2012 MINI Countryman winter tires

DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
102
Things to remember when driving
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or coun try version. This also
applies to safety relate d functions and systems.
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full
traction potential until af ter an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distan ce driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Ground clearance
When driving, ensure that there is suffi-
cient ground clearance, such as when
entering underground parking garages, driving
over curbs or when driving in winter; otherwise
damage to the vehicle may result. <
Closing tailgate
Only drive with the tailgate closed. Failure
to do so may endanger passengers or
other road users or may damage the vehicle in
the event of an accident or a braking and
evasive maneuver. In a ddition, exhaust gas may
flow into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely
necessary to drive with the tailgate open:
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MOBILITYWheels and tires
202
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all pa ssenger car tires must
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
separately or in combin ation, 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, page 203.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specia lly reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires regula rly 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 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for exam ple, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 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 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less suitable for winter condit
ions. 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 th e tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. If the tire tread has been
driven down to the wear indicators, a tread
depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been reached.
Tire damage
Driving over rough or damaged road surfaces, as
well as debris, curbs, and other obstacles can
cause serious damage to wheels, tires, and
suspension parts. This is more likely to occur
with low-profile tire s, which provide less
cushioning between the wheel and the road.
Be careful to avoid road hazards and reduce
your speed, especially if your vehicle is equipped
with low-profile tires.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indi cate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect . This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by drivin g 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 a specialized tire shop that has
specially trained personnel working in accor-
dance with the specifications of the MINI manu-
facturer. If necessary, have the vehicle towed
there.
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Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
203
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 ... 1012 means that the tire was manufac-
tured during the 10th week of 2012.
For various reasons, such as the development of
brittleness, the manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends tire replacemen t after no more than
6 years, regardless of th e 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, page74.
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
working in accordance with the specifications of
the MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent
damage 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 of ten 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. Alth ough 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 manufactur er of your MINI can-
not evaluate non-approved wheels and tires to
determine if they are su ited 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 an d 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
damaged, mount the previous wheel and tire
combination 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
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MOBILITYWheels and tires
204
puncture, refer to page76. Your MINI dealer will
be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your MINI
recommends certain tire brands. They are
marked with a clearly vi sible 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 ow n 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 45 7/ +7 6. 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
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 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.
>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 ch ains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate DSC or activate DTC, refer to
page 71.<
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244
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System70
Accepting a call 163,174
Accessories, see Vehicle equipment 4
Acknowledgment signals for locking/unlocking vehicle 28
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 89
Adaptive Light Control 82
Adding engine oil 207
Additives
– coolant 208
– engine oil 207
Address, entering 122
Address for navigation
– entering 116,122
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 86
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 87
Adjusting the tone during audio operation, refer to
Tone control 137
Airbags 78
– sitting safely 37
– warning lamp 80
Air conditioner 85
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 86
– automatic cl imate control87
– ventilation 89
Air distribution
– automatic 88
– individual 87
– manual 87 Air flow rate
86,88
– air conditioning system 86
– automatic climate control 88
– heating, ventilation 86
Airing, refer to Ventilation89
Air outlets, refe r to Air vents85
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 196
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 86,88
Air supply
– air conditioner 86
– automatic climate control 87
– ventilation 89
Air vents 85
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 195
Alarm system 31
ALL4 all-w h
ee

l drive system 72
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires 204
All-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 72
AM, waveband 139
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 86,88
Ambient lighting 84
Antenna, care 211
Antifreeze
– coolant 208
– washer fluid 55
Antilock Brake System ABS 70
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 31
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 234
Approved engine oils 207
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 234
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest 94 Arrival time
– computer
60
– route guidance 125
Ashtray 97
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 70
Audio 136
– controls 136
– switching on/off 136
– tone control 137
– volume 137
Audio device, external 94
Automatic
– air distribution 88
– air flow rate 88
– cruise control 56
– headlamp control 81
Automatic climate control 85
– automatic air distribution 88
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 50
– interlock 51
– overriding selector lever lock 52
– shiftlock 51
– sport program 52
AUTO program for automatic climate control 88
Auxiliary phone 171
AUX-In, refer to External audio device 94
AUX-In connection 149
Average fuel consumption 59
– sett in
g the

