
 69
AT A GLANCE REFERENCE MOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Continued driving with a flat tire
When driving with a damaged tire:
1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu-
vers.
2.Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3.At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure is correct in all four 
tires, then the Tire Pressure Monitor may not 
have been reset. The system must then be 
reset.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of 
tire inflation pressure:
The distance it is possible to drive with a flat tire 
depends on the load and the stress on the vehi-
cle while driving.
With an average load, it may be possible to drive 
for approx. 50 miles/80 km.
When driving with damaged tires, the handling 
characteristics change, e.g. the vehicle will skid 
sooner when braking, braking distances will be 
longer, or self-steering response will change. 
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid turn-
ing abruptly and driving over obstacles such as 
curbs, potholes, etc.
Since the possible driving distance depends to a 
considerable degree on the strain exerted on 
the vehicle while driving, it can be shorter or, 
with a gentle driving style, can also be longer, 
depending on the speed, road condition, out-
side temperature, vehicle load, etc.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a 
change in the handling characteristics, e.g. 
reduced lane stability during braking, a longer 
braking distance and altered self-steering prop-
erties.<
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can 
indicate complete failure of the tire. 
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a 
stop; otherwise, pieces of tire may come off, 
which could result in an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving and contact your MINI center.<
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in yel-
low and then lights up continuously; the 
larger warning lamp comes on in yel-
low. No punctures can be detected.
This type of message is shown in the following 
situations:
>If there is a malfunction.
Have the system checked.
>If a wheel without TPM electronics has been 
mounted.
>If TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to 
other systems or devices using the same 
radio frequency.
Message for unsuccessful system reset
Both warning lamps come on in yellow. 
The system is not reset after a tire has 
been changed, for example.
Check the tire inflation pressure and 
reset the system, page67.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring 
Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be 
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the 
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle 
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a 
different size than the size indicated on the vehi-
cle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you 
should determine the proper tire inflation pres-
sure for those tires. As an added safety feature, 
your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pres-
sure monitoring system TPMS that illuminates a 
low tire pressure telltale when one or more of 
your tires are significantly underinflated. 
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale 
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires 
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the 
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly 
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat 
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also 
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and 
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping 
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi- 

Wheels and tires
118
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tires' service life, but also 
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving 
safety that depend on the condition of the tires 
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres-
sure.
Checking pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly 
and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a 
month and before starting long trips. If you fail 
to observe this precaution you may be driving 
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condition 
that can not only compromise your vehicle's 
driving stability, but also lead to tire damage and 
the risk of an accident. Do not drive with 
deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using run-
flat tires. A flat tire will seriously impair your 
vehicle's handling and braking response. 
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of 
control over the vehicle.<
Check the tire inflation pressures only on cold 
tires. This means after a maximum of 1.25 miles/
2 km driving or when the vehicle has been 
parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are warm, 
the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After adjusting the tire inflation pressure, 
reinitialize the flat tire monitor, page65, 
or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, page67.<
Checking the tire inflation pressure of 
the space-saver spare tire*
A valve extension for checking the inflation pres-
sure is located behind the bumper.
Inflation pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation 
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient 
temperature.
The tire inflation pressures apply to the 
tire sizes approved and the tire brands 
recommended by the manufacturer of your 
MINI. Your MINI dealer will be glad to advise 
you.<
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:
>Tire sizes for your vehicle
>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to 
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h 
and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of 
100 mph or 160 km/h.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found 
on the driver's side door post when the driver's 
door is open. 

 119
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
The maximum permitted speed for these 
tire inflation pressures is 100 mph or 
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, 
tire damage and accidents may occur.<
Tire inflation pressures for driving above 
100 mph or 160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in 
excess of 100 mph or 160 km/h, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds including those 
exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h. Otherwise, 
tire damage and accidents could occur.<
Observe all national and local maximum speed 
limits; otherwise, violations of the law could 
occur.
MINI Cooper tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S
175/65 R 15 84 H
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC33/230 33/230 38/260 38/260
Emergency wheel: 115/
70 R 15 90 M60/420 60/420 60/420 60/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page169. 

Wheels and tires
120
MINI Cooper S tire inflation pressures
MINI John Cooper Works tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
195/55 R 16 87 V RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC33/230 33/230 38/260 38/260
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC38/260 38/260 41/280 41/280
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page169.
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 W RSC38/260 38/260 41/280 41/280
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 41/280 41/280 44/300 44/300
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page169. 

 121
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
MINI Cooper Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
175/65 R 15 84 T M+S
175/65 R 15 84 H
175/65 R 15 84 H M+S
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC35/240 35/240 38/260 38/260
Emergency wheel: 115/
70 R 15 90 M60/420 60/420 60/420 60/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page169. 

Wheels and tires
122
MINI Cooper S Convertible tire inflation pressures
MINI John Cooper Works Convertible tire inflation pressures
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
195/55 R 16 87 V RSC
195/55 R 16 87 H M+S RSC
195/55 R 16 87 V M+S RSC35/240 35/240 38/260 38/260
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V RSC
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC
175/60 R 16 82 H M+S RSC39/270 39/270 42/290 42/290
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page169.
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Speeds up to a
max. of 
100 mph/160 km/hSpeeds including 
those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in the 
table are indicated in psi/kilopas-
cal with cold tires. Cold = ambient 
temperature
185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
205/45 R 17 84 V M+S RSC
205/45 R 17 84 W RSC39/270 39/270 42/290 42/290
205/40 R 18 82 W RSC 42/290 42/290 45/310 45/310
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page170. 

 123
AT A GLANCE REFERENCEMOBILITYCONTROLS DRIVING TIPS COMMUNICATIONS
Tire coding
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire 
makes it easier to identify and choose the right 
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the 
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable 
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and 
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA 
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear 
Traction AA A B C 
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to 
Federal Safety Requirements in addition 
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating 
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested 
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded 
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) 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, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the 
norm due to variations in driving habits, service 
practices and differences in road characteristics 
and climate.
Traction
The 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 government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C 
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is 
based on straight-ahead braking traction 
tests, and does not include acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteris-
tics.<
Temperature
The 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 controlled conditions 
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained 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  e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ 
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
225/45 R 17 91 V
For instance:
Manufacturer's 
code for tire make
Tire size and 
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3010 

Wheels and tires
126
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. This 
label is available at your tire dealer or MINI cen-
ter.
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 page64.<