winter tires MINI COOPER 2009 Owners Manual

Wheels and tires
100
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
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 sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – Run-Flat Tires
You will recognize Run-Flat Tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of
the tire, page101.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires regularly for tread wear, signs
of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the
tread. Check the tread depth.
Tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
Winter tires
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove
are distributed around the tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. When tire tread is worn
down to the level of the wear indicators, the
remaining tread depth is 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscepti-
ble to road hazard and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immediately
and have wheels and tires thoroughly
checked. To do so, drive carefully to the nearest
M INI Dea ler or tire shop that w orks a ccording to
MINI repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel. If necessary, have the vehicle
towed there.
Otherwise tire damage can be extremely dan-
gerous for vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 3408 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 34 of 2008.
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
101
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends tire replacement after no more than
6 years, regardless of the actual wear of the
tires.
Run-Flat Tires*
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforcement
in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can con-
tinue to be used subject to certain restrictions,
even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page60.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires mounted only
by your MINI Dealer or a specialized tire
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of the
MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you avoid using retreaded
tires, as this could impair driving safety. The
causes for this include potentially different tire
casing structures and often wide variations in
tire age, which can result in a limited service
life.<
Correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends mounting only wheels and tires
that it has specifically approved for use on your
particular model. Although other wheels and
tires may theoretically have the same dimen-
sions, variations in factors such as manufactur-
ing tolerances can result in contact between tire
and bodywork, ultimately leading to serious
accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to
determine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of the
vehicle if they are mounted.<
Your MINI Dealer will be glad to inform you
about the correct wheel and tire combination for
your vehicle.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the Tire
Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect a
puncture, refer to page62. Your MINI Dealer will
be glad to advise you.
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Wheels and tires
102
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
marked with a clearly visible MINI designation
on the sidewall of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Run-Flat Tires*
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount
Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. Keep in mind
that no space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to
advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
winter tires for driving in adverse winter road
conditions. Although all-season M+S tires pro-
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they generally fail to provide the same levels of
cold-weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. Spe-
cialist tire dealers and your MINI Dealer can sup-
ply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
that you do not swap the front wheels with the
rear wheels as this may impair the handling of
your MINI.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-safe and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI Dealer for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman:
>185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC
(see page58).<
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Replacing components
120
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver spare
tire is under the floor mat in the cargo bay, on
the base of the storage compartment for the tire
change set.
1.Unscrew the screw connection with the spe-
cial wrench.
2.Take out the cover panel.
3.Screw the lifting handle from the onboard
tool kit onto the thread.
4.Raise the lifting handle slightly.
5.Squeeze the securing spring.
6.The space-saver spare tire is released and
must be held by the lifting handle.
7.Lower the space-saver spare tire with the
lifting handle.
8.Unscrew the lifting handle.9.Pull the space-saver spare tire underneath
the vehicle out towards the rear.
10.Position the space-saver spare tire with the
valve facing upward.
11.Unscrew the valve extension from the valve
of the space-saver spare tire.
