Run-Flat Tires

[geebob43]

Hey, I'm new here and new to Mini's. I just got a '07 MCS 'bout a month ago. What's the consensus here on Run-flats? Do most of you switch to regular tires when they wear out or not?

bob

[Louie B.]

Welcome Bob!

While they have come a long way in recent years, most run-flats still tend to give a very rough ride and don't offer the best grip that most 'spirited' MINI drivers desire. I ditched my runflats almost imediately. most will wait for them to wear out then go with something else.

As for the lack of a spare in the S models, 3 options:
1. keep a spare in the back seat (Chevy cobalt spares work on our MINIs)
2. carry a can of fix-a-flat
3. get AAA or another roadside assistance company and let them come fix it if something happens.

I personally do none of the above and just figure if I'm out of town, I'm usually with other MINIs, some of which have spares and would probably be nice enough to let me borrow.

[AKA IAN]

Bob, welcome to the MINI family.
I got a lot of miles on my first set of run flats, replaced with another set of run flats and then went with regular tires because of cost. There's a can of fix-it in my car and a box of air and I have a cell phone to call my husband or AAA.

[Shaky5678]

Hi Bob,
I have regular tires now on my 05 S and I carry a can of fix-a-flat and tire plugs...and a mini air compressor. I used the air compresser once. Run flats are too expensive to replace with more of them. I actually had 19" wheels on my mini for a while, it was rough and not worth having the traction stability light on as well as a couple other indicators lit all the time. The stock 17" are good with reg. Tires.
~David

[geebob43]

Thanks for all your replies. A few days after I bought my Mini one of the tires got a cut (unrepairable), so I ordered a new set (runflats) and yeh they were pricey. Next time I'll know better!

bob

[MINImama]

I second everything that everyone else said above... and throw in my two-cents worth...

Keep in mind that run flats are much heavier than a standard tire. This translates at the gas pump. And if you're pumping premium, as you should be, then you're probably looking for the best fuel economy possible to keep more than two-cents in your pocket. Losing the run flats helps. I saw a significant jump in my fuel economy when I ditched the run flats.

mg

[minidad]

welcome to the best car ownership group around...no other car will get you so involved, well maybe a Jeep..

Depending on what your interests are for your car. Just A to B...spirited, or occasional track use...
RF tires will last longer and give you MANY more miles used for A to B.
Non RF will give better handling/ride/grip for the other uses of your car.
RF tires are heavy, that affects ride quality and transmits road noise. To Make a RF tire the carcass of the tire itself is 2 or 3x the thickness of the NON, in order to support the weight of a car after loss of pressure.
You will notice wheels following the road better when the weight is removed. A huge weight savings is had just in a different wheel AND tire,
both stock Mini pieces are designed for the A to B driver.
This could go on and on, but i'll stop here...many can tell you that I am hard on tires, on road and track, I know for which I speak.