Break-in procedures, General driving notes, Break-in procedures 76 general driving notes 76 – Mini COOPER User Manual

Page 78

BREAK-IN PROCEDURES

GENERAL DRIVING NOTES

To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you comply
with the following information:

Engine

Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Attempt to constantly vary both vehicle
and engine speed during these initial miles
while remembering to avoid engine speeds
in excess of 4,500 rpm and/or vehicle
speeds of over 95 mph (150 km/h).

Absolutely avoid using the full-throttle or
kickdown position for the accelerator.

Once you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), both the engine and vehicle
speed can be gradually increased.

You should also comply with these break-in
procedures if the engine has to be replaced
at a later point.

Tires

Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until after an
initial break-in period. We therefore ask
you to drive with extra care during the first
200 miles (300 km).

Brake system

Approx. 300 miles (500 km) must be driven
before the brake pads and rotors achieve
the optimum pad-surface and wear
patterns required for trouble-free opera-
tion and an extended service life.

Clutch

Roughly 300 miles (500 km) must be driven
before the clutch starts to operate at
optimum efficiency. Remember to engage
the clutch carefully during this initial
period.

Parking the vehicle

Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water under the vehicle are therefore
normal.

Brakes

Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. Even light but

consistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.

Hydroplaning

When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a

wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface. This phenomenon is charac-
terized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
steering and braking control.