brake sensor MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2004 Owner's Manual

86
BRAKE SYSTEMBrake fluid levelIf the brake fluid level is too low and brake
pedal travel has become longer, there may
be a defect in one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest MINI Dealer.
Higher brake application pressure
may be necessary under these conditions,
there may be a slight pull to one side, and
brake pedal travel may be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly. ally, 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 ten-
dency for corrosion of the brake rotors and
accumulation of contamination on the
brake pads. This occurs because the mini-
mal pressure that must be exerted by the
pads to clean the rotors by brake applica-
tions is not reached.
Corrosion on brake rotors is signaled by a
running or pulsation during braking; even
extended subsequent braking will not cure
this phenomenon.
It is a good idea to periodically dry the
brakes with a gentle application when driv-
ing in rain and on wet roads. Monitor traffic
conditions to ensure that this maneuver
does not endanger other road users. The
resulting heat dries the brake rotor and the
brake pads. Then if braking effect is
needed, it is immediately available.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear or in the driv-
ing position in which only minimal periodic
brake application is required. This helps
avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. Stay within the allowable speed
range, refer to page 54.
Do not coast with the clutch pressed
or with the transmission or selector
lever in Neutral. Do not coast with the
engine switched off. The engine provides
no braking effect when the transmission is
in Neutral, and there is no power-assist for
braking when the engine is switched off.<
Brake padsBrake pad sensors in the left brake pads of
the front axle and in the right brake pads of
the rear axle monitor the brake pad condi-
tion. When the brake pads reach the wear
limit, the brake wear warning lights up,
refer to page 16.
For your own safety: use brake pads
which the manufacturer of your MINI
has approved for your particular vehicle
model. The manufacturer of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved brake pads to
determine if they are suitable for use, and
therefore cannot ensure the operating
safety of the vehicle in the event of their
use.<

103
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLESuitable car-care products
Use the cleaning and car-care prod-
ucts available at your MINI Dealer.<
Washing your vehicleYou can wash your new MINI from the out-
set in automatic car washes. Preference
should be for cloth car washes. If, due to
lack of availability, brush car washes must
be used, modern systems with soft brushes
should be given preference.
When using steam cleaners or high-
pressure cleaners, maintain sufficient
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 compo-
nents 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 cor-
rode.<
Switch the rain sensor off when pass-
ing through an automatic car wash,
refer to page 50. Failure to do so could
result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Rod antenna
If necessary, for example before
entering a car wash or a garage with
elevator ramp, remove the rod antenna.
To do so, grip the rod antenna at the base
and unscrew it from the antenna foot by
turning it to the left.<
Headlamps
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following: do not
rub them dry, and never use abrasives or
strong solvents. Remove dirt and contami-
nation, such as insects, by soaking with
shampoo and then rinsing with plenty of
water. Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow; never use a
scraper.<
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
paintwork. Please base the frequency and
scope of car care on these various influ-
ences.Care of upholsteryDepressions that come about on the uphol-
stery 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 qual-
ity defect, but rather is inevitable in the
case of home textiles or clothing materials.
In the case of strong sunlight and longer
parking periods, cover the seats or all win-
dows to prevent discoloration.

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
144
Multifunction sports steering
wheel 19
Multifunction steering
wheel 18
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/
headlamp flasher 49
washer/wiper system 50
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck restraints, refer to Head
restraints 33
New tires 92
Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket 74
Nylon rope 128
O
OBD interface socket 106
Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality 85
Odometer 54
Oil 56
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption 99
Oil filter change 135
Oil level 98
indicator/warning lamp 15
Oil level, measuring 98
Oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 15
Oil, refer to Engine oil
alternative oils 99
capacity 135
dipstick 98
indicator/warning lamp 15
recommended oils 99
Onboard computer 57
Onboard tool kit 110
MINI Mobility System 121
space-saver spare tire 117
Opening and closing
from inside 26
from outside 23
via remote control 23
via the door lock 25
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation 67, 70
Outside temperature
display 57
changing units 57
in the onboard computer 57 P
Paintwork care, refer to Vehicle
paintwork 103
Park Distance Control (PDC) 64
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC) 64
Parking brake 43
warning lamp 16
Parking lamps 48
bulb replacement 112
Parking lamps/Low beams 48
Parking lock, refer to
Transmission lock 46
Parking the vehicle 83
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle 6
PDC Park Distance Control 64
Pinch protection
glass sunroof, electric 30
Plastic 104
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter 69
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 72
Power output, refer to Engine
data 132
Power supply, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket 74
Power windows 28
Pressure monitor, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 62 Pressure, tires 87
production using MINI
Mobility System 122
Pumping in liquid sealant 122
Q
Quality grades, refer to
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 89
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant 100
Radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor 50
Range 58
Reading lamps 50
bulb replacement 115
Rear backrests
folding 75
Rear fog lamp 49
bulb replacement 113
indicator lamp 49
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps 113
bulb replacement 113, 114
Rear seats
adjusting head restraints 33
Rear shelf, refer to Cargo area
cover 75