I'm expecting to pick up a new Dooper S in Jan and am getting concerned over my options should I get a puncture. My current Dooper I spec'd with a spare wheel and have done 36k miles without a puncture and happy knowing there's a spare spacesaver tucked under the boot. This isn't so easy with the new SD. I'm thinking of keeping the wheel off the Dooper, buying some sort of bag and slinging it in the boot 'just in case'. What have others done? I didn't want run-flats due to bad press on here but there's not really any other choice. I've spec'd the car without RFs. It's coming with 17in wheels (Chili Pack) but the Dooper had 16in. Mini don't seem to list a separate 17in spacesaver.
I do realise this maybe would be better off in the wheels and tyres section but felt this sub-forum needed some input!
The space saver wheel is a 15" wheel with a 115/70-15 tire. It works with any size wheel you're running although in the case of a flat front tire, brake size may necessitate swapping a rear wheel to the front and putting the space saver wheel on the rear.
As said above the 15" spacesaver works fine with any size wheels.
Looking at the Cooper SD single exhaust system it should leave enough space under the boot floor to retrofit the complete spare wheel carrier kit from your existing MINI, unless perhaps if the battery is rear mounted as with the petrol Cooper S?
Likely I guess, shame as I got all excited for a minute there. So I'm back to my original plan of keeping the Dooper spare, finding a suitable nice storage bag and slinging the thing in the boot I guess - pretty poor show by Mini really. Anyone any suggestions for a bag supplier or custom maker?
Most MCS owners carry a couple of cans of slime/tyre weld and a 12v compressor.
Can't help in the event of a blow out but settles the mind a little.
Having said that I wouldn't feel comfortable not having the Tyre Pressure Warning System which adds a bit more comfort as you can catch a puncture or leak before its too late.
I think it comes with at least the compressor and probably some slime as well (it better!) - is there any better aftermarket stuff you'd recommend carrying? Must admit the worry of not having a sodding spare has taken the edge off the excitement of getting a new car somewhat. I'm now worrying if the TPWS is part of the spec - part of Chili I hope.
Yes, a non-runflat car comes with a pump and sealant bottle. As you say, you haven't used the spare on your Dooper, except psychologically, so why not see if the pump and sealant can work as well, psychologically? Certainly for the first few years, Mini Assistance (or whatever it's called) will cover the unlikely situation that a tyre is so badly damaged that it won't hold enough pressure to get you to a tyre repair place. Admittedly you are then trapped with whatever they have in stock, if they can't repair yours.
Let's face it, spare tyres are going the way of starting handles.
Thanks Angib - you've put my mind at rest over the TPWS!
Whilst I see your point about starting handles I think it's pretty short sighted and penny pinching on the manufacturers behalf. No, never had a puncture (so far!) in the Dooper and thats over 36K miles and the original tyres too but sods law will eventually strike and it'll be a cold wet motorway at rush hour too. Still intend to keep spare from Dooper.
They say what goes around comes around, so perhaps we will soon have solid tyres again like the old veteran cars had?? or
Maybe someone needs to invent a tyre that uses a lining like they have on bulletproof vests so you can never get a puncture?
I was a bit worried about my Dooper Convertible only coming with a compressor and a can of hairspray in the event of a puncture, but when you rationalise it, I have been driving for 30 years and I have never had a puncture.
I have the TPMS so I can see if I am losing any pressure and get it looked at, and if I split a tyre then I have breakdown that would cover me for that.
I can imagine the tyre companies might have a vested interest in us not having punctures but I guess they might just wear out quicker - does everyone win that way?
I too have had very few punctures in more years driving that i care to admit, and used to drive 50k miles / year for work so I see your point, but for me it comes back to that psychological thing really. If I've got a spare then it reduces my chances of actually getting a puncture (I've convinced myself)!!
I have an sd and I am so glad I didn't go for run flats. Had them on my clubman s and the ride is so much better on standards. I just keep a can of tyre weld in my boot.
Rich, to not have runflats wasn't really ever in doubt - had heard so much negative about them that it wasn't going to happen, hence my worry about not having a spare.
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