Things to remember when driving, Break-in period, General driving notes – Mini 2011 Cooper Convertible User Manual

Page 94: Driv, Tips

Things

to remember when

driving

Things to remember when driving

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 distance 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

Close the liftgate

Only drive with the liftgate 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 addition, exhaust gas may
flow into the passenger compartment.

If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the liftgate open:

Close all windows and the glass sunroof

Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air
conditioner or automatic climate control,
page

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 sections 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 flamma-
ble materials such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such
contact could lead to a fire, with the risk of seri-
ous personal injuries and property damage. Do
not touch hot exhaust tail pipes. Otherwise,
there is a risk of burns.