How to Change a Tire on a BMW Mini?
4 Answers
To change a tire, you need to prepare a wrench and a jack or a lifting bag, then park the car on a stable and solid surface, and get ready to change the tire. Secure the jack, lift the side with the damaged tire, remove the damaged tire, and remember the numbering of each nut and bolt. Install the spare tire, attach each nut to the corresponding bolt, apply even force when tightening the nuts to ensure they are securely fastened, thus successfully installing the tire.
When encountering a tire change situation with my MINI, I usually first find a flat and safe place to park, pull the handbrake tight, and shift into P gear. I then take out the jack, wrench, and folding spare tire from the trunk—the MINI's spare tire compartment design is quite clever. Next, I use the wrench to loosen all five screws by one turn but not remove them completely. I then position the jack at the dedicated slot under the door and slowly raise it until the tire is off the ground. At this point, I fully unscrew the bolts, remove the old tire, and replace it with the spare tire, pre-tightening the screws in a diagonal order. After lowering the jack, I use the wrench to firmly tighten each screw. Finally, remember to take the car to a repair shop for a professional inspection, as the folding spare tire is only suitable for speeds below 80 km/h.
As a female car owner, I believe the most crucial thing when changing a MINI's tire is to prepare the triangular warning sign. First, park the car steadily on a hard surface. The toolkit in the trunk contains a specialized wrench and a jack. I prefer loosening the bolts before lifting the car, and the jack must align with the marked points on the chassis to prevent slipping. When removing the tire, hold it firmly with both hands to avoid dropping it on your feet. When installing the spare tire, ensure the valve stem faces outward and tighten the bolts in a star pattern to prevent warping. After finishing, drive immediately to a tire repair shop to check the tire pressure, and avoid speeding on the way.
Three key points for changing tires on the roadside: Park on level ground and pull the handbrake, loosen the screws before lifting the car, and tighten the screws diagonally when installing the tire. Remember that the jack for a Mini must be placed at the arrow position on the side skirt, and the wrench must be properly engaged to prevent slipping. Do not exceed the speed limit when driving on the spare tire, and replace it with the original tire as soon as possible.
