[popey]

After about 14k miles, Spread over 2 cars, I now need 2 new front tyres.

Im not sure to stick with runflats or go with standard rubber, I dont want to spend huge amouts of money, any advice. I've been told its ok to mix runflats with none RF aslong as its on the same axel.

Also would I get more grip if say I went with a 215/45/17 over the 205/45/17 I have now.

Help?

[jamesbeaumont]

God man you could atleast of looked up a few of the millions of threads on this Keep your runflats if you like the thought of not having to change a wheel or be abandoned somewhere otherwise put on some non runflats. The change is massive, more grip, better ride etc. They are also cheaper, just buy a can of tyre goo and stick it in the back. Ive got goodyear eagle f1 gsd3's and would thoroughly reccomend them. Pilot sport 2's are also good but a bit more. Others include toyo proxes, pirelli pzeros and yokohamas but I cant comment on these having not tried them on a Mini. I did lots of research and found the f1's to be the tyre of choice for more people than anything else on a Mini (just make sure they are german made)...Lots have proxes but I wasnt sure about them in the wet? Im sure others can add their superior knowledge! Oh and I think adding a wider tyre would give you fractionally more grip and also fractionally reduced fuel economy, I went from 195 to 205 and Im happy.

[popey]

How wide can you go with 45 profile on 17" rims (Im on the R108 Multi Spokes)

Anyone know of any good deals on the F1's or alike

[jamesbeaumont]

According to the wheel and tyre stats there are a few folk running 225 and one person with a 235 on 17's. Not much of a choice of tyres at that size though. I got mine cheap through a friend at quick fit but Tyres at mytyres.co.uk: car tyres, 4x4 tyres and van tyres at low prices are meant to be cheap

[popey]

Just spoke to my insurance (Direct Line). The change will not effect my premium aslong as the tyres conform to the manufactures recomended specification (V Rated etc).

[popey]

Just found 4x Toyo T1R 205/45/17 tyres on ebay for £302 with free P&P. Just need to add the fitting which a mate will do for cash

[rhardaker]

Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original)

Just found 4x Toyo T1R 205/45/17 tyres on ebay for £302 with free P&P. Just need to add the fitting which a mate will do for cash

Let us know how you get on with these if you go with them. I saw them and are interested myself. Black circles do a good fitted price on Dunlop SP9000's also (the non-runflat version of one of the standard fit tyres) - I think it's about £88 a tyre - not bad for a well recognised brand / tyre.

.Richard

[medilloni]

Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original)

Just spoke to my insurance (Direct Line). The change will not effect my premium aslong as the tyres conform to the manufactures recomended specification (V Rated etc).

Just a thought Popey, did they say Direct Line regard the spec as being a runflat too?

The reason I ask is that I've just changed the fronts to Toyo Proxes (and they feel fantastic!), but the tyre dealer said it was only right that he should warn me that my insurance will be void - not being the spec recommended by the maker.. Haven't called the insurance co. yet, but I will!

[jamesbeaumont]

Quote: Originally Posted by medilloni (original)

Just a thought Popey, did they say Direct Line regard the spec as being a runflat too?

The reason I ask is that I've just changed the fronts to Toyo Proxes (and they feel fantastic!), but the tyre dealer said it was only right that he should warn me that my insurance will be void - not being the spec recommended by the maker.. Haven't called the insurance co. yet, but I will!

Thats not right! You can run whatever tyres you like and not inform your insurers, tyres are classed as a consumable, a part which wears out with time and will need replacing like brake pads

[medilloni]

Quote: Originally Posted by jamesbeaumont (original)

Thats not right! You can run whatever tyres you like and not inform your insurers, tyres are classed as a consumable, a part which wears out with time and will need replacing like brake pads

Tesco Insurance said they would have rejected any claim if I hadn't told them that I was swapping to non-runflats, reason being that they consider going from runflat to non-runflat a change in the standard vehicle specification.

And by the way, changing to a larger size of tyre (of any type) would have been classed as a performance enhancement and the policy would have gone up

Also, this thread is gold - it just goes to show, take NOTHING for granted with your insurance company:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/finance-i...ml#post3285038

Quote:

From Sef - halfway down the page
Direct Line said they'd void my Insurance if I changed from Runflats to standard tyres...

Maybe all insurance companies have different opinions, but to be on the safe side, tell them and ask for acceptance in writing

[jamesbeaumont]

Thats a joke really, theyre just being picky, I very much doubt theyd ever check and I dont think many people will tell their insurers about such a silly little thing. Having to phone your insurers every time you change a tyre is just laughable I havent and wont be telling mine!

[feenaldo]

I'm insured with Adrian Flux who were not interested as to whether or not I changed the tyres on my car when I swapped from Run Flats to non-Run Flats as long as it was a normal road legal one.

It is however essential to contact your company with any change from the norm because you

a. Can't afford not be if it voids your policy.
b. Need to be meticulous with any insurance company if you want true peace of mind.

Having worked in insurance for the Motor sector I know that this mainly comes down to the chap that comes out to validate your claim, if you get a picky one it could end up in tears but then I highly doubt they would notice tyres anyway.

Toyo seem to be a favorite choice. My own choice would be Good Year Eagle F1's however.

Be careful purchasing tyres from Flea Bay I know people have got into trouble through this in the past getting a tyre that is perhaps not entirely up to scratch.

We were talking about tyres a moment ago:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/wheels-ty...-runflats.html

[captint]

I know that Blackcircle give 5% discount to car clubs

[Dainewb]

Think i will be going for some goodyears when i replace my runflats. Not sure whether to go for 215/40 or 215/45. I have never read a bad review about these tyres.

Had toyo t1rs on previous cooper and didn't think they were very good in wet or dry. poor grip and that with a cooper, shudder to think what they would have been like with an S.