Hello fellow members. I'm a fairly new member here.

I purchased my very well maintained Chili Red/Tartan Red-blk 6psd MCS just before Christmas 2014. I love driving this little car.

It's time to replace the tires at all four corners and I'd like some suggestions from anyone with experience choosing new (same or different brand) run flat tires. I think I'm going to go with summer tires specifically and purchase separate winter wheels/tires in the fall.

However, please be so kind as to list suggestions on all season as well as summer run flat replacement tires so that I have as much useful information as possible before I make my decision.

I know there is a lot of mixed feelings on whether or not to replace the current or stock tires with non-run flats etc. but I think I want to stay with run flats as that's what the car came with.

Thank you all in advance for any and all useful suggestions and replies.

Be well and HAPPY MOTORING.

UIDeviceRGBColorSpace 0.894118 0.901961 0.921569 1

 

16" goodyear eagle sport

 

Not many options....
Wanting to stay with runflats is valid, so one option...
Since mounting and unmounting them is $$$, have you considered new rims....that is keeping your current rims for your upcoming winter tires....and getting newer ones for your new summer tires? Might open up some options size wise...
And that brings up the question...
What size?
The gen1 mini came on 195/55r16 as the stock, with a 17 rim optional....
Many use different sizes both cases to lower costs, and widen options.....

 

Sorry everyone, I forgot to mention my car has the optional 205/45ZR17 Goodyear run flats.

I've seen other run flats in that size such as the Pirelli PZero but I was hoping to get suggestions from others who have experience with other tire brands/types (summer/all season) in that size.

Thanks again.

mvision7m 06' MCS 6spd

 

Tire Rack is running a special on 205/45-17 Pirelli P Zero Run Flats.

 

Awesome! Thanks! I did see that during my search earlier today.

Anyone have experience with PZero run flat tires? Better/worse than the Goodyears or other comparable brands such as Michelin?

Thanks again.

mvision7m 06' MCS 6spd

 

Pirelli P Zero are Max Performance Summer tires and Goodyear Eagle RS-A are High Performance All-Season tires.

No Michelin run flats in 205/45-17.

 

I know you want to stay with run-flats but you're missing out on all the great handling with non-run-flats. Many more options and less expensive. Just carry a plug repair kit, a small, inexpensive 12v. air pump and...just in case...a AAA card. You'll still save money.

 

You make a good point.

I have been checking out non run flats during my search. I still like the PZeros and Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires. I just don't have any experience with either tire whether in run flat or not. The PZero run flats at $133 per is tempting but I won't be making a final decision until early next week.

mvision7m 06' MCS 6spd

 

This right here...

This inflator ... http://slime.com/226/products/power-sport-40001/

And this puncture repair kit ... http://www.stopngo.com/standard-model-tire-plugger/

I've carried these on my Goldwing and in two cars over the past 6 years (about 150,000 miles) and only ever needed it once and it was on a studded winter tire.

In non-RFTs, Michelin's Pilot Sport and Pilot Sport A/S look appealing. Don't rule out the Hankook Ventus either. They are good tires too.

 

Continental Extreme Contacts

 

Excellent suggestions. Thanks again everyone. I've read a lot of good things about Michelin Pilot Super Sports and the Continental Contacts. There's a Dunlop in there too.

The Pirelli PZero (RF and non RF) looked like and probably are a great deal on sale at Tire Rack but I read a comparison of 10 or 8 summer tires conducted by road and track and they came in dead last. The Pilot Super Sports 1st place. I take that info for what it's really worth but the Pirelli wasn't even in the top 5. Wow. I was surprised.

mvision7m 06' MCS 6spd

 

Went with the Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Installation Thursday.

My thanks to everyone for their helpful suggestions and info.

Safe and happy motoring to you all.

mvision7m 06' MCS 6spd

 

Super sport tires installed today. Ride home was quieter and less crashy than with the worn run flats. 2 minor but odd things happened however, 1) I never leave my car in gear when parked. After the service tech parked my car and I paid, I got into and started the car, let off the clutch as usual and BANG, jump forward with E-brake/parking brake engaged. Scared the hell out of me.

My understanding is that this one time occurrence, since I've owned the car anyway, shouldn't have hurt or damaged anything. Ok. Restart car and I'm on my way.

2) I got home, parked and when I opened my door to get out with the car still running I heard a high pitched whine type of noise I don't remember ever hearing before. I don't remember hearing it earlier today when I drove the car to the tire shop or any other time since owning the car. The noise seems to be coming from the rear underside of the car very near the driver's side rear wheel. When I turn the car off the noise stops so it can't be anything to do with the wheels/tires.

The noise is loud enough to hear while standing next to the car but really isn't LOUD generally speaking. I just don't remember hearing it before. The car felt and drove fine with no issues, warning lights or other signs of trouble on the way home.

I'm very likely being paranoid, maybe that sound has always been there but I'm hyper sensitive to such things and usually pick up on that kind of stuff. To prepare for the coming "driving season" I've had quite a bit done, new thermostat and housing, coolant flush/fill, drive belt, alignment, new tires, fresh oil change and control arm bushings so it would **** me off supremely if any kind of damage was done when the car bucked after starting it in gear and letting off the clutch.

Anyway, the new tires felt great on the twenty minute drive home. Can't wait for the warmer weather.

Happy motoring everyone.

mvision7m 06' MCS 6spd