2012 MINI Countryman brake pads

DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
96
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 trac-
tion potential until after 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 eva-
sive maneuver. In addi tion, 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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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
97
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Switch off recirculated -air mode and switch
the airflow control of the air conditioner or
automatic climate control to high, refer to
page 82 or 84.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sect ions of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact between
the hot exhaust system and any highly flamm-
able materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc.
Such contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of
serious personal injuries and property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise,
there is a risk of burns. <
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 142.
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. refer to page
67.
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 movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carp et, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhi bit 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. <
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
98
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 in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, page49.
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 the 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 op erating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants 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 capacity, 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 tailgate, the roll-up cover is
raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
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. Particularly with a
folded down middle section, ensure that there is
no one within the range of motion of the back-
rest and that no one re aches into that region.
Otherwise, injury or damage can result. <
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Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
173
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unne
cessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connected Charge it by taking a longer drive or by
using an external
charger. Possibly
automatic switch-off of power con-
suming devices. Have the battery
checked as soon as possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with care. Contact your nearest MINI
dealer.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with care. Contact your nearest MINI
dealer.
Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the co ndition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
12Cause What to do
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MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
174
Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads checked without delay.
Indication in US models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Display in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red: Have the system in question checked without delay.
> Starter failed or The engi ne cannot be restarted.
> Ignition malfunctioning. Engine
restart only possible when brake
is depressed or
> Lighting system failed. Low
beams/tail lamps and brake
lamps still operational. All other
lamps failed Depress the brake to start the engine
again.
Lights up in yellow:
> Control of the brake lamps failed
or
> fuel supply malfunctioning You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system in ques-
tion checked without delay.
> Drive malfunctioning You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Transmission limp-home
program active with restricted range
of gears. Have the system checked
immediately.
12Cause What to do
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
189
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 130
Battery 163
– disposal 31,163
– jump-starting 165
– temporary power failure 164
Battery renewal
– remote control 31
Being towed 167
Belts, refer to Safety belts 37
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 37
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 56
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 82,84
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 122
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 93
Brake Assist 65
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 61
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 159
Brake pads, breaking in 96
Brake rotors 98
– brakes 96
– breaking in 96
Brakes
– ABS 65
– breaking in 96
– MINI Maintenance
System 149
– parking brake 47
– service requirements 61
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 97
Brake system 96
– breaking in 96
– disc brakes 98
– MINI Maintenance
System 149 Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 165
Breaking in the clutch 96
Break-in period 96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 155
Button for starting the
engine 45
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call ending 126
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 126
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders 93
Capacities 187
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 163
Car care 151
Care 151
– car-care products 151
– car washes 151
– CD/DVD drives 154
– high-pressure washers 152
– leather 153
– manual washing 152
– upholstery and fabrics 153
– windows 152
– wiper blades 152
Cargo, securing 102
Cargo area 98
– capacity 186
– Comfort Access 30
– lamp 79
– opening from outside 28
– trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 28
Cargo area, expanding 98
Cargo area lamp 79
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 28
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 100 Cargo loading
101
– securing cargo 102
– stowing cargo 102
– vehicle 98
Cargo net 100
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 22
Carpets, care 153
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 90
Car phone, refer to Telephone 120
Car wash
– before driving in 47
Car wash, care 151
Car washes 151
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 97
CD player 113
– changing the track 113
– fast forward/reverse 113
– playing a track 114
– random order 113
– volume 108
Center armr

est90
Center brake lamp 159
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console 14
Center Rail 91
Center Rail, refer to Storage compartments 91
Central locking system 23
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
– setting unlocking behavior 23
Changing bulbs 155
Changing wheels 162
Charging the battery 163
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 145
Check Control 62
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 42
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