2007 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE winter tires

109
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE CODING TIRE CONDITION Traction The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, 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. 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 sudden tire failure. 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 fail-
ure. lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire, refer to page111.M+SWinter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance
properties than summer tires.
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.Tire treadTread depth should not be allowed to go
below 1/8 in/3 mm even though in Europe,
for example, the legally specified minimum
tread depth is only 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Below 1/8 in/3 mm tread depth, there is a
very high danger of hydroplaning at higher
speeds, even with only small amounts of
water on the road.
At tread depths below approx. 1/6 in/
4 mm, the ability of winter tires to cope
with winter driving conditions decreases
perceptibly. For safety reasons, new tires
should be mounted.

112
NEW WHEELS AND TIRESThe correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends mounting only wheels and
tires that it has specifically approved 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, ultimately leading to serious
accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI
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 mounted.<
Your MINI Dealer will be glad to inform you
about the correct wheel and tire combina-
tion for your vehicle.
The correct wheel and tire combination is
also important for various systems that
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS or
DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand
and tread configuration. In the event of tire
damage, remount the previous wheel and
tire combination as soon as possible.
Run-Flat TiresFor your own safety, use Run-Flat Tires
when mounting new tires or replacing
summer tires with winter tires or vice
versa. Keep in mind that no spare wheel is
available in the event of a flat. Your MINI
Dealer will be glad to advise you.
For safety reasons, the manufacturer
of your MINI recommends having
Run-Flat Tires replaced, not repaired, if they
are damaged.<
Tire designationFor each tire size, the manufacturer of your
MINI recommends certain tire brands. You
can recognize these by the clearly visible
designation on the tire's sidewall.
When used properly these tires meet the
highest standards regarding safety and
handling characteristics.

113
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
NEW WHEELS AND TIRES SNOW CHAINS
*
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends winter tires for driving in adverse
winter road conditions. While all-season
tires with the M+S designation provide bet-
ter winter traction than summer tires, they
generally do not achieve the full perfor-
mance of winter tires.
Observe speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the winter tires are rated. them against light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires against contact with oil,
grease and fuel. Do not exceed the tire
inflation pressure specified on the tire side-
wall.
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your
MINI, classified as road-safe and recom-
mended. Contact your MINI Dealer for
more details. Their use is only permitted in
pairs on the front wheels on winter tires of
the following types:
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S.
When fitting, comply with the manufac-
turer's instructions. With chains, do not
exceed a speed of 30 mph / 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
after attaching snow chains to the
tires.
When driving with snow chains, it can be
helpful to switch off the ASC or DSC for a
brief period, refer to page72.<

135
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
CHANGING TIRES
9. Pull out the space-saver spare tire
towards the rear underneath the vehi-
cle
10. Position the space-saver spare tire with
the valve facing upwards
11. Unscrew the valve extension from the
valve of the space-saver spare tire
12. Unscrew the dust cap from the exten-
sion 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 tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph / 80 km/h.
You must expect changes in vehicle han-
dling such as lower track stability during
braking, longer braking distances and
changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These effects
are more pronounced when driving with
winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire may
be mounted at one time. Reinstall a
wheel and tire of the original size as soon
as possible.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at
the earliest opportunity and correct it
if necessary. Replace the defective tire as
soon as possible and have the new wheel/
tire assembly balanced.<
Additional safety measures in the
event of a tire change:
Change tires only on a flat, solid and non-
slippery surface.
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 capac-
ity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack – risk of fatal injury.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions
regarding flat tires on page133.<
1. For vehicles with a space-saver spare
tire:
Place the folding chock behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle;
on downward inclines, place it in front of
this wheel. If the wheel is changed on a
surface with a more severe slope, take
additional precautions to secure the
vehicle from rolling
2. Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
156
A
ABS Antilock Brake System72
indicator lamp17,18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle6
Activated-charcoal filter84
Adjusting interior
temperature80,83
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode80,83
Air conditioning system79
Air distribution
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
individual84
manual80
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation81,84
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure104
Air volume
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Airbags76
passenger airbag status
lamp77
safe seating position42
warning lamp18
AKI, refer to Fuel quality101 All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
indicator lamps17,18
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires113
Antenna123
Antifreeze
coolant118
washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System (ABS)72
indicator lamp17,18
Anti-theft system24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights151,152
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights151,152
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest86
ASC All Season traction
Control72
indicator lamps17,18
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution83 Automatic
air distribution83
air volume83
cruise control65
Automatic car washes122
Automatic climate control82
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
ignition53
indicator lamp57
interlock53
selector lever lock56
shiftlock56
towing144
tow-starting145
Aux-In socket85
Average consumption71
setting units71
Average speed71

setting units71
Axle loads, refer to
Weights151,152
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats44
Backup lamp
bulb replacement131
Bar, towing144
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone86 Battery140
charging140
disposal140
indicator lamp16
jump-starting142
power failure140
Battery care69,121
Being towed144
Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Beverage holders86
Black ice, refer to Temperature
warning70
Blower
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Blower, refer to Air volume80
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation81,84
Bonnet114
indicator lamp17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders86
Brake discs
brake system99
break-in procedures98
Brake fluid120
level120

