2002 MINI Hardtop 2 Door wheel

68
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
*
Automatic air distribution and supply
Automatic program (AUTO):
Indicator lamp lights up.
Automatic adjustment of the air distribu-
tion and the air supply and adaptation of
the specified temperatures to external
influences (outside temperature and
sunlight).
In the automatic program (AUTO), the air
conditioner is activated automatically.
Switching the automatic climate
control on/off
The blower, heating and air condi-
tioner are switched off.
To switch the automatic climate control on
again:
Press any button of the automatic climate
control.
Air conditioner
Air conditioner switched on:
Indicator lamp lights up.
The air is cooled and dehumidified and Ð
depending on the temperature setting Ð
rewarmed.
In the automatic program (AUTO), the air
conditioner is activated automatically.
After the engine start, the windshield can
fog over briefly. Switching on the air condi-
tioner reduces condensation on the
windows.
Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of
condensed water under the vehicle are
therefore normal. Supply of outside air into the
vehicle is blocked:
Indicator lamp lights up.
The air within the vehicle is recirculated.
In the automatic program (AUTO) in hot
weather conditions, the recirculated-air
mode is activated temporarily to enable
faster cooling.
Do not run the recirculated-air mode
for longer than approx. 30 minutes,
as otherwise the air quality in the interior
will deteriorate.<
If the windows fog over in the recir-
culated-air mode, switch the recircu-
lated-air mode off and increase the air
supply as required.<
Rear window defroster and windshield
heating*
Rear window defroster and wind-
shield heating switched on:
Indicator lamp lights up.
As long as the indicator lamp is lit, the
heating operates at high power output
(rapid defrosting).
Indicator lamp goes out.
The heating continues to run with reduced
power output and then switches itself off
automatically.
Temperature
Setting the temperature:
Move or turn the wheel in the
appropriate direction to increase
the temperature step by step.
The figures in the display provide a general
indication of interior temperature. When
you start the vehicle, the system ensures
that the selected temperature is achieved
as quickly as possible and then maintained.
Permanent heating with maximum
power output at temperature selec-
tion "HI". Permanent cooling at "LO".<

78
FUEL SPECIFICATIONS ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use of
leaded fuels will cause permanent
damage to the emissions-control system's
oxygen sensor and the catalytic
converter.<
The concept The ABS keeps the wheels from locking
while braking, thereby enhancing active
driving safety.
ABS also includes Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBV).Braking with ABSTo achieve optimal performance from ABS
when reacting to critical situations you
should apply maximum pressure to the
brake pedal ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of
steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal in conjunction
with the sound of hydraulic regulation indi-
cates to you that you are driving at the limit
and reminds you to readapt your vehicle's
speed to road surface conditions.

82
TIRE CONDITIONTire tread/tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
The tread depth should not fall below
0.12 in (3 mm), although e. g. European
legislation only prescribes a minimum
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm).
Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread pattern depth,
there is an increased risk of hydroplaning,
even at relatively moderate speeds and
with only small amounts of water on the
road.
Wear indicators in the tread-groove base,
see arrow, are spread around the circum-
ference of the tire and are marked on the
side wall of the tire with TWI Ð Tread Wear
Indicator.
The indicators in the tread indicate at
0.063 in (1.6 mm) tread depth that the
legally permitted wear limit has been
reached. Do not continue driving on depres-
surized (flat) tires, except with safety
tires. A flat tire greatly impairs steering and
braking response, and can lead to complete
loss of control over the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the
permitted load on the tires is not exceeded.
Overloading can lead to overheating and
increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate
result can assume the form of a sudden air
loss.
Unusual vibrations while driving, e. g.
driving over a curb or similar, can indicate
tire damage or other damage to the
vehicle. This is also true for irregularities in
the vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the left
or right. Should this occur, respond by
immediately reducing your speed. Proceed
carefully to the nearest MINI center or
professional tire center, or have the vehicle
towed in to have its wheels and tires
inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blowouts)
can endanger the lives of both the vehicle
occupants and other road users.<

83
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE REPLACEMENT To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
The manufacturer of your MINI tests and
approves wheel and tire combinations.
Do not use retreaded tires, since
driving safety may be impaired. This
is due to the possible variations in casing
structures and, in some cases, to their
extreme age, which can lead to a decrease
in their durability. Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half (1 g) 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
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.TractionThe 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 govern-
ment 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, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.< TemperatureThe 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
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to a sudden flat tire. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Car Safety Stan-
dard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the labora-
tory 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 separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.< Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Tread wear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A

