2011 MINI Countryman snow chains

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
67
Driving stability control
systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's st ability even in adverse
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stab ility control systems.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not
reduce the additional safety margin by engaging
in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of
an accident. <
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during brak-
ing. Safe steering respon se is maintained even
during full braking. Act ive safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 97.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine.
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and steering characteristics are
further enhanced while braking in turns or dur-
ing a lane change.
Electronic brake-forc e distribution EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake Assist
Rapidly depressing the brake causes this system
to automatically develop maximum braking
force. Thus, the system helps keep braking dis-
tance to a minimum. At the same time, all the
benefits provided by ABS are exploited.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
The concept
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate.
DSC also detects unstable driving conditions
such as when the vehicle' s rear end fishtails or
the vehicle is sliding on its front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through brakin g actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
Every time that the engine is started, the DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator light
on the speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer. DSC is deactivated.
Stabilizing and pr opulsion promoting actions are
no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpfu l to switch off DSC for a
brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
68
For better control
The indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
The DSC controls the driving and brak-
ing forces.
The indicator light DSC OFF on the
speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC*
The concept
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized
for special road conditions such as uncleared
snowy roads. The syst em ensures maximum
propulsion though with restricted driving stabil-
ity. You therefore need to drive with suitable
caution.
In the following exceptiona l situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
> when driving on snow-covered inclines, in
slush, or on uncleared snowy roads
> when rocking the vehicle free, driving out of
deep snow or on loose surfaces
> when driving with snow chains
Activating the DTC*
Press the button; the indicator light DSC OFF on
the speedometer comes on and TRACTION is
displayed on the tachometer.
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deacti-
vated; the Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti-
vated.
For better control
The indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
DTC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator light on the speedometer
is on and TRACTION is displayed on the
tachometer:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating the DTC*
Press button again, the indicator light DSC OFF
on the speedometer and TRACTION on the
tachometer go out.

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
70
The system detects a pressure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-
ual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change. This is detected and
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have been initialized while the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a fl at tire is not ensured.
Initialize the system afte r every correction of the
tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
System limitations
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in
advance. <
A natural, even pressure loss in all four tires can-
not be detected. Therefore, check the tire infla-
tion pressure regularly.
In the following situatio ns, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or sl ippery road surface
> Performance-oriented style of driving: slip in
the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
> Snow chains are attached
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can be
displayed on the Control Display, e.g. whether or
not the FTM is active.
1."Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status" 3.
"Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
Initializing the system
The initialization process adopts the set inflation
tire pressures as refere nce values for the detec-
tion of a flat tire. Initia lization is started by con-
firming the inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the syst em when driving with
snow chains.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
5. Select "Reset" to start the initialization.
6. Start to drive.
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. <

Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
197
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 your MINI recommends the
use of winter tires on snowy roads or if temper-
atures drop below 457/ +76. Although all-sea-
son 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 ti res, 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
dealer.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires agains
t all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Swapping wheels among the axles
Depending on the individual use, front and rear
tires may exhibit diff erent 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 fi ne-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-saf e and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI deal er for more details.
Only attach snow chains in pairs to the front
wheels with the following tires.
> 195/60 R 16 M+S
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 page 68.<

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
240
Engine
– breaking in96
– data 224
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature 201
– speed 224
– starting 46
– starting, Comfort Access 32
– switching off 47
Engine compartment 199
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 200
Engine malfunction
– indicator lamp 13
Engine oil
– adding 200
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 200
– alternative oil types 200
– approved engine oils 200
– capacity 200
– checking level 199
– dipstick 199
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 59
– MINI Maintenance System 202
Engine oil level, checking 199
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 224
Engine starti ng, refer to
Starting the engine 46
Entering destination 109
Entering intersection 110
Entertainment sound output
on/off 130
Entry map for destination 114
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 96 Exterior mirrors
41
– adjusting 41
– automatic dimming feature 42
– automatic heating 41
– folding in and out 41
External audio device 90
External audio de vice, refer to
AUX-IN connection 142
External devices
– random play sequence 145
– software update 149
External temperature display
– change units of measure 58
– in the on-board computer 58
External temperature
warning 56
Eyes
– f

or tow-starting and towing
away 220
– for tying down loads 102
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 62
Failure of an electrical consumer 216
Fast forward
– CD player 141
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Fastest route for
navigation 118
Fault messages, refer to Check Control 62
Faulty
– tire 71
Filter
– microfilter for air conditioner 85
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 87
Fine wood, care 207
First aid pouch 218 Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock 46
Flash when locking/ unlocking 28
Flat load floor 100
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 196
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 69
– indicating a flat tire 71
– initializing the system 70
– snow chains 70
– system limits 70
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 195
Floor mats, care 206
Floor plate, refer to Flat load floor 100
FM, waveband 132
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 210
Folding rear seat backrest 98
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 97
Footwell lamps 82
For your own safety 5
Four-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 69
Front airbags 76
Front fog lamps 81
– replacing bulb 210
Front seat adjustment 38
Frost on windows, refer to
Defrosting windows 85,87
FTM, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 69
Fuel 189
– gauge 55
– high-quality brands 189
–

quality 189
– specifications 189
– tank capacity 226
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 55
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 56

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
246
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance 218
Service data in the remote control 202
Service Interval Display, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 202
Service, refer to Roadside Assistance 218
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS 202
Service requirements 59
Setting time and date 61
Setting time zone, time, and date 61
Settings
– clock, 12 h/24 h mode 61
– date format 62
– language 65
Settings and information 57
Shift paddles 49
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
– manual transmission 48
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer to Changing selector lever
positions 48
Short commands for the voice activation system 227
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route 118
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD player 141
Side airbags 76
Side marker lamps, replacing bulbs 211
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 211
Side windows, refer to
Windows 35
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10Sitting safely
37
– airbags 37
– safety belts 37
– with head restraint 37
Size, refer to Dimensions 225
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric 34
Slot for remote control 46
Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 92
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 174
– use 163
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 91
Snow chains 197
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis OBD 203
Socket, refer to Connecting electrical appliances 92
Software u

pdate 149
Speaking, refer to Voice instructions from navigation
system 122
Special destinations 112
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 200
Speed 224
– with winter tires 197
Speed limit 64
– setting 64
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit 64
Speed volume 131
Speedo, refer to
Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Split rear seat backrest, refer to
Expanding the cargo area 98
Sport button 69
Stability contro l, refer to
Driving stability control
systems 67
Start/Stop button 46
– starting the engine 46
– switching off the engine 47Starting assistance, refer to
Jump-starting 218
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 46
Starting the engine
– Start/Stop button 46
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 67
– Hill Assist 69
State/province, for
navigation 109
Station, selecting
– radio 132
Status information on the Control Display 19
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 42
– adjustment 42
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 46
– shift paddles 49
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
Storage area
– cargo area 98
Storage compartments 91
Storage space
– storage compartments 91
Storing a destination in the address book 111
Storing the vehicle 207
Storing tires 197
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 91
Summer tires, refer to Wheels an
d tires 190
SW, waveband 132
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 47
Switching off the engine
– Start/Stop button 46