2012 MINI Countryman tires

Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
201
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/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 (1 γ) 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 si gnificantly 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 con-
trolled conditions on specified government test
surfaces 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,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics. <
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 labo ratory 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
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,
(before 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 1012
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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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MOBILITYReplacing components
220
In the event of a flat tire, different procedures
should be followed depending on the equip-
ment included in your vehicle:
>MINI Mobility Kit, refer to the following
section
> Run-flat tires, page 203
MINI Mobility Kit
The Mobility Kit is located under the left front
seat.
Preparations
Use of the MINI Mobility Kit may be ineffective if
the tire puncture measures approx. 1/8 in/4 mm
or more. Contact the nearest MINI dealer if the
tire cannot be made drivable with the Mobility
Kit.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have
penetrated the tire if possible.
Follow the instructions on using the
Mobility Kit found on the compressor and
the sealant bottle.<
Remove the adhesive label for the speed limit
from the sealant bottle and affix it to the
steering wheel.
Sealant and compressor
1 Sealant bottle and adhesive label with speed
limit
2 Filling hose
Note the use-by date on the sealant
bottle. < 3
Holder for the sealant bottle
4 Compressor
5 Plug and cable for the socket in the vehicle
interior, page 98
6 Connection hose to connect the compressor
and sealant bottle or the compressor and
wheel
7 On/off switch
8 Pressure gauge for indi cating the tire infla-
tion pressure
9 Release button for reduci ng the tire inflation
pressure
Connector, cable and connection hose are
stored in the co mpressor housing.
Using the Mobility Kit
To repair a tire puncture with the Mobility Kit,
proceed as follows:
>Filling the tire with sealant.
> Distributing the sealant.
> Correct the tire in flation pressure.
Filling the tire with sealant.
Proceed in the specified order; otherwise,
sealant may emerge under high pres-
sure. <
1. Shake the sealant bottle.
2. Pull the connecting hose 6 completely out of
the compressor housing and screw it onto
the connector of the sealant bottle. Make
sure that the hose is not kinked.
3. Insert the sealant bo ttle on the compressor
housing in an upright position.
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MOBILITYReplacing components
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If the tire cannot maintain the inflation
pressure, drive the vehicle again, refer to
Distributing the sealan t. Then repeat steps
1to4.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi still
cannot be reached, then the tire is too heavily
damaged. Contact your nearest MINI dealer. <
Driving on
Do not exceed the permitted maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h; doing so may
result in an accident. <
Replace the defective tire as soon as possible
and have the new wheel/tire assembly
balanced.
Have the Mobility Kit refilled.
Changing wheels
The pouch with the wheel changing kit is stored
under the flat load floor.
It includes:
> Vehicle jack
> Reversible ratchet
> Wheel stud wrench
> Extractor hook for wheel center cover
> Chock
Preparing for a wheel change
Observe the safety precautions regarding
flat tires on page 219.<
Additional safety measures when
changing tires:
Only change the tire wh en parked on a surface
that is level, firm and not slippery.
The vehicle or the jack could slip sideways on
soft or slippery support surfaces, such as snow,
ice, flagstones, etc.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the engine when the vehicle is supported by the jack; other-
wise, there is a risk of fatal injury.
<
1. Place the foldable chock
behind the front
wheel on the other side of the vehicle or in
front of the wheel if the vehicle is on an
incline. If the wheel is changed on a surface
with a more severe sl ope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from
rolling.
2. Uncover the lug bolts if necessary.
3. Loosen the lug bolts by a half turn.
Jacking up the vehicle
The vehicle jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to raise
another vehicle model with it or to raise any load
of any kind. To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury. <
1. Place the jack at the jacking point closest to
the wheel.
The jack base must be perpendicular to the
surface beneath the jacking point.
2. Slide reversible ratche t onto the fixture on
the jack, arrow 1.
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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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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
248
Engine malfunction
– indicator lamp13
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 207
– alternative oil types 207
– approved engine oils 207
– capacity 207
– checking level 206
– dipstick 206
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 62
– MINI Maintenance System 209
Engine oil level, checking 206
Engine output, refer to Engine data 232
Engine starti ng, refer to
Starting the engine 49
Entering destination 116
Entering intersection 117
Entertainment sound output on/off 136
Entry map for destination 121
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 70
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 103
Exterior mirrors 42
– adjusting 42
– automatic dimming
feature 43
– automatic heating 43
– folding in and out 42
External audio device 94
External audio device, refer to AUX-In connection 149
External care 211
External devices
– random play sequence 152
– Software update 156
External temperature display
– change units of measure 61
– in the onboard computer 61External temperature
warning 59
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 227
– for tying down loads 108
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 65
Failure of an electrical consumer 224
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Fastest route for
navigation 125
Fast forward
– CD player 148
Fault messages, refer to Check Control 65
Faulty
– tire 74
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 89
– microfilter for air
conditioner 87
Fine wood, care 214
First aid pouch 225
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 48
Flash when locking/ unlocking 28
Flat load floor 106
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 203
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 75
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 73
– indicating a flat tire 74
– initializing the system 73
– snow chains 73
– system limits 73
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 202
Floor mats, care 213 Floor plate, refer to Flat load
floor 106
FM, waveband 139
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 217
Folding rear seat backrest 104
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely 103
Footwell lamps 83
For your own safety 4
Four-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 72
Front airbags 78
Front fog lamps 83
– replacing bulb 217
Front seat adjustment 38
Frost on windows, refer to Defrosting windows 87,89
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 73
Fuel 195
– fuel tank volume 235
– gauge 58
– high-quality brands 195
– quality
195
– specif

ications 195
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 58
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 59
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 58
Fuel filler flap 194
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 194
Fuses 224
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 90
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel consumption 59
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 195
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