BMW MINI Countryman Cooper, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 104 / 214

DRIVING HINTS
Driving precautions
102
obtained from your MINI Service Centre as
optional accessories.
Electrical consumers
When towing a caravan, try to avoid operating
electrical equipment for too long at a time, in
order to limit the drain on the vehicle's battery.
The power output of the trailer's rear lights must
not exceed the following values:
Flashing turn indicators: 42 W each side
Tail lights: 60 W each side
Brake lights: 42 W total
Rear fog lights: 42 W total
Reversing lights: 42 W total.
Before starting a journey, check that the
trailer's rear lights are operating correctly.
As otherwise, there is a risk of endangering
other road users.
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Towing a trailer
Adapt your speed accordingly when tow-
ing a trailer. Dependent upon design and
load, some trailers will start to snake at and
above speeds of approx. 80 km/h, approx.
50 mph.
<
When towing a trailer, increase the infla-
tion pressure by 0.2 bar and do not
exceed speeds of 100 km/h, 60 mph, otherwise
the increased axle weight could damage the
tyres. Do not exceed the maximum possible
inflation pressure indicated on the tyres.
<
Counteracting snaking
If the trailer nevertheless begins to snake, the
outfit can only be stabilised by braking hard
immediately. Only attempt to steer out of the
situation if this is absolutely essential, and make
any steering movements as cautiously as possi-
ble and without endangering other road users.
Uphill gradients
In the interest of safety and to avoid holding up
other traffic, do not attempt to climb gradients
steeper than 12% when towing a trailer. If a
supplementary permit for heavier trailer loads
has been obtained, the limit is 8%, see
page
190 .
Downhill gradients
Special care must be taken when descending
gradients, where a trailer is more susceptible to
snaking.
Before starting to descend, always change down
to the next lower gear, if necessary as far as first
gear, and drive down the hill slowly.
Saving fuel
Fuel consumption depends on various factors.
Certain measures, driving style and regular
maintenance can influence the fuel consump-
tion and the burden on the environment.
Remove unnecessary loads
Extra weight inflates fuel consumption.
Remove add-on parts after use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof racks and rear-
mounted racks after use.
Add-on parts on the vehicle interfere with its
aerodynamic performance and inflate fuel con-
sumption.
Check tyre pressures regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct tyre inflation
pressures at least twice a month and before set-
ting off on a longer journey.
Insufficient tyre inflation pressure enlarges the
rolling resistance and thus increases fuel con-
sumption and tyre wear.
Drive off immediately
Do not warm up the engine with the car at a
standstill; it is preferable to set off straight away,
driving at moderate engine speeds. A cold
engine will then reach its operating temperature
faster.