84
TIRE REPLACEMENT WHEEL AND TIRE COMBINATIONS Tire age The date on which the tire was manufac-
tured is indicated by the code on the side-
wall:
DOT ... 1202 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in Week 12 of the year 2002.
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends replacement of all tires Ð including
the space-saver spare tire, after no more
than 6 years. Safety (run-flat) tires*
For replacement, use only safety tires,
as in the event of a flat tire there is no
space-saver spare tire.
You will recognize safety tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the
side of the tire, see pages 110, 80.<
The right choiceThe factory-approved normal tires and
safety tires are matched to the vehicle and
have been selected to provide optimum
driving safety and the desired driving
comfort.
Never mount wheels and tires that
have not been specifically approved
by the manufacturer for use on your partic-
ular model. Although other wheels and
tires may theoretically have the same
dimensions, variations in factors such as
manufacturing tolerances can result in
contact between tire and bodywork, ulti-
mately leading to serious accidents. The
manufacturer cannot evaluate non-
approved wheels and tires to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of the
vehicle if they are fitted.<
The manufacturer has tested certain tire
brands in each size, categorized them as
safe for use on the road, and approved
them. Contact your MINI center for more
details.
The correct wheel and tire combina-
tion affects various systems that
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS,
ASC+T and DSC.
For this reason, use only tires of the same
manufacture and tread configuration. In
the event of a flat tire, for example,
remount the approved wheel and tire
combination as soon as possible.<
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible.
Protect the tires against contact with oil,
grease and fuel.Tire changes between axlesDepending on individual operating condi-
tions, different wear patterns appear on
the front and rear axles. In the interests of
safety and optimized handling characteris-
tics, a change between the axles is not
recommended.

85
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
WINTER TIRESSNOW CHAINS
*
Choosing the right tire
The manufacturer recommends winter
tires (M+S radial tires) for driving in adverse
winter road conditions. While so-called all-
season tires (M+S designation) provide
better winter traction than summer tires
with the load ratings S, T, H, V, W, they do
not achieve the performance of winter
tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and steering
response, install winter tires made by the
same manufacturer having the same tread
configuration on all four wheels.
Before purchasing winter tires, check
whether your MINI is fitted with safety
tires. You will recognize safety tires by a
circular symbol containing the letters RSC
on the side of the tire, see page 110. In this
case, use only safety tires, as in the event of
a flat tire there is no space-saver spare tire.
Only winter tires recommended by the
manufacturer of your MINI should be
fitted. Any MINI center will be glad to
advise you on the selection of the right
winter tires for the relevant operating
conditions.
Observing speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. Your MINI center will be glad
to assist you with both their expertise and
the proper equipment for your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire inflation pressure
Once the tire wears to below 0.16 in
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope with
winter driving conditions, and should be
replaced in the interest of safety.<
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures and be sure to have the wheel
and tire assemblies balanced every time
you change the tires.
The use of narrow-link snow chains is
permitted in pairs only and only on
the front wheels with the following tires:
175/65 R 15
175/60 R 16
When fitting, comply with the manufac-
turer's instructions.<
With chains, do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph (50 km/h).<
After fitting the snow chains, do not
activate the Flat Tire Monitor.
When driving with snow chains, it can be
helpful to switch off the ASC+T or DSC for
a brief period, see pages 60, 61.<

94
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLESuitable car-care products
Use the cleaning and car-care prod-
ucts available at your MINI center.<
Washing your vehicle You can wash your new MINI from the
outset in automatic car washes, though
you should use brushless car washes.
When using steam jets or high-pres-
sure washers, ensure that you keep
the jets sufficiently far away from the
vehicle. 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, see page 51. Failure to do so could
result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Rod antenna
If necessary, before entering a car
wash or garage with elevator ramp
for example, 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
clean by wiping with a dry cloth (scratches).
Never use abrasives or strong solvents to
clean the covers. 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 Ð 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 upholstery Depressions 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
quality defect, but rather is inevitable in
the case of home textiles or clothing mate-
rials.
In the case of strong sunlight and longer
parking periods, cover the seats or all
windows to prevent discoloration.Care of special parts >Light-alloy wheels:
Use wheel cleaner especially during the
winter months, but do not use any
aggressive, acidic, strong alkali or rough
cleansers or steam jets above 140 7
(60 6) (observe the manufacturer's
operating instructions)
>Chrome parts
* such as cooler grille, door
handles, etc.:
Especially if exposed to road salt, care-
fully clean these parts with plenty of
water and possibly with a shampoo addi-
tive. For additional treatment, use
chrome polish

102
LAMPS AND BULBSTurn signal indicators, front 21 Watt bulb
1. Open the hood
2. Reach into the opening for the turn
signal indicators from above
3. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb holder
while turning it to the left
4. Remove and replace the bulb.Parking lamps and standing lamps 5 Watt bulb
The parking lamps and standing lamps are
integrated in the lamp housing of the turn
signal indicator.
1. Turn the bulb holder to the left and pull
out
2. Remove and replace the bulb.
Side turn signal indicators5 Watt bulb
1. Press the bulb towards the rear of the
vehicle and remove
2. Remove and replace the bulb.Side marker lampsSide marker lamps in the wheelhouse
paneling of the bumper.
Please contact a MINI center in case of a
malfunction.
Fog lamps* H7 bulb, 55 Watts
Please contact a MINI center in case of a
malfunction.