I've been driving around for 8 months with a flat tire.. it's a slow leak, so I just drive around with an air compressor in my car and fill it up whenever the tire light comes on, which is usually about every 1.5 weeks. Anyway, I've already replaced 2 tires (dunlop sp sport 01) at a cost of over 800 dollars from the dealer in the past year, and just couldn't stomach spending another 400 bucks to fix another flat.

What can I do? :(

 

Um, get different tires? And not from the dealer?

Try some fix-a-flat to stop the leak?

 

Non runflats are the answer to cheaper tires.

 

Don't buy tires from the dealer. Buy at a local shop or online at Tire Rack or Discount Tire and save yourself a lot of money.

 

I've considered non runflats, but isn't it just a huge hassle when one of your tires goes flat and you aren't carrying a spare?

 

$400 a tire!! Wow, I've never even spent $200 on a tire even on a 315/35/17

 

I was looking at those places today, and for this tire, it's only about 50 bucks cheaper.. still comes out to about 350 bucks just for the tire (not the service)

 

What size? The Dunlop Sport 01 #37 (all season are ranked #18) in their respective categories, on Tirerack's website. Also, looks like you are paying more than you could buy at a competitive store. I certainly wouldn't pay a premium for a poor performing tire, from a high markup retailer (dealer). You only have yourself to blame if you continue on that path.
Most reputable tire shops have roadhazard assistance/flat repair in most areas, and then you have the option of something like a flat repair kit and compressor or "slime" sealant kit.

 

Have you tried stopping by a tire shop to see if they could fix the flat? I've had several flats repaired (on previous cars)... normally about $12. I would even ask for the valve stem to be replaced (about $4), just to be sure the leak is fixed.

 

Maybe a stupid question, but have you tried taking it to a tire place to be repaired? I've had a couple puncture flats (from nails) repaired successfully for about 10 or 15 bucks.

 

Looks like we posted the same answer at about the same time . Great minds do think alike!

 

Most places will do it for free...

 

Where are you?

What size tires does your mini have?

There are a whole bunch of choices for right around $100 per tire (even some about $80). If you're in southwest Australia, the shipping could be a bit high, but even then its hard to imagine $350, much less $400.

I used to drive an MX5 (aka Miata). It had no run-flats, and no spare. I carried a can of slime and a compressor, just like I do on my motorcycle (it has no spare either). I drove my Honda CRX 277K miles without ever having taken the spare out.

Modern tires have largely rendred the spare tire as a redundant device for most of us (now watch -- mine will have a flat tonight).

Call Tire Rack and order up whatever they recommend.

Let us know how it works out.

 

Dude they took you for a ride

 

My next tires are gonna be Federal 165/50/15 at $38 per tire.

My current tires are Kumho Ecsta 195/50/15 at like $65 per tire.

You got raped

 

I'd like to sell you some real-estate...

By all means, check a few sources for tires before making a purchase. You should do this for any big-ticket item, and even many minor things as well. You should do much better with your tires for your next purchase as a result.