2003 MINI COOPER flat tire

87
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE CONDITION TIRE REPLACEMENTTire 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 below1/8 in / 3 mm.
Below
1/8 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 – Tread Wear
Indicator. The indicators in the tread indi-
cate at 1/16 in / 1.6 mm tread depth that
the legally permitted wear limit has been
reached.
Never continue to drive with a flat,
pressureless tire, except with Run Flat
tires. A pressureless, 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, caused
for example by driving over a curb or simi-
lar, can indicate wheel or tire damage or
other damage to the vehicle. This is also
true for irregularities in the vehicle's han-
dling characteristics, such as a pronounced
tendency to pull to the left or right. Should
this occur, respond by immediately reduc-
ing your speed. Proceed carefully to the
nearest MINI Dealer or professional tire
center, or have the vehicle towed there to
have its wheels and/or tires inspected or
controlled. Tire damage – up to and includ-
ing blowouts – can endanger the lives of
both the vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
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 driv-
ing 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.<
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TIRE REPLACEMENT Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative rat-
ing 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 γ – 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 per-
formance.
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing 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 con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor lab-
oratory 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 Vehicle Safety
Standard 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 fai-
lure.<
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applica-
ble on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature ATire 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 replacing all tires – including the
space-saver tire, regardless of actual wear –
after 6 years at the latest.Run Flat tires
For replacement, use only Run Flat
tires, as in the event of a flat tire
there is no space-saver spare tire.
You will recognize Run Flat tires by a circu-
lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire, see pages 85, 116.<
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89
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
WHEEL AND TIRE COMBINATIONS WINTER TIRESThe right choiceThe factory-approved normal and Run Flat
tires are matched to your vehicle and have
been selected to provide optimum safety
and driving comfort if used properly.
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends never mounting wheels
and tires that have not been specifically
approved by the manufacturer for use on
your particular 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 of your MINI cannot evaluate
non-approved wheels and tires to deter-
mine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are fitted.<
The manufacturer of your MINI has tested
certain tire brands in each size, categorized
them as safe for use on the road, and
approved them. Contact your MINI Dealer
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.
Choosing the right tireThe manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends winter tires – M+S radial tires – for
driving in adverse winter road conditions.
While so-called all-season tires with M+S
designation provide better winter traction
than summer tires with the load ratings S,
T, H, V, W, they do not achieve the perfor-
mance 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 Run Flat
tires. You will recognize Run Flat tires by a
circular symbol containing the letters RSC
on the side of the tire, see page 116. In this
case, use only Run Flat tires, as in the event
of a flat tire there is no space-saver spare
tire.
Any MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you
on the selection of the right winter tires for
the relevant operating conditions.
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WINTER TIRES SNOW CHAINS
*
Observing speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. Your MINI Dealer will be glad
to assist you with both their expertise and
the proper equipment for your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire inflation pressure
Below a tread depth of
3/16 in /
4 mm, winter tires display a percepti-
ble 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.
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your
MINI, classified as road-safe and approved.
Contact your MINI Dealer for more details.
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you use these fine-link snow
chains only. Their use is only permitted in
pairs on the front wheels on winter tires of
the following type:
175/65 R 15.
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 62, 63.<
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ON-BOARD TOOL KIT WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADESStorage locationThe picture shows as an example tire
change set with on-board tools for vehicles
with the space-saver spare tire.
Depending on the level of equipment
options, your MINI is fitted with a special
on-board tool kit stored at the following
locations:
Tire change set for space-saver spare tire:
In the cargo area under the floor mat.
MINI Mobility System with tire change set
and on-board tools:
In the cargo area under the floor mat.
Tire change set and on-board tools for Run
Flat tires:
Tire change set: in cargo area in a separate
bag – On-board tools: on the left behind
the side panels next to the emergency kit,
see page 124.
Windshield wiper1. Rotate the wiper arm completely out
from the windshield
2. Set the wiper blade at an angle
3. Press the securing spring, see arrow
4. Unhook the wiper blade towards the
windshield
5. Pull the wiper blade past the wiper arm
toward the top
6. Insert the new wiper blade
7. Press into position until you hear it
engage.
