2011 MINI Countryman brake light

Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
97
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form betw een tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
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 page 195.
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 drivin g off using Hill Assist,
refer to page 69.
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 steeri ng 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 functioning properly.
Objects in the move ment range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving. Do not place additional
floor mats onto an existing one or onto other objects. Only use floor mats that have been
approved for the vehicle and can be appropri-
ately fastened. Make sure that the floor mats are
securely fastened again
after they have been
removed, e.g. for cleaning. <
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 overheatin g 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 during manual oper ation of the automatic
transmission, refer to page 49.
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 th e 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

DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
98
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts 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.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying ca pacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blowout. <
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo area as they
could damage the vehicle. <
Expanding cargo area
Cargo area cover
Do not place any objects on the cover;
otherwise, they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving, or they may damage the cover. <
When you open the liftgate, the roll-up cover is
raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed. 1.
Unhook the lift straps from the liftgate.
2. Lift the cover slightly, arrow 1, and pull it
rearward out of the bracket, arrow 2.
Rear seat backrest
Before folding down the rear seat back-
rests, ensure that th e range of motion for
the backrests is unobstructed. Ensure that there
is no one within the range of motion of the back-
rest or that no one reac hes into that region. Oth-
erwise, injury or damage can result. <
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,
observe the safety belt information on
page 40.<
Expand the cargo area by raising the split rear
seat backrests to a steeper angle.
The backrests can be adjusted as needed in
10 stages between a comfort position and a
transport position or can be folded down.
In the comfort position, the backrests are as far
back as possible; in the transport position, they
are in an approximately vertical position.
Before installing a ch ild restraint system,
observe the instructions starting on page 43.

Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
105
>After driving through water at low speed,
lightly press the brake pedal several times to
dry the brakes and to prevent the braking
effect from being reduced by wetness.
> Depending on the condition of the surface, it
may be practical to briefly activate DTC, refer
to DTC Dynamic Traction Control on
page 68.
> If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress
the accelerator pedal sufficiently so that the
driving stability control systems can distrib-
ute the drive forces to the individual wheels.
After driving on poor roads, please observe the
following points to maintain the driving safety of
the vehicle:
> Clean the coarsest dirt from the body.
> Clean mud, snow, ice, etc. from the wheels
and tires and check the tires for damage.

CareMOBILITY
205
5.Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, make sure th at you maintain suf-
ficient distance from the vehicle and do not
exceed a maximum temperature of 140 7/60 6.
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high,
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle
can be damaged, or water can penetrate.
Observe the operating in structions for high-
pressure washers. <
Do not spray sensors such as Park Dis-
tance Control with hi gh-pressure washers
for a long time and main tain the greatest possi-
ble distance of approx. 1 ft/30 cm from them. <
Manual washing
Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car
shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean
the vehicle with a sponge or a washing brush
applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition
to prevent unintentional wiping. <
Observe local regulati ons regarding wash-
ing vehicles by hand. <
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as inse cts, by soaking with
shampoo and then washing with plenty of
water.
Do not remove accumula ted ice and snow with
an ice scraper; use window deicers instead.
Windows
Clean the outside and inside of the windows and
mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz. <
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water an d change regularly to
prevent the formation of streaks.
Wax, preservatives and dirt on the win-
dows cause streaks when the windshield
wipers are on, and can cause premature wear of
the wiper blades and interfere with the rain sen-
sor. <
Paintwork, care
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value
and protects the pain t from the long-term
effects of aggressive substances.
In some regions, envi ronmental factors can
affect the vehicl e paintwork and damage it. It is
therefore important to adjust the frequency and
extent of vehicle ca re correspondingly.
Immediately remove aggr essive materials such
as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap or
bird droppings to preven t damage to the paint-
work.
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage,
immediately repair stone damage or
scratches to prevent rusting. <
The manufacturer of the MINI recommends
repairing paint damage pr ofessionally according
to factory specifications with original MINI
paints.
Preservation
Preservation is necessary when water no longer
beads on the clean paint surface. To preserve
the paint, only use pres ervatives that contain
carnauba or synthetic waxes.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon spra ys or other silicon-
containing care products on rubber seals;
otherwise, noise and damage could occur. <

MOBILITYCare
206
Chrome parts*
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator
grill and door handles with copious quantities of
water and, if necessary, a shampoo additive,
especially when contaminated with road salt.
For additional treatmen t, use chrome polish.
Light alloy wheels*
The system produces brake dust that collects on
the light alloy wheels. Clean them regularly with
acid-free wheel cleaner.
Do not use aggressive, acid-containing,
highly alkaline, or abrasive cleansers or
steam jets hotter than 140 7/60 6 as they may
cause damage. <
External sensors
Keep the outside sensors on the vehicle
such as the Park Di stance Control clean
and ice-free to ensure that they function prop-
erly. <
internal Care
Upholstery/fabrics
Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to remove sur-
face dirt.
In case of serious spots su ch as liquid stains, use
a soft sponge or lint-free microfiber cloth and
suitable interior cleaners. Observe the instruc-
tions on the packaging.
Clean upholstery up to the seams. Do not
rub forcefully. <
Velcro fasteners on pa nts or other items of
clothing can damage seat covers. Make
sure that all Velcro fasteners are closed. <
Leather/leather coverings*
The leather processed by the manufac-
turer of your MINI is a high-quality natural
product. Light variations in the grain is one of
the typical properties of natural leather. e pores and folds of the
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to
increased wear and causing the leather surface
to become brittle prematurely. Use a cloth or
vacuum cleaner to remo ve dust on a regular
basis.
Especially when the leather has a light color, it
should be cleaned regularl y since it tends to get
heavily soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year using a leather
lotion since dirt and grease will gradually attack
the leather's protective layer.
Carpets/floor mats*
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhibit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an exist-
ing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the floo r mats are securely fas-
tened again after they ha ve been removed, e.g.
for cleaning. <
Floor mats can be removed to be cleaned.
If the carpets are very di rty, clean with a microfi-
ber cloth and water or an interior cleaner. When
doing so, rub forward and back in the driving
direction; otherwise, the carpet may become
matted.
Interior plastic parts
These include:
> Plastic surfaces
> Lamp glass
> Display panes
> Mat parts
Only clean with water and, if necessary, solvent-
free plastic cleaners. Do not use solvents such as alcohol, lac-
quer thinner, cold clea ners, fuel, or similar,
as these will damage the surfaces. <

