2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE flat tire

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111
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends tire replacement after no more than
6 years, regardless of the actual wear of the
tires.
Run-Flat Tires*
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforcement
in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can con-
tinue to be used subject to certain restrictions,
even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page66.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires mounted only
by your MINI Dealer or a specialized tire
shop that has specially trained personnel work-
ing in accordance with the specifications of the
MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you avoid using retreaded
tires, as this could impair driving safety. The
causes for this include potentially different tire
casing structures and often wide variations in
tire age, which can result in a limited service
life.<
Correct wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends 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 dimen-
sions, variations in factors such as manufactur-
ing tolerances can result in contact between tire
and bodywork, ultimately leading to serious
accidents. The manufacturer of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to
determine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore 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 combination for
your vehicle.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the Tire
Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect a
puncture, refer to page67. Your MINI Dealer will
be glad to advise you.

Wheels and tires
112
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
marked with a clearly visible MINI designation
on the sidewall of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Run-Flat Tires*
When mounting new tires or changing over from
summer to winter tires and vice versa, mount
Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. Keep in mind
that no space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. Your MINI Dealer will be glad to
advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
The manufacturer of MINI recommends the use
of winter tires on snowy roads or if temperatures
drop below 457/ +76. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view. Spe-
cialist tire dealers and your MINI Dealer can sup-
ply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit different wear and tear.
In order to maintain an even wear and tear, the
wheels may be rotated between the axles. Your
MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you.
Always check the inflation pressure after the tire
rotation, if necessary change the pressure.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-safe and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI Dealer for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
>175/65 R 15 M+S
>175/60 R 16 M+S
MINI John Cooper Works:
>185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate the DSC or activate the DTC,
refer to page64.<

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127
Changing
1.Screw out the desired bulb counterclock-
wise, arrows1.
Additional bulbs are located behind the
sidewall of the cargo bay, arrow 2.
2.To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.
Rear fog lamp*
21 watt bulb, P 21 W
Access to the lamp via the back or underside of
the bumper.
The illustration shows the fog lamp in the
bumper of the MINI Cooper.
1.Screw out the bulb holder counterclockwise.
2.Screw out and replace the bulb.
3.To insert the new bulb and bulb holder, pro-
ceed in reverse order.
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb, C 5 W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
left in the tab of the lamp housing, arrow1.
2.Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3.Replace the bulb.
4.Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. In
the event of a malfunction, contact your MINI
Dealer or a workshop that has specially trained
personnel working in accordance with the spec-
ifications of your MINI manufacturer.
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures in the event of a break-
down:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving
traffic and switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers.
Turn the steering wheel until the front wheels
are in the straight-ahead position and engage
the steering wheel lock. Engage the parking
brake and shift into 1st or reverse gear or place
the selector lever in position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle and
in a safe place, e.g. behind a guardrail.
Erect a warning triangle or warning flasher at the
appropriate distance if necessary. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:

Replacing components
128
>MINI Mobility System, refer to the following
section
>Run-Flat Tires, page111
>Tire change with space-saver spare tire,
page129
MINI Mobility System with onboard tool
kit and tire change set*
The MINI Mobility System with onboard tool kit
and tire change set
* is located under the floor
mat in the cargo bay.
1Filling canister
2Hexagon wrench
*
3Vehicle jack*
4Wheel stud wrench
5Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver, towing
eyelet
6Compressor, hose with manometer and plug
for cigarette lighter socket
7Package with filling hose, valve remover and
valve core
Use of the MINI Mobility System may be
ineffective if the tire puncture measures
approx. 1/8 in/4 mm or more. Contact the near-
est MINI Dealer if the tire cannot be made driv-
able with the MINI Mobility System.<
Liquid sealant
1Filling hose
2Filling canister
Filling
1.Shake the filling canister.
2.Screw the filling hose onto the filling canis-
ter.
3.Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the
defective tire.
4.Screw out the valve core with the valve
remover. The valve remover is located in a
package with the filling hose.
5.Remove the cap from the filling hose.
6.Push the filling hose onto the tire valve.
7.Hold the filling canister with the cap down
and squeeze.
8.Squeeze the entire contents of the canister
into the tire.
9.Remove the filling hose.
10.Screw the valve core into the tire valve with
the valve remover.
In the event of a lost or dirty valve core
you will find another valve core in the
package with the filling hose.
Remember that the liquid canister must be
replaced every four years if the equipment has
not been used.<