Rear window wiper1. Rotate the wiper arm completely out
from the windshield
2. Turn the wiper blade as far as it will go
to the rear, see arrow
3. Press the wiper blade against the limit
and thus out of the mounting
4. Press the new wiper blade into the
mounting.
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112
REPAIRING A FLAT TIRE CHANGING TIRES – MINI WITH SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
Safety measures in the event of a flat
tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Switch on the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead wheel position and engage the
steering lock. Engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear – selector lever
in P.
All passengers should be outside the vehi-
cle and well away from your immediate
working area – behind a guardrail, for
instance.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all
safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different proce-
dures should be followed depending on the
equipment included in your MINI:
>Vehicles with space-saver spare tire, see
the next chapter
>Vehicles with Run Flat tires, see page 116
>Vehicles with MINI Mobility System, see
page 118.
Additional safety measures in the
event of a wheel change:
Change the wheel only on a level, firm sur-
face which is not slippery.
Avoid jacking the vehicle on a soft or slip-
pery support surface – on snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc. – as either the vehicle or the
jack could slip sideways.
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 capac-
ity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack – risk of fatal injury.<
To change a space-saver tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire, see
page 113
>Prepare the vehicle, see page 114
>Jack up the vehicle, see page 114
>Fit the space-saver spare tire, see
page 115
>Tighten the lug bolts, see page 115
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, see
page 115.
Tire change setOn vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
the tire change set is stored in the cargo
area under the floor mat.
1Chock, folding
2Hubcap remover
3Wheel stud wrench
4Jack
5Spanner
6Tow fitting
7Lifting handle
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
CHANGING TIRES – MINI WITH SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
2. Insert the jack head for jacking up in the
square recess of the jacking point
3. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you
are changing is raised from the ground.
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not
attempt to raise another vehicle model
with it or to raise any load of any kind. To
do so could cause accidents and personal
injury.<
Fitting the space-saver spare tire1. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel
2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt
from the mounting surfaces of the
wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts
3. Fit the space-saver spare tire
4. Screw at least two lug bolts finger-tight
into opposite bolt holes
5. Screw in the remaining bolts
6. Tighten all the lug bolts firmly in a diag-
onal pattern
7. Lower the vehicle
8. Remove the jack.Tightening the lug boltsTighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
As soon as possible, have the secure
seating of the lug bolts – tightening
torque 88.5 lb ft / 120 Nm – checked using
a calibrated torque wrench. Otherwise, a
wheel coming loose can lead to a severe
accident.<
Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.
Driving with the space-saver spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph / 80 km/h.
You must expect changes in vehicle hand-
ling such as delayed braking response,
longer braking distances, and changes in
self-steering properties when close to the
handling limits.
Only one space-saver spare tire may
be mounted at one time. Reinstall
wheels and tires of the same size and speci-
fication as soon as possible. Maintain pre-
scribed tire pressures, see page 85.<
Do not try to fit a full hubcap to the space-
saver spare tire, as the hubcap could be
damaged.
Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportu-
nity.<
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116
FLAT TIRE– RUN FLAT TIRES
*
You will recognize Run Flat tires by a circu-
lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire.
Run Flat tires consist of self-contained tires
and special rims. The tire reinforcement
ensures that the tire retains some residual
safety in the event of pressure drop and
driving remains possible to a restricted
degree.
The reinforcement on the flanks of
the Run Flat tires means that it is usu-
ally not possible to detect an air loss from
outside.<
Flat tire The yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up to indicate a flat tire.
In addition, a gong sounds, see pages 17,
64.
1. Reduce vehicle speed carefully to under
50 mph / 80 km/h, avoiding hard brake
applications and steering maneuvers.
2. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph /
80 km/h.
3. Identify damaged tires; check tire infla-
tion pressures on all four wheels at the
next opportunity, see page 85
4. Correct the tire inflation pressure if you
wish to continue your journey and this is
permitted, see next text section
5. Have damaged tires changed by your
MINI Dealer, see page 88.Your MINI Dealer has the information
needed for working with Run Flat
tires and is equipped with the necessary
special tools. They provide advice if you
wish to replace the tires on your MINI, or re-
equip from summer to winter tires or vice
versa, also see pages 85, 88, 89.<
For safety reasons, do not have a
damaged safety tire repaired.<
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