2012 MINI Countryman winter tires

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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MOBILITYWheels and tires
142
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 143.
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 sus-
pension parts. This is more likely to occur with
low-profile tires, which provide less cushioning
between the wheel and the road. Be careful to
avoid road hazards and reduce your speed,
especially if your vehi cle 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
143
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, page69.
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 work-
ing in accordance with th e specifications of the
MINI manufacturer. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety ha
zards. 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 dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation 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
144
puncture, refer to page71. 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 66.<
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188
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System65
Accepting a call 125
Accessories, see Vehicle equipment 4
Acknowledgment signals for locking/unlocking vehicle 24
Activated-charcoa l filter for
automatic climate control 85
Adaptive Light Control 78
Adding engine oil 147
Additives
– coolant 148
– engine oil 147
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 82
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 83
Airbags 73
– sitting safely 34
– warning lamp 75
Air conditioner 81
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner 82
– automatic cl imate control83
– ventilation 85
Air distribution
– automatic 84
– individual 83
– manual 83
Air flow rate 82,84
– air conditioning system 82
– automatic cl imate control84
– heating, ventilation 82
Airing, refer to Ventilation85
Air outlets, refer to Air vents 81
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 136Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 82,84
Air supply
– air conditioner 82
– automatic climate control 83
– ventilation 85
Air vents 81
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 135
Alarm system 28
ALL4 all-wheel drive system 67
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires 144
All-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 67
Ambient air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 82,
84
Am bient li
ghti

