2010 MINI Convertible winter tires

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
113
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent lev-
els of performance on the laboratory test wheel
that exceed 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 sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC - run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of
the tire, page114.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires regularly for tread wear, signs
of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the
tread. Check the tread depth.
Tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
Winter tires
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove
are distributed around the tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. When tire tread is worn
down to the level of the wear indicators, the
remaining tread depth is 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Tire damage
Due to low-profile tires, please note that wheels,
tires and suspensions parts are more susceptible
to road hazards and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immediately
and have wheels and tires thoroughly
checked. To do so, drive carefully to the nearest
MINI dealer or tire shop that works according to
MINI repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel. If necessary, have the vehicle
towed there.
Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely dan-
gerous for vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 0810 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 8 of 2010.

Wheels and tires
114
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, page67.
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 page69. Your MINI dealer will
be glad to advise you.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
115
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
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 page65.<

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
133
3.Screw the lifting handle from the onboard
vehicle 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.
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 page129.<
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.<

Everything from A to Z
160
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle21
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control83
Additives
– coolant118
– engine oil118
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner80
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control81
Air conditioner79
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air distribution
– automatic82
– individual81
– manual81
Air flow rate80,82
– air conditioning system80
– automatic climate control82
– heating, ventilation80
Air outlets, refer to Air vents79
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure104
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Air supply
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air vents79Airbags71
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp73
Airing, refer to Ventilation83
AKI, refer to Fuel grade103
Alarm system25
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Always Open Timer55
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,82
Ambient lighting78
Antenna, care121
Antifreeze
– coolant118
– washer fluid51
Antilock Brake System ABS64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights157
Approved engine oils118
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights157
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest86
Ashtray88
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
Audio device, external86
AUTO program for automatic
climate control82
Automatic
– air distribution82
– air flow rate82
– cruise control51
– headlamp control74
Automatic climate control79
– automatic air distribution82Automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
– interlock46
– overriding selector lever
lock48
– shiftlock46
– sport program47
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device86
Average fuel consumption54
– setting the units57
Average speed55
Axle loads, refer to
Weights157
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting78
Backrests, refer to Seats35
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb128,129
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch136
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away138
Battery134
– charging135
– disposal28,135
– jump-starting136
– temporary power failure135
Battery renewal
– remote control28
Being towed138
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts38
Belts, refer to Safety belts38
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders88
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning53
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate80,82

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
165
Liftgate24
– Comfort Access27
– opening from outside24
– opening/closing24
– unlocking with remote
control21
Light switch74
Light-alloy wheels, care123
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs126
Lighter88
– socket88
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs125
– of the instruments77
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps74
Limit151
Load95
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo96
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking23
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal21
– from inside23
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals21
– from inside23
– from outside19
Low beams74
– automatic74
– replacing bulb126
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support36
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release24
– increasing the capacity95
– opening from the inside24
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release24
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Liftgate24Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay24
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack97
Lumbar support36
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system119
Malfunction
– convertible top32
– trunk lid24
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control61
Manual air distribution81
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap102
– power convertible top32
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
– trunk lid24
Manual transmission46
Manual washing122
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling82
Maximum speed
– with winter tires115
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch136
Microfilter
– for air conditioner81
– for automatic climate
control83
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Microphone for telephone14MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System119
Mirror dimming feature40
Mirrors39
– exterior mirrors39
– heating39
– interior rearview mirror39
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest86
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest86
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System130
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher48
– refer to Wiper system49
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints37
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments87
New tires114
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data154
Number of safety belts35
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope138
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis119

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
167
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away138
RSC Run-flat System
Component, refer to Run-flat
tires114
Rubber parts, care123
Run-flat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires114
Run-flat tires114
– flat tire67
– tire inflation pressure104
– tire replacement114
– winter tires115
S
Safety belt
– number35
Safety Belt Reminder39
Safety belts38
– damage39
– indicator lamp39
– reminder39
– sitting safely35
Safety belts, care124
Safety systems
– airbags71
– Antilock Brake System
ABS64
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC64
– safety belts38
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires114
Screw thread for tow
fitting138
Seat adjustment
– mechanical36
Seats35
– adjusting the seats36
– heating38
– sitting safely35
Securing the vehicle
– from inside23
– from outside19Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock46
– overriding manually48
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic46
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance136
Service data in the remote
control119
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS119
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance136
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS119
Service requirements58
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode57
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– manual transmission46
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions46
Side airbags71
Side turn signal indicator
– replacing bulb128
Side windows, refer to
Windows29
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely35
– airbags35
– safety belts35
– with head restraint35
Size, refer to Dimensions155
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric28Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector33
Slot for remote control44
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray88
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment86
Snow chains115
Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
OBD119
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances88
Space-saver spare tire
– changing tires132
– inflation pressure104
Spare wheel, refer to Space-
saver spare tire132
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils118
Speed154
– with winter tires115
Speedometer12
Split rear backrest, refer to
Through-loading system95
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo bay94
Sport button65
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems63
Start/stop button44
– starting the engine45
– switching off the engine45
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump-starting136
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine45
Starting the engine
– start/stop button44
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC64
– Hill Assist65
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing4

Everything from A to Z
168
Steering wheel40
– adjustment40
– buttons on steering wheel11
– lock44
– shift paddles47
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic46
Storage area
– cargo bay94
Storage compartment, front
passenger side87
Storage compartments87
Storage space
– storage compartments87
Storage space, refer to
– Luggage compartment in the
MINI Convertible94
Storing the vehicle124
Storing tires115
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments87
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires104
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine45
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button44
Switching the cooling function
on and off83
Symbols4
T
Tachometer53
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps128
– replacing bulb128
Tail lamps128
Tank volume, refer to
Capacities158
Technical data154
Technical modifications5
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest86
– refer to separate Owner's
ManualTelephone call, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature display
– ice warning53
– outside temperature53
– setting the units57
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant temperature53
Temperature setting
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control82
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control51
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo96
The individual vehicle4
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp129
Three-point safety belt38
Through-loading system95
Tightening the lug bolts
– keys132
– torque134
Tightening torque, refer to
Tightening lug bolts134
Tire change set
– space-saver spare tire132
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor67
– indicator/warning lamp67
– MINI Mobility System130
– run-flat tires67
– space-saver spare tire132
– Tire Pressure Monitor68
Tire inflation pressure104
– loss67
– space-saver spare tire104
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM68
– limitations of system68
– resetting system68
– warning lamp69
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor66
Tire Quality Grading112Tires
– age113
– breaking in92
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels132
– condition113
– damage113
– inflation pressure104
– inflation pressure loss69
– minimum tread depth113
– new tires114
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor66
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
– puncture67
– size112
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth113
– winter tires115
– with emergency operation
properties114
Tires with emergency
operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires114
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires114
Tools, refer to Onboard vehicle
tool kit125
Torque154
– lug bolts134
Tow bar138
Tow fitting138
– screw thread138
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away138
Tow rope138
Towing137
– car with automatic
transmission138
– methods138
Tow-starting137
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor68
Track width, refer to
Dimension155