12.Unscrew the dust cap from the extension
and place it on the valve of the space-saver
spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the dam-
aged wheel cannot be placed in the recess
for the space-saver spare tire.<
Towing eye
Driving with the space-saver
spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Changes may
occur in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking distances
and changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These properties are
more noticeable with winter tires.<
Only one space-saver spare tire may be
mounted at one time. Mount a wheel and
tire of the original size as soon as possible, to
avoid any safety risks.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at the ear-
liest opportunity and correct it if neces-
sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.<
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From A to Z
146
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control76
Additives
– coolant105
– engine oil105
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner73
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control74
Air conditioner72
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control74
– ventilation76
Air distribution
– automatic75
– individual74
– manual74
Air flow rate73,75
– air conditioning system73
– automatic climate control75
– heating, ventilation73
Air outlets, refer to Air vents72
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure94
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Air supply
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control74
– ventilation76
Air vents72
Airbags64
– sitting safely29
– warning lamp66
Airing, refer to Ventilation76AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires102
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Ambient lighting71
Antenna, care109
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid44
Antilock Brake System ABS57
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights144
Approved engine oils105
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights144
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest79
Arrival time
– computer49
Ashtray81
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control75
Audio device, external79
AUTO program for automatic
climate control75
Automatic
– air distribution75
– air flow rate75
– cruise control45
– headlamp control67
Automatic climate control72
– automatic air distribution75Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC75
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– interlock40
– overriding selector lever
lock41
– shiftlock40
– sport program40
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device79
Average fuel consumption48
– setting the units50
Average speed49
Axle loads, refer to
Weights144B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting71
Backrests, refer to Seats29
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb116
– replacing bulbs in MINI116
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch123
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away126
Battery122
– charging122
– disposal27,122
– jump starting123
– temporary power failure122
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed125
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts32
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders81
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
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Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access25
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams67
– automatic67
– replacing bulb114
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support30
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack88
Lumbar support30
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires102
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system107
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control54
Manual air distribution74
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Manual transmission39
Manual washing110
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling75
Maximum speed
– with winter tires102Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch123
Microfilter
– for air conditioner74
– for automatic climate
control76
– MINI Maintenance
System107
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System107
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System107
Mirror dimming feature33
Mirrors33
– exterior mirrors33
– heating33
– interior rearview mirror33
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest79
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest79
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System117
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety4
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor59
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher41
– refer to Wiper system42
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints31Nets, refer to Storage
compartments80
New tires101
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data142
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope126
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis107
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Odometer47
Oil consumption104
Oil level104
Oil, refer to Engine oil104
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal122
Onboard tool kit113
Opening and closing
– convenient access25
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control19
Opening and unlocking
– from inside22
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation76
Outlets, refer to Air vents72
Output, refer to Engine
data142
Outside temperature
display47
– changing unit of measure50
– on onboard computer50
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control75
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature47
P
Paintwork, care110
Park Distance Control PDC56
Parking
– vehicle38
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From A to Z
152
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC56
Parking brake39
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb115
Parking lamps/low beams67
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle4
Pathway lighting67
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– windows28
Plastic parts, care111
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner74
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control76
Power failure122
Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM61
Pressure monitoring, tires59
– Flat Tire Monitor59
Pressure, tires94
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– windows28
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor59
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness37
Radio readiness37
– switched off37
– switched on37
Rain sensor43
Range, refer to Cruising
range48
Reading lamps70Rear fog lamp70
– indicator lamp128
– replacing bulb117
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps116
Rear seat backrest, folding86
Rear seats
– folding the backrests86
Rear window heating73,76
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors33
Recirculated-air mode73,75
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest30
Refueling92
Releasing
– bonnet103
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access25
– garage door opener77
– malfunctions21,26
– service data107
– tailgate21
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs113
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires101
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge48
Reservoir for washer
systems44
Restraint systems
– for children35
– refer to Safety belts32
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
Roadside Assistance123
Roadside parking lamps69
– replacing bulb115Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements52
Roof load capacity144
Roof-mounted luggage
rack88
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away126
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires101
Rubber parts, care110
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires101
Run-Flat Tires101
– flat tire60
– new tires101
– tire inflation pressure94
– winter tires102
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-Flat
Tires101
S
Safety belts32
– damage32
– indicator lamp32
