Hello all,

I'm in the need of some snow tires for my Countryman and thought this would be a good chance to try non-run flats. I found most dealers will not put them on stating that the tire manufacturer won't allow them to be put on a car that has run flats at all and others won't do it unless you have a spare. Can any of you recommend a dealer that will actually allow me to do this? Also, any recommendations for 17" snow tires on OEM wheels?

Thanks,

 

Poppycock.

R56 JCW GP never even came with run flats, and has no spare. Your dealers are full of it.

 

Tire Rack will sell and ship them to you and give you of places to mount and install them. Not having a spare shouldn't stop them from selling 4 tires run flat or not.

 

I'm running Nokian Hakka 7 - 215/55R17 on OEM 17 wheels. If you stick with OEM size, you won't have many choices of tires. Going to 215 expands your selection 10 fold.

These are non runflat. Like a charm. Nothing can stop me in the winter

 

Your dealer's claim is BS. Buy a spare set of wheels (steel or otherwise) and have your winter tires mounted on them. I had no problem having a set of Michelin X-Ice winter tires (non RF) on some used BMW style 73 rims by my local tire shop.

 

Tire Rack
Steel wheels and Blizzaks

 

+1
Swapping and remounting tires 2x a year will cause issues with the beads...
I guess if you are planning on getting different rims and the OEM will be winter rims...then you are fine ..
I suggest going to the local independent tire shop/repair shop that sells tires....they will be happy to have your business.... And if all else fails...toss a spare tire in the back from another car....and say..."See!! I have a spare!!"......

 

It was Costco that wouldn't sell me the tires without a spare...2 of them to be exact. They both said that Bridgestone wouldn't allow it. Well, today I ended up at Discount Tire and they sold them too me with no issues. So, I'm now running on NON Run Flats. What a difference! I really thought it was all the suspension that made my Countryman so stiff...seems a lot of the issues were really the tires...like driving a different car. Got the Blizzaks on just in time for the snow to fly today. Thanks to all for the advice!

 

I've been doing this for years on all of my Subarus...never had an issue. If you mean the bead of the tire, not to worry as I seem to only get a few seasons out of them anyway...too many miles each year.

Your idea on the spare was what I was going to do...take the one out of my wifes car and say it was for the MINI. Turned out Discount Tire didn't even blink at the idea of going to non-RFT. I was quite surprised.

Thanks!

 

What happens if you get a flat? Do you have a pump and slime set up?

 

This is what I carry all the time. It also holds an extra qt. of oil and some handy cleaning supplies and an extra tool or two.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rPicks&refType=

 

I agree with the suggestions for using Tire Rack.
I'm finally replacing the Pirelli RFs with regular winter tires on current 17" rims. I just ordered Blizzak 225/50/r17 from Tire Rack. Having a local mobile tire company install and balance them at my house. Even with shipping Tire Rack had the best pricing.

Planning to get 18" rims with summer fun tires in the spring.

 

If I were to get a flat, I'd do the same as I do with any of my cars with a spare, call AAA.

I haven't had a flat in years anyway, so I don't worry about it.

 

When I needed new tires, I did an overly detailed comparison of Tire Rack + Local Installer versus Discount Tire and Costco. I noticed that for tires I was considering, the cost was almost the exact same, with Discount Tire edging out Tire Rack by about $50 (to the better).

I noticed that several of Tire Racks recommended local installers specified that they won't put non-RFs on a car that had RFs as OEM. Costco also follows that policy. Discount doesn't care.

I have a nice Slime repair kit w/ pump, but I don't plan to use it if I can help it. Plan A is a flatbed.

BTW, non-RFs ride sooooo much better!

 

I had discount tire install Nitto motivo today and i'm very happy i did this the ride and handling is so much better.