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129
Compressor
1Hose with manometer
2Compressor
3Connector for power supply
Reinflating the tire
1.Screw hose1 with manometer onto the tire
valve.
2.Insert connector 3 into the lighter socket in
the interior of the vehicle, page87.
3.Switch on compressor2.
4.Inflate the tire to at least 26 psi/180 kPa and
at most 36 psi/250 kPa.
To check the air pressure, shut off the device
for a short time.
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 6 minutes, otherwise the device
will overheat and possibly be damaged.<
If an air pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa is not reached:
1.Unscrew hose 1 and drive the vehicle for-
ward and backward about 33 ft/10 m to dis-
tribute the liquid sealant in the tires evenly.
2.Repeat the procedure.
If an air pressure of 26 psi/180 kPa still
cannot be reached, the tire is too severely
damaged. Please contact the nearest MINI
Dealer.<
Distributing liquid sealant
Immediately drive for approx. 10 minutes, so
that the liquid sealant is uniformly distributed.
Do not exceed speeds of
40 mph/60 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below
10 mph/20 km/h.<
Checking tire inflation pressure
1.After driving for approx. 10 minutes, pull
over at a suitable location.
2.Screw the hose with manometer back onto
the tire valve.
3.Check the tire inflation pressure.
The tire pressure must be at least
18 psi/130 kPa. If it is not, do not con-
tinue driving.<
If a tire pressure of at least 18 psi/130 kPa is dis-
played:
1.Switch on the compressor. Correct the tire
inflation pressure to the specified value,
page102.
2.Replace the tire as soon as possible.
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may
result in an accident.<
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly bal-
anced.
Have the MINI Mobility System refilled.
Tire change set
When changing a tire, always observe the safety
measures and the procedure for changing tires
described below.
In case of a flat tire the tire change set is
not needed due to the availability of the
MINI Mobility System.<
Changing wheels
Space-saver spare tire*
To change a space-saver spare tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove space-saver spare tire, page130
>Prepare for tire change, page131
>Jack up vehicle, page131
>Mount space-saver spare tire, page132

Replacing components
130
>Tighten lug bolts, page132
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, page131
Tire change set for a space-saver spare
tire*
On vehicles with a space-saver spare tire, the
tire change set with onboard tools is stored
under the floor mat in the cargo bay.
1Chock, folding
2Hub cover remover
3Wheel stud wrench
4Vehicle jack
5Special wrench for removing the space-
saver spare tire
6Flat screwdriver/Phillips screwdriver
7Towing eyelet
8Lifting handle
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with a
plastic bag in which you can place the damaged
wheel.
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver spare
tire is under the floor mat in the cargo bay, on
the base of the storage compartment for the tire
change set.1.Unscrew the screw connection with the spe-
cial wrench.
2.Take out the cover panel.
3.Screw the lifting handle from the onboard
tool kit onto the thread.
4.Raise the lifting handle slightly.
5.Squeeze the securing spring.
6.The space-saver spare tire is released and
must be held by the lifting handle.
7.Lower the space-saver spare tire with the
lifting handle.
8.Unscrew the lifting handle.

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131
9.Pull the space-saver spare tire underneath
the vehicle out towards the rear.
10.Position the space-saver spare tire with the
valve facing upward.
11.Unscrew the valve extension from the valve
of the space-saver spare tire.
12.Unscrew the dust cap from the extension
and place it on the valve of the space-saver
spare tire.
Due to its different dimensions, the dam-
aged wheel cannot be placed in the recess
for the space-saver spare tire.<
Driving with the space-saver spare tire
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Changes may
occur in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking distances
and changes in self-steering properties when
close to the handling limit. These properties are
more noticeable with winter tires.<
Only one space-saver spare tire may be
mounted at one time. Mount a wheel and
tire of the original size as soon as possible, to
avoid any safety risks.<
Check the tire inflation pressure at the ear-
liest opportunity and correct it if neces-
sary. Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.<
Preparing for a tire change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page127.<
Additional safety measures when chang-
ing tires:
Only change the tire when parked on a surface
that is level, firm and not slippery.
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 capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine
when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise there is a risk of fatal injury.<
1.Place the foldable chock
* behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an
incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface
with a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing.
2.Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.
If the wheel is equipped with a hub cover,
pry it off using the screwdriver from the tire
change kit.
3.Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
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.<

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145
Indication in US models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Tire Pressure
Monitor, have failed, refer also to
page62Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kick-down position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni-
tor or the Tire Pressure Monitor
*,
have failed, refer also to page62Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kick-down position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni-
tor or the Tire Pressure Monitor
*,
have failed, refer also to page62Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kick-down position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Vehicles with Flat Tire Monitor
*
Light up in yellow and red:
>Tire damageCarefully bring the car to a stop.
Observe the information starting on
page65.
>Flat Tire Monitor not initializedInitialize Flat Tire Monitor, page65.
Light up in yellow:
Flat Tire Monitor failed. Punctures are
not indicatedHave the system checked.
12Cause What to do