YIKES..I know nothing!! - MINI Cooper Forum

fortunot · #1 (**permalink**) Feb 5th, 2013, 11:57 PM

I have a 2003 mini cooper. It looks like I need new tires and when I got my oil changed they suggested new tires. My question is do I need Run Flats or can I just get regular tires? I know regular tires are 1/2 the price. But what is in the best interest of my car? Thank you....sorry for sounding like a "typical woman"

Cindy

steviant · #2 (**permalink**) Feb 6th, 2013, 12:15 AM

I guess it depends how much of a 'typical woman' you are? Being practical, if you get a puncture, run flats will be less of an issue without a spare wheel, or cans of foam to hand.

I'm a newbie too with the MCS, having just acquired one fitted with run flats, the ride is quite stiff, but not unbearable. Mine are also only 4 months old, so I will stick with them till I wear them down a bit, or my spine gives up.

How many mm of tread do you have left on you tyres currently?

Steviant

burnstar · #3 (**permalink**) Feb 6th, 2013, 03:28 AM

As Steviant said, it all comes down to the praticality of not having a spare tyre. I have normal tyres and just carry a repair kit and a can of green tyre goo. I also have the Mini air compressor to pump up the tyre.

mab01uk · #4 (**permalink**) Feb 6th, 2013, 11:59 AM

Non Cooper S can fit a spacesaver spare as here:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/wheels-ty...are-wheel.html

Greg Barnard · #5 (**permalink**) Feb 6th, 2013, 02:49 PM

My dad recently just changed from run flats to regular tyres for his winter set. He never liked the handling of his new Mini on them and now back to regulars it is a much more enjoyable experience for him.

The Nun · #6 (**permalink**) Feb 6th, 2013, 05:15 PM

You will find as you get older softer becomes the norm, either by choice or naturally

BigDaddy · #7 (**permalink**) Feb 27th, 2013, 01:59 PM

you cant run just one or two on regular tires. you have to do all of them regular or all of them runflats otherwise it mucks up the braking and handling.

fortunot · #8 (**permalink**) Feb 27th, 2013, 06:07 PM

Steviant, I have no idea how many mm of tread I have left. I will check. though.

RckStrGrl21 · #9 (**permalink**) Mar 5th, 2013, 06:06 AM

Not all Mini's have a spare under the car in the rear? (I just bought mine 2 days ago)

fortunot · #10 (**permalink**) Mar 5th, 2013, 06:18 PM

Mine doesn't either. It included a can of some type foam in case of a flat that will get me to a tire shop.
I've been searching everywhere for how much run flats are (in Canada). I phoned one place and they didn't even know what thy were! I'm going to send a note to BMW I think.
Cindy