Replacing componentsMOBILITY
211
Replacing a fog lamp bulb
H8 bulb, 35 watts
1.Turn in the wheel.
2. Remove cover 2.
To do so, turn the cover counterclockwise.
3. Pull the cable connector.
4. Unscrew the lower bulb counterclockwise.
5. To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.
Side turn signals
5watt bulb, W5W
1.Open hood.
2. Squeeze clamping clip, arrows, and remove
bulb holder.
3. Unscrew bulb counterclockwise and
replace.
4. To insert the new bulb and replace the
cover, proceed in reverse order.
Side marker lamps
Have these bulbs replaced by your MINI dealer.
Tail lamps
Bulb P 21 W
1Brake/tail lamp
2 Turn signal
3 Brake/tail lamp
4 Backup lamps
5 Backup lamps
Changing
All bulbs are integrated in a central bulb holder.
1.Switch off the light and remove the infrared
remote control from the ignition lock.
2. Push the cover panel out from the rear of the
cargo area side trim panel and remove it.

236
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
INDEX
A
ABS Antilock Brake System67
Accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 4
Acknowledgment signals for
locking/unlocking vehicle 28
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 87
Adaptive Light Control 80
Additives
– coolant 200
– engine oil 200
Address, entering 115
Address for navigation
– entering 109,115
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 84
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 85
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control 131
Air conditioner 83
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 84
– automatic cl imate control85
– ventilation 87
Air distribution
– automatic 86
– individual 85
– manual 85
Air flow rate 84,86
– air conditioning system 84
– automatic cl imate control86
– heating, ventilation 84
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 83
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 190Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 84,86
Air supply
– air conditioner 84
– automatic climate control 85
– ventilation 87
Air vents 83
Airbags 76
– sitting safely 37
– warning lamp 78
Airing, refer to Ventilation87
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 189
Alarm system 31
ALL4 all-wheel drive system 69
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 197
All-wheel drive, refer to
ALL4 69
AM, wa

veband 132
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 84,86
Ambient lighting 82
Antenna, care 204
Antifreeze
– coolant 200
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 67
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 31
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 226
Approved engine oils 200
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 226
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 91
Arrival time
– computer 57
– route guidance 118Ashtray
92
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Audio 130
– controls 130
– switching on/off 130
– tone control 131
– volume 130
Audio device, external 90
AUTO program for automatic climate control 86
Automatic
– air distribution 86
– air flow rate 86
– cruise control 53
– headlamp control 79
Automatic climate control 83
– automatic air distribution 86
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
– interlock 48
– overriding selector lever
lock 50
– shiftlock 48
– sport program 49
Auxiliary phone 164
AUX-IN connection 142
AUX-IN, refer to External audio
device 90
Average fuel consumption 56
– setting the units 58
Average speed 56
Avoiding highways for navigation 118
Axle loads, refer to Weights 22

6

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
237
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 82
Backrests, refer to Seats 38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 211
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 218
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 220
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 174
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 131
Battery 216
– charging 216
– disposal 34,216
– jump-starting 218
– temporary power failure 216
Battery renewal
– remote control 34
Being towed 220
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 40
Belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders 92
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 56
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 84,86
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 154,164
Bluetooth audio 146
– device pairing 146
– disconnecting an audio connection 148
– playback 147
– unpairing device 148
– What to do if... 148
Bottle holders, refer to Cupholders 92
Brake Assist 67
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 59 Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs
211
Brake pads, breaking in 96
Brake rotors 97
– brakes 96
– breaking in 96
Brake system 96
– breaking in 96
– disc brakes 97
– MINI Maintenance
System 202
Brakes
– ABS 67
– b
reaking in 96
– MINI Maintenance System 202
– parking brake 47
– service requirements 59
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely 97
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 218
Break-in period 96
Breaking in the clutch 96
Brightness of Control
Display 65
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 208
Button for starting the engine 46
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 179
– displaying appointment 180
– selecting calendar day 180
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– accepting 157,168
– ending 157,168
– muting the microphone 158,170
– rejecting 157,168 Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing 157,169
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 92
Capacities 226
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 216
Car care 204
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 91
Car phone, refer to Telephone 154,163
Car radio, refer to Radio 132
Car wash
– before driving in 47
Car wash, care 204
Car washes 204
Care 204
– car washes 204
– car-care products 204
– CD/DVD drives 207
– external 204
– high-pressure washers 205
– internal 206
– leather 206
– manual washing 205
– upholstery and fabrics 206
– windows 205
– wiper blades 205
Cargo area 98
– capacity 226
– Comfort Access 33
– lamp 82
– opening from outside 30
– trunk lid, refer to Liftgate 30
Cargo area, expanding 98
Cargo area lamp 82
Cargo area li

d, refer to
Liftgate 30
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 100