Run flat tires – Mini 2004 Cooper User Manual

Page 95

RUN FLAT TIRES

You will recognize Run Flat tires by a circu-
lar symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire. Run Flat tires consist of
self-contained tires and special rims. The
tire reinforcement ensures that driving
remains possible to a restricted degree in
the event of a pressure drop or even a flat
tire.

When mounting or replacing summer
Run Flat tires with winter tires, or vice

versa, use Run Flat tires again since no
space-saver spare tire is available in the
event of a flat. In this event, the manufac-
turer of your MINI recommends consulting
your MINI Dealer. Your MINI Dealer has the
necessary special equipment and expertise
for handling Run Flat tires.

Continuing driving with a damaged
tire

Depending on the load, you can continue
driving with Run Flat tires at a maximum
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h.

If there is a total loss of tire inflation pres-
sure, 0 psi / 0 kPa, or obvious tire damage,
you can gauge the mileage for continued
driving on the basis of the following indica-
tions:
>With a light load:

1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles / 250 km

>With a medium load:

2 persons, full cargo area, or
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 95 miles / 150 km

>With a full load:

4 persons or more, full cargo:
approx. 30 miles / 50 km.

Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. In case of

tire pressure loss you must expect changes
in vehicle handling such as lower track sta-
bility during braking, longer braking dis-
tances and changes in self-steering proper-
ties when close to the handling limit.
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your MINI recommends not having dam-
aged Run Flat tires repaired. In this case,
consult your MINI dealer.

Tire change set

Your MINI is additionally equipped with a
tire change set. This is located in the MINI
COOPER in the cargo area under the floor
mat.
In the MINI COOPER S the tire change set is
located in a separate bag which is attached
to the eyelets on the cargo area floor by
means of tie-down straps.

When changing a tire, always observe the
safety measures on page

116

, and follow

the procedure described on page

117

ff.

In case of a flat tire, the tire change
set is not needed, since your MINI has

Run Flat tires.