– reminder32
– sitting safely29
Safety belts, care111
Safety systems
– airbags64
– Antilock Brake System
ABS57
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
– safety belts32
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires101
Screw thread for tow
fitting125
Seat adjustment
– mechanical30
Seats29
– adjusting the seats30
– heating32
– sitting safely29
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153
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock40
– overriding manually41
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance123
Service data in the remote
control107
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS107
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance123
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS107
Service requirements52
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode50
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions40
Side airbags64
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb116
Side windows, refer to
Windows28
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely29
– airbags29
– safety belts29
– with head restraint29
Size, refer to Dimensions143Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric27
Slot for remote control37
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray81
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment79
Snow chains102
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD107
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances81
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires119
– inflation pressure94
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire119
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils105
Speed142
– with winter tires102
Speed control, refer to Cruise
control45
Speedometer12
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay86
Sport button59
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems56
Start/stop button37
– starting the engine38
– switching off the engine38
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting123
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine38
Starting the engine
– start/stop button37
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC57
– Hill Start Assist58
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4Steering wheel34
– adjustment34
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock37
– shift paddles41
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic39
Storage area
– cargo bay86
Storage compartment, front
passenger side80
Storage compartments80
Storage space
– storage compartments80
Storing the vehicle112
Storing tires102
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments80
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires94
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine38
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button37
Switching the cooling function
on and off76
Symbols4
T
Tachometer47
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps116
– replacing bulb116
Tail lamps116
– replacing bulbs in MINI116
Tailgate23
– convenient access26
– opening from outside23
– opening/closing23
– unlocking with remote
control21
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities144
Technical data142
Technical modifications4
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From A to Z
154
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest79
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning47
– outside temperature47
– setting the units50
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature47
Temperature setting
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control75
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo88
The individual vehicle4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp117
Three-point safety belt32
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys119
– torque121
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts121
Tire change set
– MINI Mobility System119
– space-saver spare tire119
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor60
– indicator/warning lamp60
– MINI Mobility System117
– Run-Flat Tires60
– space-saver spare tire119
– Tire Pressure Monitor61
Tire inflation pressure94
– loss60
– space-saver spare tire94
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM61
– limitations of system61
– resetting system61
– warning lamp62
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor59
Tire Quality Grading99Tires
– age100
– breaking in84
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels119
– condition100
– damage100
– inflation pressure94
– inflation pressure loss62
– minimum tread depth100
– new tires101
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor59
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM61
– puncture60
– Run-Flat Tires101
– size99
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth100
– winter tires102
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-Flat Tires101
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit113
Torque142
– lug bolts121
Tow bar126
Tow fitting125
– screw thread125
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away125
Tow rope126
Towing124
– car with automatic
transmission126
– methods126
Tow-starting124
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor61
Track width, refer to
Dimensions143
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
Trailer operation
– Trailer loads and gross
vehicle weight144Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– manual transmission39
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic41
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo88
Transporting children safely35
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread100
Trip odometer47
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer47
Triple turn signal activation42
Turn signal indicator41
– front, replacing bulb115
– indicator lamp12
– rear, replacing bulb116
– side, replacing bulb116
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions143
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading88
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
UTQR99
Units
– average fuel consumption50
– temperature50
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control77
Universal remove control77
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking26
Unlocking
– from inside22
– from outside19
– tailgate26
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access25
Upholstery, care110
USB-audio interface80
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V
Valve
– dust cap120
Vehicle
– battery122
– breaking in84
– cargo loading86
– dimensions143
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment104
– parking38
– storage112
– weight144
Vehicle jack119
– jacking points121
Ventilation
– air conditioner76
Vents, refer to Air vents72
Vents, refer to Ventilation76
Volume of cargo area144
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13,128
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control54
Warning triangle123
Washer fluid44
– capacity of reservoir44
Washer fluid reservoir44
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray81
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water85
Waterfall lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting71
Wear indicators in tires, refer to
Minimum tread depth100
Weights144
Welcome lamps67
Wheel stud wrench
– space-saver spare tire119
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions143
Wheels and tires94
Wheels, new101
Width, refer to
Dimensions143Window washer, refer to
Washer fluid44
Window washer reservoir,
refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to
Capacities144
Windows28
– closing28
– convenient operation20
– opening28
– pinch protection system28
Windshield
– cleaning43
– defrosting and removing
condensation74,76
Windshield, defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows74,76
Windshield washer system42
– washer fluid44
– washer nozzles44
Windshield wiper blades,
changing113
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system42
Winter tires102
– storage102
Wiper blade replacement113
Wiper system42
Work in the engine
compartment103
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit113
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb114
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