tire size MINI COOPER 2011 User Guide

MOBILITYWheels and tires
142
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B CAll passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades. <
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 γ) times as
well on the government co urse as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditio ns of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
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 government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not incl ude acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or pe ak traction characteris-
tics. <
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor labo ratory test wheel. Sus-
tained 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 corre sponds to a level of
performance which all pa ssenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent lev-
els of performance on the laboratory test wheel
that exceed the minimum required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overlo aded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combin ation, 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, page 144.
For instance:
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire age
DOT xxxx xxx 0211

Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
145
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 MINI recommends the use
of winter tires on roads during the winter, or if
temperatures drop below 45 7/ +7 6.
Although all-season M+S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally 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 accidents. <
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter ti res, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. This
label is available at your tire dealer or MINI
dealer.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires agains t all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit diff erent wear and tear.
In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the
wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your
MINI dealer will be glad to advise you.
Always check the inflation pressure after the tire
rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fi ne-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-s afe and recommended.
Contact 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
John Cooper Works:
> 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,
refer to page 68.<

MOBILITYReplacing components
166
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 toward the rear.
10. Position the space-save r 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
damaged wheel cannot be placed in the
recess for the space-saver spare tire. <
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
stability during braking, longer braking dis-
tances and changes in self-steering properties
when close to the handling limit. These proper-
ties 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 inflat ion pressure at the
earliest opportunity and correct it if
necessary. Replace the defe ctive tire as soon as
possible and have the ne w wheel/tire assembly
balanced. <
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page 163.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires:
Only change the tire wh en parked on a surface
that is level, firm and 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 capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine
when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise, there is a risk of fatal injury. <

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
202
Run-flat tires144
– flat tire 71
– tire inflation pressure 134
– tire replacement 144
– winter tires 145
S
Safety belt
– number37
Safety Belt Reminder 41
Safety belts 40
– damage 41
– indicator lamp 41
– reminder 41
– sitting safely 37
Safety belts, care 156
Safety systems
– airbags 75
– Antilock Brake System ABS 67
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
– safety belts 40
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires 144
Satellite radio 110
– enabling 110
Scan, listening to test
– Radio MINI Boost CD 108
Screw thread for tow fitting 171
Searching
– CD player 112
– radio 107
Searching for a music track
– CD 112
Seat adjustment
– mechanical 38
Seats 38
– adjusting the seats 38
– heating 40
– sitting safely 37
Securing the vehicle
– from inside 25
– from outside 21 Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock 49
– overriding manually 50
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 49
Service, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Service car, refe r to Roadside
Assistance 169
Service data in the remote
control 151
Service Interval Display, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 151
Service requirement display, refer to Condition Based
Service CBS 151
Service requirements 62
Settings
– clock, 12 h/24 h mode 61
Setting the time format 107
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with Steptr
onic49
– manual transmission 48
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions 49
Side airbags 75
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 161
Side windows, refer to
Windows 31
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 37
– airbags 37
– safety belts 37
– with head restraint 37
Size, refer to Dimensions 189Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric
30
Slipstream deflector, refer to Wind deflector 36
Slot for remote control 46
Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 93
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 129
– use 118
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 92
Snow chains 145
Socket, refer to Connecting electrical appliances 93
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis OBD 152
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires 165
– inflation pressure 134
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire 165
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 149
Speed 188
– with winter tires 145
Speed-dependent volume 106
Speedo, refer to Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Split-folding rear seats 100
Split rear backrest, refer to
Split-folding rear seats 100
Split rear seat backrest, refer to Expanding the cargo area 98
Sport button 69
Stability control, refer to Driving stability control
systems 67
Start/Stop button 46
– starting the engine 47
– switching off the engine 47
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 47

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
203
Starting assistance, refer to Jump-starting 169
Starting the engine
– Start/Stop button 46
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 67
– Hill Assist 69
Stations, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 108
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 42
– adjustment 42
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 46
– shift paddles 50
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
Storage area
– cargo area 98
Storage compartment, front
passenger side 92
Storage compartments 92
Storage space
– storage compartments 92
Storage space, refer to
– Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible 99
Storing the vehicle 156
Storing tires 145
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 92
Summer tires, re fer to Wheels
and tires 134
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 47
Switching off the engine
– Start/Stop button 46
Switching on
– CD player 106,111
– Radio MINI Boost CD 106
Switching the cooling function on and off 88
Symbols 4T
Tachometer 56
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps 161
– replacing bulb 161
Tail lamps 161
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 193
Technical data 188
Technical modifications 5
Telephone 118
– hands-free system 126
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 92
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
– voice commands 127
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– setting the units 61
Temperature of coolant, refer to Coolant temperature 149
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 85
– automatic climate control 87
Tempomat, refer to Cruise control 54
Tensioning straps, refer to Securing cargo 101
The individual vehicle 4
Third brake lamp, refer to Center brake lamp 163
Three-point safety belt 40
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys 157
– torque 167,168
Tightening torque, refer to Tightening lug bolts 167
Time
– setting 107
Tire change set
– space-saver spare tire 157Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor
71
– indicator/warning lamp 71
– MINI Mobility System 163
– run-flat tires 71
– space-saver spare tire 165
– Tire Pressure Monitor 72
Tire inflation pressure 134
– loss 71
– space-saver spare tire 134
Tire pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 69
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
– limitations of system 72
– resetting system 72
– warning lamp 73
Tire Quality Grading 142
Tires
– age 14

3
– breaking in 96
– changing, refe r to Changing
wheels 165
– condition 143
– damage 143
– inflation pressure 134
– inflation pressure loss 73
– minimum tread depth 143
– new tires 144
– pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 69
– pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 72
– puncture 71
– size 141
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth 143
– winter tires 145
– with emergency operation
properties 144
Tires with emergency operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 144
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires 144