Well, I just ordered a set of Hankook Ventus V12. I live up in the foothills and the roads arent that great. Hoping the Ventus will smooth out the ride a bit. Seems like everybody on this site loves them, time will tell.

I will have a set of Pirelli P Zero run flats (205 45 17) for sale in about a week. I will post them on the market place but if anybody needs them you can PM me. I will be asking about 350.00 for them. My car has 3009 miles on it right now and I will be removing the tires next week. They are on tire rack for $201.00 each.

 

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....s+V12+evo+K110

Ride quality sooo much better without runflats........ Switched to the Michelins in my sig and never looked back........

 

+1 on the switch from run-flats to regular tires.
When I swapped wheels (from 17s to 16s), I dumped the run-flats for a new set of Potenzas. Ride quality is night and day.
I also prefer the smaller wheel "look" on the MCS, but that's probably just me.
Swap those run-flats. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

Switched to 16" Bridgestone G 019 Grids @ 1yr...NEVER have a second thought!!

 

Put on the new tires today. I didn't pit them through a good test ride yet, but so far they are great. Feels much smoother and quieter now.

What are you guys carrying around in case of flat?

 

Slime Spair kit. Tire plug kit.

http://www.amazon.com/Slime-Smart-15...0040725&sr=8-3

Just ordered a compact spare from here for $47.97 delivered, to throw in the boot for long trips.

http://stores.ebay.com/AAA-Auto-Salv..._sid=895806414

Already bought a tire tote bag to keep things clean:

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=bmw....c0.m270.l1313

 

Does the cobalt tire fit the MINI. That seems to be the only one they list.

 

Yes.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...act-spare.html

 

I recently had installed Yokohama Avid Envigors, It transformed my Clubman S ride, My Clubman S now really is a SMOOTH ride. I have had a "kit" in all of my cars for many years now. Bottom line I have a tire plug kit, complete set of pliers to remove anything at could get into the tire, and a compressor that plugs into the cigarette lighter. I have had flats over the years and fixed them all.
I also purchased the Road Hazzard warranty from Tire Rack.
Also MINI has road side assistance in case you need, or want to go that route, you know if the side wall has a hole in it or somthing.
MINI Road side assistance phone # 1-866-646-4872 that is good for
4 years/ unlimited miles.

 

My AAA Gold Crown Card...of course!!

 

What air pressure do you run in your non-run flat tires?

 

Depends on the OEM tire size. If you stay near the same size and diameter, the sticker in the door will be accurate. Mine says 33psi and I went from OEM 195/55 R16 to 205/55 R16.

 

I agree, I stayed at the same size 195/55/16
Non Run Flats will totally transform the way your cooper rides !!

 

Hankook Ventus is OK and is not a runflat tire.

It's Max Summer tire so not for any colder weather and not for any snow. 280 treadwear and not for any wheels less than 17".
It's affordable but not of highest level of performance vs other Max Summer tires. $81 for 205/45-17, $94 for 215/45-17. W speed rated.
Good for street use on a stock MINI.

Another good choice for a street MINI with more comfort and wear in mind for non runflat is-

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....l=Primacy+MXM4
Test results
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=138

Depending on what size you are looking for you trade off some crispness in handling for longer tread wear and comfort- smoothness and quietness. Good for dry or wet and ok in colder weather and light snow.
205/55-16 $127 each H speed rated
215/45-17 $175 each W speed rated
500 treadwear
These are not for track.

 

I am running the 205/55 R16 Michelin Primacy MXV4 and loving them - Green X low rolling resistance tire - good for MPG - Gained 3MPG !!!

 

I realize you should not purchase a set of Tires (All-Seasons) on the basis of Tread Pattern, but...OK...I DO!! Go ahead light your Flame Torches!!

 

That was one of the deciding factors. There also rated very high and inexpensive. 304.00 with shipping when you subtract the 60.00 rebate Hankook is offering right now. I sold my runflats and broke even after mounting the new ones.

 

Most times the tread pattern is carefully selected and not some random design.

Certainly as it is visible compared to other parts of the tire some owners prefer an aggressive appearance vs one that is more common.

Max Summer tires tend to be unidirectional as well with large shoulder blocks and fewer deep grooves to move water away in heavy rain. The tread patterns are more unique.

Tread pattern can affect wear, comfort, noise, handling, effectiveness in different weather, etc.

Newer tires can also come with various scents- another selection criteria. Similar to bowling *****, they can appear to more of your senses that just be utilitarian.

 

Slime will not ruin the tire pressure sensors like "Fix-A-Flat" I carry mine in the little cubby hole where the jack used to be.