal lamp
21 watt bulb, P 21 W
3Rear fog lamp
* P 21 W
4Backup lamp
21 watt bulb, P 21 W
Replacing bulbs in MINI
1.Remove the cover from the sidewall of the
cargo bay.
2.Screw out the desired bulb counterclock-
wise, arrows1.
Additional bulbs are located behind the
sidewall of the cargo bay, arrow 2.
3.To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.
Replacing bulbs in MINI Clubman
1.Using the screwdriver from the onboard tool
kit, remove the screw at the top.
2.Swing out the tail lamp and remove it
toward the top.
3.Pull off the cable connector 1, unlock the
bulb holder, arrow2, and remove it,
arrow3.
4.Screw out the respective bulb counterclock-
wise.
5.To insert the new bulb and reinstall the tail
lamp, proceed in reverse order.
Rear fog lamp*
21 watt bulb, P 21 W
Access to the lamp via the back or underside of
the bumper.
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
119
The illustration shows the fog lamp in the
bumper of the MINI Cooper.
1.Screw out the bulb holder counterclockwise.
2.Screw out and replace the bulb.
3.To insert the new bulb and bulb holder, pro-
ceed in reverse order.
In the MINI Clubman, the rear fog lamp is
located in the left tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps, page118.<
License plate lamps in MINI
5 watt bulb, C 5 W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow1.
2.Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3.Replace the bulb.
4.Insert the lamp.
License plate lamps in MINI Clubman
5watt bulb, C5W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow1.
2.Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3.Replace the bulb.
4.Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. In
the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI
Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained
personnel working in accordance with the spec-
ifications of your MINI manufacturer.
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures in the event of a break-
down:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving
traffic and switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers.
Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels
are in the straight-ahead position and engage
the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking
brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place
the selector lever in position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle and
in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail.
Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the
appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
131
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in indicator area 1 or2. See the table for information on causes and
how to react. Note whether a lamp comes on
alone or in combination with another. Some
lamps can light up in different colors. Corre-
sponding distinctions are made in the text.
12Cause What to do
Turn signals
High beams/headlamp flasher
switched on
Fog lamps switched on
Rear fog lamp switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to
page33.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Danger of icy roads Drive cautiously, refer also to page48.
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Indicator and warning lamps
132
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gallons/8 l of fuel
remain in the tank
Remains on:
Cruising range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, page49
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page39.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
openSwitch off the ignition, page39, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Clubdoor open
Splitdoor open
Bonnet open
Tailgate open
Gas cap missing or loose Make sure that the gas cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
12Cause What to do
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
133
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page46.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with convenient access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if neces-
sary.
Battery in remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with convenient
access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
Lights up:
Emergency calling system failed or
malfunctioningHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction Stop the car and switch off the engine.
You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.
12Cause What to do
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Indicator and warning lamps
134
Indicator lamp1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in dam-
age to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse
effect on exhaust emissionsYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the bonnet,
otherwise there would be a risk of
injury by scalding. Contact your MINI
Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
12Cause What to do
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ReferenceAt a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility
135
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Brake pedal travel may be markedly
longer. Stop immediately. Contact the
nearest MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Start Assist failed. The car will not
be held in place after the brake is
releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Brake pedal travel may be markedly
longer. Stop immediately. Contact the
nearest MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Hill Start Assist failed. The car will not
be held in place after the brake is
releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
12Cause What to do
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