warning lamp16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement131

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
162
Luggage compartment
cover90
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
expanding90
lid, refer to Tailgate29
opening from the outside29
opening with the remote
control26
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate29
volume151,152
Luggage compartment in the
MINI90
Luggage compartment lid
emergency operation, refer
to Manual release30
opening with the remote
control26
Luggage compartment lid, refer
to Tailgate29
Luggage compartment net94
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack95
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires113
Maintenance system121 Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models121
Malfunction
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
convertible top38
door lock27
fuel filler door102,103
glass sunroof, electric34
tailgate30
tire112
Manual air distribution80
Manual operation
door lock27
driver's door27
fuel filler door102,103
glass sunroof, electric34
power convertible top38
tailgate30
transmission lock, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Manual transmission55
Master keys with remote
control24
Maximum cooling83 Maximum speed, with winter
tires113
MC operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Mechanical keys, refer to
Master keys24
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory49
Microfilter
air conditioning system81
automatic climate control84
MINI homepage6
MINI Maintenance System121
MINI manufacturer6
MINI Mobility System137
compressor138
liquid sealant138
Mirrors48
exterior48
heating48
interior rearview48
Mobile telephone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System137
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety7
Multifunction steering
wheel20 Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/
headlamp flasher61
washer/wiper system63
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck restraints, refer to Head
restraints44
New tires112
Non-smoker's equipment
package, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket87
Nylon rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting144
O
OBD interface socket122
Octane number, refer to Fuel
quality101
Odometer67
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil118
dipstick117
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
164
Replacement of tires
changing tires133
new wheels and tires112
Reporting safety defects9
Reserve indicator light, refer to
Fuel gauge67,68
Reservoir for washer fluid64
Reservoir, washing systems64
Restraint systems
for children50
refer to Safety belts46
Retaining straps94
Reverse
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
manual transmission55
Rod antenna123
Roller sun blind34
Roof load, refer to
Weights151,152
Roof-mounted luggage rack95
Rope, refer to Towing and Tow-
starting144
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to
Run-Flat Tires111
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires111 Run-Flat Tires111
puncture110
replacing112
tire inflation pressure105
winter tires112
S
Safety belt height
adjustment46
Safety belts46
care124
height adjustment46
indicator lamp17,
46
reminder46
safe seating position42
Safety lock buttons, doors,
refer to Locking28
Safety systems, refer to
Airbags76
All Season traction Control
(ASC)72
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)72
Brake system72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)72
Safety tires, refer to
Run-Flat Tires111
Seat adjustment43
Seat heating47 Seat-belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts47
Seats
heating47
safe seating position42
Securing loads, refer to Loading
cargo92
Securing the load94
Securing the vehicle
from inside28
from outside26
Selector lever positions,
automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
Selector lever shiftlock, refer to
Shiftlock56
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic56
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models121
Service interval display69,121
Shift paddles58
Shifting gears in the automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58
Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection56
Side airbags76
Side turn signal indicators, bulb
replacement131
Signal horn, refer to Horn12
Sitting safely42
with airbags42
with head restraints42
with safety belt42
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector40
Smoker's equipment package,
refer to Ashtray86
Snow chains113
Socket 12 V87
Socket for
onboard diagnostics122
Socket in the luggage
compartment87
Space-saver spare tire
changing tires133
inflation pressure105
Spare key24
Spare tire, refer to Space-saver
spare tire133
Special oils, refer to Specified
engine oils118
Special wash program122
Specified oils118

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
165
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Speed148
with Run-Flat Tires75
with the space-saver spare
tire135
with winter tires113
Speedometer13,14
Speedometer, refer to Display
elements13,14
Split rear backrest, refer to
Foldable rear backrest90
Through-loading system91
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic57
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems72
Standing lamps60
bulb replacement130
Starting aid, refer to Jump-
starting142
Starting problems
at very low temperatures54
jump-starting142
Starting the engine53
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine53
Start-off assistance, refer to
ASC72
Start-off assistance, refer to
DSC72 Steering lock53
Steering wheel12
buttons on the steering
wheel20
settings47
Steering wheel lock53
Steptronic, refer to Manual
mode57
Storage compartments85
Storage space, refer to
Luggage compartment in the
MINI90
Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible
91
Storing the tires113
Storing the vehicle125
Sun blind, refer to Roller sun
blind34
Sun visors48
Switches, refer to Cockpit12
Switching off
the engine54
Switching the cooling function
on and off manually80,83
Symbols6
T
Tachometer69
Tail lamps, bulb
replacement131 Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps131
Tailgate29
emergency operation30
indicator lamp17
opening from the outside29
releasing manually30
remote control26
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel tank
capacity153
Tank gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge67,68
Technical data148
Technical modifications7
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety7
Telephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature
air conditioning system80
automatic climate control83
Temperature display
ice warning70
outside temperature70
setting units70

Temperature grades109
Temperature warning70
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control65 Threaded hole for towing
eyelet144
Three-point safety belt46
Through-loading system90,91
Tightening the lug bolts
keys133,137
torque136
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening the lug bolts136
Tire change set
MINI Mobility System139
Run-Flat Tires111
space-saver spare tire133
Tire failure133
MINI Mobility System137
space-saver spare tire133
Tire inflation pressure104
reinflation138
Tire pressure monitor, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor74
Tire pressure monitoring, Flat
Tire Monitor74
Tire puncture
Run-Flat Tires75