Had a chat recently to Brookvale tyre centre (apparently quite reputable), becuase I want to put some Toyo's on my Mini.
The staff there said the only tyres they would fit to my Mini were runflats because it doens't comply with Australian laws or whatever to fit non-runflats.
I know A LOT of other Mini drivers have got non-runflats, and this is what i want.
Further, the reason why he said this was because apparently the suspension in the Mini is set up to handle runflats (because they have a harder/stiffer side wall)..
He said you can converting the suspension will make it legal to fit non-runflats.
This sounded like a bit too much in my opinion, that's why I am taking this to the forum, hoping some other mini drivers can offer some insight.
My question is: is this true? ... And... where in sydney can i go to get a good set of normal road tyres without being told it's illegal to fit them!!
I'm no expert in Australian law, but I doubt this is true. I think the tire dealer is just trying to sell you a more expensive set of tires. I found similiar shadiness with the tire dealers here in the USA. I ended up buying my snow tires on the internet.
As long as the tyre has the same specifications as the run flats (close to original size (or within allowable specs)/weight rating etc.) there is no reason not to fit non-runflat tyres. Getting rid of the run-flat will make the car ride better and handle better.
As for where to buy tyres - I would say anywhere OTHER than Brookvale Tyre Centre!!!
the only reason runflats are fitted is because the mini has no spare tyre
a spare tyre is a requirement as part of ADRs (aust. design rules)
it cant really be policed but just to save any hassle all you really would need would be a puncture repair kit
the other important thing is to make sure you get a tyre size within the available specifications to suit a mini
and just check with your insurance company aswell. the last thing you need is to have a accident with $20000 damage and the insurance wont cover it because of changes no matter how minor they seem
The new Mazda MX5 has neither a spare tyre OR run-flat tyres and passes all ADR's.
I has nothing more than a puncture repair kit/compressor, much the same as most non-run-flat mini people do (except ScottyB ).
Buy WORKSRACER's runflats - no worries about legality or any other concerns...or send me a PM I might be able to hook you up with some Pirelli Euforia's
T1R is one choice but I think a lot of the others have jumped ship and uses Michelin Pilot Sport Preceda instead.
Absolute hogwash.
We have just taken off our 16" Dunlop runflats and replaced with r99's plus 17" yokohama avs ES100's and even had an email from our delaer to confirm we are still covered by BMW roadside assistance.
I enjoy a great relationship with my dealer, I'm sure they would have told me well before we bought a new set of wheels and tyres if this was illegal !!
Late Friday afternoon after the boys at the Garage had come back from the Pub....
Maybe they wanted to sell you a suspension upgrade AND the Toyo's !
Liquid Yellow Cooper
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Non-Runflats = illegal on Australian roads? 
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