ng80
Antenna, care 151
Antifreeze
– coolant 148
– washer fluid 53
Antilock Brake System ABS 65
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 28
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 186
Approved engine oils 147
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 186
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest 90
Ashtray 93
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 65
Audio device, external 90Automatic
– air distribution
84
– air flow rate 84
– cruise control 53
– headlamp control 76
Automatic climate control 81
– automatic air distribution 84
Automatic station search 109
Automatic station storage 110
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 47
– interlock 48
– overriding selector lever lock 49
– shiftlock 48
– sport program 49
AUTO program for automatic climate control 84
Auto radio, refer to Radio MINI Boost CD 108
AUX-In, refer to External audio device 90
AUX-In connection 108
Average fuel consumption 56
– setting the units 59
Average speed 57
Axle loads, refer to Weights 186
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 80
Backrests, refer to Seats 35
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 158,159
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 165
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 167
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
193
Indicator and warning lamps 13,169
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 71
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 79
Individual air distribution 83
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile 22
Inflation pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 70
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 68
– glass roof, electric 32
Initializing the
– compass, see Calibration 89
Instrument lighting 79
Instrument panel, refer to Cockpit 10
Instrument panel, refer to Displays 12
Integrated key 22
Integrated universal remote control 86
Interior lamps 79
– remote control 25
Interior rearview mirror 40
– automatic dimming
feature 40
Interlock 48
Intermittent mode of the wipers 51
Internal care 153
Internet page 4
J
Jacking points 162
Jets, refer to Window washer
nozzles 52
Jumpering, refer to Jump- starting 165
Jump-starting 165
K
Key, refer to Keys/remote
controls 22
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort Access 30
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access 30
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 22
Keypad dialing 126
Kickdown 48
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 48
Knock control 135
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams 76
Lamps and bulbs, replacing bulbs 155
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 102
LATCH child restraint fixing
system 42
Leather care 153
LEDs light-emitting diodes 156
Length, refer to Dimensions 185
License plate lamp
– bulb replacement 159
Light
– automatic headlamp control 76
Light alloy wheels, care 153
Light-emitting diodes LEDs 156
Lighter 93
– socket 93
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs 155
– of the instruments 79
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps 76
Light switch 76
Limit 180 Listening to test, scan
– radio MINI Boost CD
110
Load 101
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo 102
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking 27
Locking
– adjusting confirmation signal 24
– from inside 27
– from outside 24
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 30
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 24
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
Longlife oils
– approved motor oils 147
Low beams 76
– automatic 76
– replacing bulb 156
Lower back suppo rt, refer to
Lumbar support 35
Luggage compartment
– doors, refer to Tailgate 28
Luggage compartment
partition net, refer to Cargo
net 100
Luggage rack, re fer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 103
Lumbar support 35
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 144
Maintenance, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Maintenance system 149
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control 62
Manual air distribution 83
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
194
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
Manual operation
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 134
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 49
Manual station search 109
Manual transmission 47
Manual washing 152
Master key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 22
Maximum cooling 84
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 144
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 165
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 83
– for automatic climate control 85
– MINI Maintenance System 149
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System 149
Microphone for telephone 14
MINI Internet page 4
MINI Maintenance System 149
Mirror dimming feature 40
Mirrors 39
– exterior mirrors 39
– heating 40
– interior rearview mirror 40
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 125
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing 122
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 90
– pairing 122
– What to do if…. 124
Mobility Kit 160
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 4Monitoring syst
em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 68
MP3 113
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 50
– refer to Wiper system 51
Music tracks
– playing a track 114
– random order 113
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 36
Nets, refer to Storage compartments 91
New tires 143
Number of cylinders, refer to Engine data 184
Number of safety belts 34
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 168
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 150
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications 135
Odometer 56
Oil, refer to Engine oil 146
Oil consumption 146
Oil level 146
Oil types 147
Old batteries, refer to Disposal 163
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
– using the door lock 26
– using the remote control 23Opening and unlocking
– from inside
26
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 85
Outlets, refer to Air vents 81
Output, refer to Engine data 184
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 84
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 148
P
Paintwork, care152
Park Distance Control PDC 64
Parking
– vehicle 46
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 64
Parking brake 47
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb 157
Parking lamps/low beams 76
Parts and accessories, see
Vehicle equipment 4
Pathway lighting 77
PDC
– volume 108
Personal Profile 22
Phone numbers
– dialing 126
Pinch protection system
– windows 33
Plastic parts, care 154
Playing a track, scan
– CD 114
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 85
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner 83
Power failure 164
Power window
– safety switch 33
Power windows 32
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
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Power windows, refer to Windows 32
Pressure, tires 136
Pressure monitoring, tires 68
– Flat Tire Monitor 68
Pressure monitoring of tires, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 70
Protective function, refer to Pinch protection system
– windows 33
PTY 111
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor 68
R
Radio
– HD Radio111
Radio key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 22
Radio MINI Boost CD
– playing stations 110
– recalling stations 110
– satellite radio 111
– searching stations 109
– storing stations 110
– switching on/off 108
– tone control 109
– volume 108
Radio position, refer to Radio readiness 45
Radio readiness 45
– switched off 46
– switched on 45
Rain sensor 51
Range, refer to Cruising range 56
RDS 110
Reading lamps 80
Rear fog lamp
– indicator lamp 169
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement 159
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps 158 Rear-mounted luggage
rack 103
Rear seat backrest, folding 98
Rear seats
– adjusting 36
– folding down the backrests 98
Rearview mirror
– compass 88
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors 39
Rear window
– windshield wiper 52
Rear window defroster 82,84
Rear window safety switch 33
Reception
– quality 110
– radio station 109
Recirculated-air mode 82,84
Recirculation of air, refer to Recirculated-air
mode 82,84
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest 35
Refueling 134
Rejecting a call 126
Releasing
– hood 146
Remote control 22
– battery renewal 31
– Comfort Access
30
– ga

rage door opener 86
– malfunctions 25,31
– service data 149
– tailgate 25
Replacement remote
control 22
Replacing bulbs, refer to Lamps and bulbs 155
Replacing tires, refer to New wheels and tires 143
Reporting safety defects 7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel gauge 55
Reservoir for washer
systems 53 Reset, resetting tone
settings 109
Restraint systems
– for children 41
– refer to Safety belts 37
Reverse
– CD 113
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 48
– manual transmission 47
Roadside Assistance 165
Roadside parking lamps 79
– replacing bulb 157
Road worthiness test, refer to
Service requirements 61
Roof load capacity 186
Roof-mounted luggage rack 103
Rope, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 168
RSC Run-flat System
Component, refer to Run-flat
tires 143
Rubber parts, care 153
Run-flat System Component RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires 143
Run-flat tires 143
– flat tire 69
– Flat Tire Monitor 69
– tire inflation pressure 136
– tire replacement 143
– winter tires 144
S
Safety belt
– number34
Safety Belt Reminder 39
Safety belts 37
– center belt 38
– damage 39
– indicator lamp 39
– reminder 39
– sitting safely 34
Safety belts, care 154
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