units 61
Average speed 60
Avoiding highways for navigation 125
Axle loads, refer to Weights 234
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250
Interior rearview mirror43
– automatic dimming feature 43
Interlock 51
Intermittent mode of the wipers 53
Internal care 213
Internet page 4
J
Jacking points 222
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles 55
Joystick, refer to Onboard computer 16
Jumpering, refer to Jump- starting 225
Jump-starting 225
K
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 26
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
Access 32
Keyless opening and closing, refer to Comfort Access 32
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 26
Keypad dialing 165,176
Kickdown 51
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 51
Knock control 195
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 81
Lamps and bulbs, replacing bulbs 215
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 108
Last destinations 119LATCH child restraint fixing
system 45
Leather care 213
LEDs light-emitting diodes 216
Length, refer to Dimensions 233
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 219
Light
– automatic headlamp
control 81
Light alloy wheels, care 213
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs 216
Lighter 97
– socket 98
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 215
– of the instruments 83
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 81
Light switch 81
Limit, refer to Speed limit 67
Load 107
Load securing equipment, refer to Securing cargo 108
Lock buttons of doors, refer to Locking 30
Locking
– adjusting confirmation signal 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 28
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 32
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 207
Low beams 81
– automatic 81
– replacing bulb 216
Lower back support, refer to Lumbar support 38Luggage compartment
– doors, refer to Tailgate
30
Luggage compartment partition net, refer to Cargo
net 106
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 109
Lumbar support 38
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 204
Main menu 17
Maintenance, refer to Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 209
Malfunction warnings, refer to Check Control 65
Manual air distribution 87
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 52
Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 194
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 52
Manual transmission 50
Manual washing 212
Map
– changing scale 128
Map for navigation
– entering destination 121
Master key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 26
Maximum cooling 88
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 204
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 225
MENU button 16
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
253
Roof load capacity234
Roof-mounted luggage rack 109
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 228
Route 125,126
– bypassing sections 126
– changing 125,126
– changing criteria 125
– displaying arrow view 126
– displaying map view 127
– displaying streets or towns/ cities 126
– selecting 125
Route guidance 125
– bypassing a route
section 126
– changing specified route 125
– distance and arrival 125
– voice instructions 129
– volume of voice instructions 129
Route section, changing 126
Route selection 125
RSC Run-flat System
Component, refer to Run-flat
tires 203
Rubber parts, care 213
Run-flat System Component RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires 203
Run-flat tires 203
– flat tire 74
– Flat Tire Monitor 74
– tire inflation pressure 196
– tire replacement 203
– winter tires 204
S
Safety belt
– number37 Safety belts
40
– care 214
– center belt 41
– damage 42
– indicator lamp 42
– reminder 42
– sitting safely 37
Safety systems
– airbags 78
– Antilock Brake System
ABS 70
– driving stability control systems 70
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 70
– safety belts 40
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat tires 203
Satellite radio 141
– channel, activating or deactivating 142
– channel, selecting 142
– channel, storing 143
– favorites 144
– time shift 143
– Traffic Jump 145
Screen, refer to Onboard computer controls 16
Screw thread for tow fitting 227
SDARS, refer to Satellite radio 141
Seat adjustment
– mechanical 38
– rear 39
Seats 38
– adjusting the seats 38
– heating 40
– sitting safely 37
Securing the vehicle
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Selecting navigation system 114
Selecting new scale for
navigation 128 Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 51
Selector lever lock
– automatic transmission with Steptronic, refer to
Shiftlock 51
– overriding manually 52
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 51
Service, refer to Roadside Assistance 225
Service car, refer to Roadside Assistance 225
Service data in the remote
control 209
Servi c
e Interv

al Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS 209
Service requirement display, refer to Condition Based
Service CBS 209
Service requirements 62
Settings
– clock, 12 h/24 h mode 64
– date format 65
– language 67
Settings and information 60
Setting time and date 64
Setting time zone, time, and date 64
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 52
– manual transmission 50
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer to Changing selector lever
positions 51
Shift paddles 52
Short commands for the voice
activation system 236
Short route in navigation, refer to Selecting route 125
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
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Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD player148
Side airbags 78
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs 218
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 218
Side windows, refer to Windows 35
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 37
– airbags 37
– safety belts 37
– with head restraint 37
Size, refer to Dimensions 233
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric 34
Slot for remote control 48
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 97
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 180
– use 169
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 94
Snow chains 204
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances 98
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis
OBD 210
Software update 156
Speaking, refer to Voice
instructions from navigation
system 129
Special destinations 120
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 207
Speed 232
– with winter tires 204
Speed limit 67
– setting 67
Speed limit warning, refer to Speed limit 67 Speedo, refer to
Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Speed volume 137
Split rear seat backrest, refer to Expanding the cargo
area 104
Sport button 72
Stability contro l, refer to
Driving stability control
systems 70
Start/Stop button 48
– starting the engine 49
– switching off the engine 49
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 49
Starting assistance, refer to Jump-starting 225
Starting route guidance 125
Sta r
ti

ng the engine 49
– Start/Stop button 48
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 70
– Hill Assist 72
State/province, for
navigation 116
Station, selecting
– radio 139
Status information on the Control Display 19
Status of this Owner's Manual at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 43
– adjustment 43
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 48
– shift paddles 52
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 50
Storage area
– cargo area 104
Storage compartments 95
Storage space
– storage compartments 95Storing a destination in the
address book 118
Storing the vehicle 214
Storing tires 204
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 95
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires 196
SW, waveband 139
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 49
Switching off the engine 49
– Start/Stop button 48
Switching on
– audio 136
– CD player 136
– radio 136
Switching radio on/off 136
Switching the cooling function on and off 89
Symbols 4
– status information 19
T
Tachometer58
Tailgate 30
– Comfort Access 33
– opening/closing 30
– opening from outside 30
– unlocking with remote control 28
Tail lamp, refer to Tail lamps 218
– replacing bulb 218
Tail lamps 218
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 235
Target cursor for navigation 121
Tasks 187
Technical data 232
Technical modifications 4
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