Page 211 of 275

MOBILITYWheels and tires
210
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 conditio ns of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly 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.
These grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement, as measured under con-
trolled conditions on sp ecified government test
surfaces of asphalt and co ncrete. 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 incl ude acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or pe ak traction characteris-
tics. <
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
00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003
Page 214 of 275

Wheels and tiresMOBILITY
213
puncture, refer to page78. 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 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 ti res, 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 diff erent 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 fi ne-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your MINI,
classified as road-saf e and recommended. Con-
tact your MINI deal er 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 chains, it can be useful
to briefly deactivate DSC or activate DTC, refer to
page 73.<
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Page 271 of 275

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
270
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD player152
Side airbags 81
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs 227
Side turn signal
– replacing bulb 227
Side windows, refer to Windows 36
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 38
– airbags 38
– safety belts 38
– with head restraint 38
Size, refer to Dimensions 246
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass roof, electric 35
Slot for remote control 50
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 100
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 185
– use 174
Snap-in adapter, refer to Center armrest storage
compartment 97
Snow chains 213
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances 101
Socket for On-Board Diagnosis
OBD 219
Software update 161
Speaking, refer to Voice
instructions from navigation
system 133
Special destinations 124
Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 216
Speed 244
– with winter tires 213
Speed limit 69
– setting 69
Speed limit warning, refer to Speed limit 69 Speedo, refer to
Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Speed volume 141
Split rear seat backrest, refer to Expanding the cargo
area 106
Sport button 74
Stability contro l, refer to
Driving stability control
systems 72
Start/Stop button 50
– starting the engine 51
– switching off the engine 51
Starting, refer to Starting the engine 51
Starting assistance, refer to Jump-starting 236
Starting route guidance 129
Sta rting th
e
engine 51
– Start/Stop button 50
Start-off assistance, refer to
– DSC 72
– Hill Assist 74
State/province, for
navigation 120
Station, selecting
– radio 143
Status information on the Control Display 19
Status of this Owner's Manual at time of printing 4
Steering wheel 45
– adjustment 45
– buttons on steering wheel 11
– lock 50
– shift paddles 54
Steptronic, refer to Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 52
Storage area
– cargo area 106
Storage compartments 98
Storage space
– storage compartments 98Storing a destination in the
address book 122
Storing the vehicle 223
Storing tires 213
Stowage, refer to Storage compartments 98
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires 203
SW, waveband 143
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching off
– engine 51
Switching off the engine 51
– Start/Stop button 50
Switching on
– audio 140
– CD player 140
– radio 140
Switching radio on/off 140
Switching the cooling function on and off 91
Symbols 4
– status information 19
T
Tachometer60
Tailgate 31
– Comfort Access 34
– opening/closing 31
– opening from outside 31
– unlocking with remote control 28
Tail lamp, refer to Tail lamps 228
– replacing bulb 228
Tail lamps 228
Tank volume, refer to Capacities 251
Target cursor for navigation 125
Tasks 192
Technical data 244
Technical modifications 4
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