tires MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2015 User Guide

Closing the tailgateDrive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, passengers and other road users may be
endangered or the vehicle may be damaged if
an accident occurs or during braking or swerv‐
ing. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter the
passenger compartment. ◀
If, despite this, the vehicle must be driven with
the tailgate open:▷Drive moderately.▷Coupe: close all windows.▷Switch off recirculated air mode and greatly
increase the blower speed.
Hot exhaust system
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves,
grass, etc. do not come in contact with the hot
exhaust system during driving, while in idle po‐
sition mode, or when parked. Such contact
could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of seri‐
ous personal injury as well as property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,
there is the danger of getting burned. ◀
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is not recommended to use mobile phones,
such as mobile phones without a direct con‐
nection to an external aerial in the vehicle's
passenger compartment. Otherwise, the vehi‐
cle electronics and mobile communication de‐
vices can interfere with each other. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation gener‐
ated during transmission will be discharged
from the vehicle interior. ◀
Hydroplaning On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning. ◀
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tire
tread depth decreases. Minimum tread depth,
refer to page 164.
Driving through water Drive though calm water only if it is not deeper
than 12 inches/30 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to
6 mph/10 km/h.
Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐
tions
Do not exceed this water depth and walking
speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission may be
damaged. ◀
Using the parking brake on inclines Using the parking brake
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle sta‐
tionary with a slipping clutch for extended pe‐
riod; use the parking brake instead. Otherwise,
the clutch will be subject to increased wear. ◀
Support from the hill drive-off assistant, refer to
page 93.Seite 115Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS115
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LoadingVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series. Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
When using the features and systems described
here, adhere to local regulations.
General information Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved carry‐
ing capacity of the tires, never overload the ve‐
hicle. Overloading can lead to overheating and
increases the rate at which damage develops
inside the tires. This could result in a sudden
loss of tire inflation pressure. ◀
No fluids in the cargo area
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
cargo area; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐ aged. ◀Determining the load
limit1.Locate the following statement on your ve‐
hicle's placard:▷The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to the ve‐
hicle and unstable driving situations
may result.2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load ca‐
pacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,000 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs pas‐
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity
is 400 lbs: 1,000 lbs minus 600 lbs =
400 lbs.5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed theSeite 118DRIVING TIPSLoading118
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Wheels and tiresVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series. Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
When using the features and systems described
here, adhere to local regulations.
Tire inflation pressure
Safety information It is not merely the tires' service life, but also
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving
safety that depend on the condition of the tires
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres‐
sure.
Checking the pressure Tires naturally lose pressure uniformly across all
four tires.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
Regularly check the tire inflation pressure
and correct it as needed: at least twice a month
and before a long trip. If you fail to observe this
precaution, you may be driving on tires with in‐
correct tire pressures, a condition that may not
only compromise your vehicle's driving stabil‐
ity, but also lead to tire damage and the risk of
an accident.
Do not drive with depressurized or flat tires, ex‐
cept for run-flat tires. A flat tire will seriously
impair your vehicle's handling and braking re‐
sponse. Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead
to a loss of control over the vehicle. ◀Tires warm up during driving and the tire infla‐
tion pressure increases as the temperature
rises. The tire inflation pressure specifications
apply to cold tires or tires at ambient tempera‐
ture.
Only check the tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle
has been parked for at least 2 hours. When the
tires are warm, the tire inflation pressure is
higher.
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, reset
the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to page 87
or reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page 84.
Checking the inflation pressure of the compact wheel
To check the inflation pressure, there is a valve
extension behind the bumper.
Pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct infla‐
tion pressures for the specified tire sizes at am‐
bient temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to the tire sizes
approved and tire brands recommended by the
manufacturer of the MINI; a list of these is
available from the service center.
For correct identification of the right tire infla‐
tion pressures, observe the following:
Seite 156MOBILITYWheels and tires156
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▷Tire sizes of your vehicle▷Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h,
adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation
pressures listed on the following pages in the
column for traveling speeds up to 100 mph/
160 km/h to achieve optimum driving comfort.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found
on the driver's side door pillar when the driver's
door is open.
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed
The permissible maximum speed for these tire
inflation pressures is 100 mph/160 km/h. Do
not exceed this speed or else there is a risk of
tire damage and accidents. ◀
Tire inflation pressures for driving
above 100 mph or 160 km/h
Adjust the tire inflation pressures
To drive at maximum speeds in excess of
100 mph/160 km/h, adjust pressures to the re‐
spective tire inflation pressures listed on the
following pages in the column for traveling
speeds including those exceeding 100 mph or
160 km/h. Otherwise, tire damage and acci‐
dents could occur. ◀
Observe all national and local maximum speed
limits; otherwise, violations of the laws could
occur.
Tire inflation pressures for MINI Cooper Coupe

Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSIAll pressure specifications in the table
are indicated in bar/PSI with cold
tires.
Cold = ambient temperature175/65 R 15 84 T M+S Std
175/65 R 15 84 H Std
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S A/S Std
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC2.4/352.4/35Seite 157Wheels and tiresMOBILITY157
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Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSI175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC2.6/382.6/38Compact wheel: T 115/70 R 15 90 MTraveling speed up to 50 mph/80 km/h
4.2/60More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 215.
Tire inflation pressures for MINI Cooper S Coupe

Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSIAll pressure specifications in the table
are indicated in bar/PSI with cold
tires.
Cold = ambient temperature195/55 R 16 87 V RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S A/S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC2.6/382.6/38205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC2.8/412.8/41More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 215.
Tire inflation pressures for MINI John Cooper Works Coupe

Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSIAll pressure specifications in the table
are indicated in bar/PSI with cold
tires.
Cold = ambient temperature185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 W RSC2.8/412.7/39Seite 158MOBILITYWheels and tires158
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Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSI205/40 R 18 82 W RSC3.0/442.9/42More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 215.
Tire inflation pressures for MINI Cooper Roadster

Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSIAll pressure specifications in the table
are indicated in bar/PSI with cold
tires.
Cold = ambient temperature175/65 R 15 84 T M+S Std
175/65 R 15 84 H Std
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S A/S Std
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC2.4/352.4/35175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC2.6/382.6/38Compact wheel: T 115/70 R 15 90 MTraveling speed up to 50 mph/80 km/h
4.2/60More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 216.Seite 159Wheels and tiresMOBILITY159
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Tire inflation pressures for MINI Cooper S Roadster Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSIAll pressure specifications in the table
are indicated in bar/PSI with cold
tires.
Cold = ambient temperature195/55 R 16 87 V RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S A/S RSC2.6/382.6/38205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC2.8/412.8/41More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 216.
Tire inflation pressures for MINI John Cooper Works Roadster

Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSIAll pressure specifications in the table
are indicated in bar/PSI with cold
tires.
Cold = ambient temperature185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
205/45 R 17 84 W RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC2.8/412.7/39205/40 R 18 82 W RSC3.0/442.9/42More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 216.Seite 160MOBILITYWheels and tires160
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Tire inflation pressures for MINI Cooper Convertible Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSITraveling speeds of up to
100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds above
100 mph/160 km/hAll pressure specifications in the table
are indicated in bar/PSI with cold
tires.
Cold = ambient temperature175/65 R 15 84 T M+S Std
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S A/S Std
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC2.4/352.4/352.6/382.6/38More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 216.
Tire inflation pressures for MINI Cooper S Convertible

Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSITraveling speeds of up to
100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds above
100 mph/160 km/hAll pressure specifications in the table
are indicated in bar/PSI with cold
tires.
Cold = ambient temperature195/55 R 16 87 V RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S A/S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC2.4/352.4/352.6/382.6/38Seite 161Wheels and tiresMOBILITY161
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Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSI205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S A/S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC2.7/392.7/392.9/422.9/42More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 216.
Tire inflation pressures for MINI John Cooper Works Convertible

Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSITraveling speeds of up to
100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds above
100 mph/160 km/hAll pressure specifications in the table
are indicated in bar/PSI with cold
tires.
Cold = ambient temperature185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
205/45 R 17 84 W RSC2.7/392.7/392.9/422.9/42205/40 R 18 86 W XLRSC2.9/422.9/423.1/453.1/45More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 216.Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire makes it easier to identify and choose the
right tires.
Tire size Example: 225/45 R 17 91 V
225: nominal width in mm
45: aspect ratio in %
R: radial tire code
17: rim diameter in inches
91: load rating, not for ZR tires
Speed letter Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/hT = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
DOT xxxx xxx 2214
xxxx: manufacturer code for the tire brand
xxx: tire size and tire design
2214: tire ageSeite 162MOBILITYWheels and tires162
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Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
Conform to Federal Safety Requirements
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades. ◀
Treadwear
The treadwear 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 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving hab‐
its, 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 control‐
led conditions on specified government test
surfaces 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 include acceleration, cornering, hy‐
droplaning, or peak traction characteristics.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 laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the ma‐
terial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi‐
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum re‐
quired by law.
Temperature grade for this tire
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure. ◀
RSC – Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
page 166.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than
summer tires.
XL Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire treadSummer tires
The tread depth should not be less than
0.12 in/3 mm, although European legislation,Seite 163Wheels and tiresMOBILITY163
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