MOBILITYWheels and tires
206
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 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 sidewall 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.
>175/65 R 15 M+S
> 175/60 R 16 M+S
John Cooper Works:
> 185/50 R 17 86 H M+S XL RSC
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 70.<
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MOBILITYEngine compartment
210
Oil change
Only MINI dealers are to perform oil changes.
Coolant
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your MINI. Your MINI dealer knows
which additives are suitab le and will be glad to
advise you.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. Because addi-
tives are harmful to your health, it is important
to follow the instructions on the containers. <
Comply with the appropriate environmen-
tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives. <
Coolant temperature
If the coolant, and therefore the engine, should
overheat, then a warning lamp will go on.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Checking coolant level
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns. <
Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.
The coolant level is correct if it is between the
marks.
Topping off
1. Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
2. Slowly fill to the correct fluid level; do not
overfill.
3. Close by turning the cap.
Have the reason for the coolant loss eliminated
as soon as possible.
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MOBILITYCare
214
>Remove additional atta chments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
> Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2. Move the selector lever to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, make sure th at you maintain suf-
ficient distance from the vehicle and do not
exceed a maximum temperature of 140 7/
60 6 .
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high,
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle
can be damaged, or water can penetrate.
Observe the operating instructions for high-
pressure washers. <
Do not spray sensors such as Park Dis-
tance Control with high-pressure washers
for a long time or at a di stance of less than 1 ft/
30 cm. <
Manual washing
Use a great deal of water and, if necessary, car
shampoo when washing your car by hand. Clean
the vehicle with a sponge or a washing brush
applying a slight amount of pressure.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or turn off the ignition
to prevent unintentional wiping. <
Observe local regulations regarding wash-
ing vehicles by hand. <
Headlamps
Do not wipe dry and do not use abrasive or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. Remove dirt and con-
tamination, such as inse cts, by soaking with
shampoo and then washing with plenty of
water.
Do not remove accumulated ice and snow with
an ice scraper; use window deicers instead.
Windows
Clean the outside and inside of the windows and
mirrors with a window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz. <
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and change regularly to
prevent the formation of streaks.
Wax, preservatives and dirt on the win-
dows cause streaks wh en the windshield
wipers are on, and can cause premature wear of
the wiper blades and interfere with the rain sen-
sor. <
Paintwork, care
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value
and protects the paint from the long-term
effects of aggressive substances.
Environmental influences in areas with
increased air pollution or natural contaminants,
such as tree sap or pollen, can affect the vehicle
paintwork. It is therefore important to adjust the
frequency and extent of vehicle care corre-
spondingly.
Immediately remove any pa rticularly aggressive
substances, such as fuel that has overflowed, oil,
grease, brake fluid, or bird droppings; otherwise,
paint damage can be caused.
Removing paintwork damage
Depending on the severity of the damage,
immediately repair stone damage or
scratches to prevent rusting. <
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252
REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake System69
Accepting a call 159,171
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 209
Additives
– coolant 210
– engine oil 209
Address, entering 118
Address for navigation
– entering 112,118
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 133
Airbags 78
– sitting safely 38
– warning lamp 79
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 vents86
Air pressure, checking, refer to Tire inflation pressure 195
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 86,88
Air supply
– air conditioner 86
– automatic climate control 87
– ventilation 89
Air vents 86
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 193
Alarm system 32
All-season ti res, refer to Winter
tires 206
AM, waveband 135
Ambi ent a
ir, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 86,88
Ambient lighting 84
Antenna, care 213
Antifreeze
– coolant 210
– washer fluid 54
Antilock Brake System ABS 69
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 32
Anti-theft system 27
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 242
Approved engine oils 209
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 242
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 95 Arrival time
– computer
59
– route guidance 121
Ashtray 96
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 69
Audio 132
– controls 132
– switching on/off 132
– tone control 133
– volume 133
Audio device, external 94
Automatic
– air distribution 88
– air flow rate 88
– cruise control 55
– headlamp control 81
Automatic climate control 85
– automatic air distribution 88
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
– Interlock 50
– overriding selector lever lock 51
– Shiftlock 50
– sport program 51
AUTO program for automatic climate control 88
Auxiliary phone 168
AUX-In, refer to External audio device 94
AUX-In connection 145
Average fuel consumption 58
– setting the units 60
Average speed 59
Av oiding highways for
navigati o
n121
Axle loads, refer to Weights 242
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