2010 MINI COOPER power steering

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
93
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page113.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise, greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Assist*,
refer to page66.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic transmis-
sion, page49.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail
to cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.

Giving and receiving assistance
138
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page46; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. Do not
tow the vehicle with just the rear axle raised, as
this would allow the steering to turn. <
There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise, the transmission can be
damaged.<
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI or MINI Convertible transported
by a tow truck with a so-called lift sling or on a
flatbed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, dam-
age may result.<

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143
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started.
Have the remote control checked,
if necessary.
Remote control battery is discharged Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with Comfort
Access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction
Stop the car and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.
Indicator lamp1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in dam-
age to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse
effect on exhaust emissionsYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
12Cause What to do

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165
Light switch75
Light-alloy wheels, care123
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs126
Lighter89
– socket89
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs125
– of the instruments78
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps75
Limit151
Load95
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo96
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking25
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal23
– from inside25
– from outside22
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access28
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals23
– from inside25
– from outside21
Low beams75
– automatic75
– replacing bulb126
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support38
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release26
– increasing the capacity95
– opening from the inside26
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual release26
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate26
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay26
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack97
Lumbar support38M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires115
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system119
Malfunction
– convertible top34
– trunk lid26
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control62
Manual air distribution82
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
Manual operation
– door lock24
– fuel filler flap102
– power convertible top34
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission50
– trunk lid26
Manual transmission48
Manual washing122
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control20
Maximum cooling83
Maximum speed
– with winter tires115
Medical assistance, refer to
First aid pouch136
Microfilter
– for air conditioner82
– for automatic climate
control84
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance
System119
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System119
Mirror dimming feature42Mirrors41
– exterior mirrors41
– heating41
– interior rearview mirror41
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest87
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest87
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
Monitor67
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher50
– refer to Wiper system51
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints39
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments88
New tires114
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data154
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope138
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
Onboard Diagnosis119
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications103
Odometer55