I'd love to get rid of my Pirelli run-flats because they keep going flat (all the time). I'm not even sure where to start for replacements, but I wanted to know what everyone does for spare tires if they switch.

I've actually had 2 "real" flat tires in the past 3 years. It's great to be able to not have to worry about the flat immediately. I've changed tires many times, so it would just be a matter of figuring out where to put a spare.

What do all of you non-run-flatters do for spares? Where do you put them? Or do you just drive locally?

 

Get a can of Fix-a-flat and a portable air compresor. For long distance trips I know some people will put a full size wheel and tire in the boot.

 

I 2nd that. For less than $40 you can have a great little spare kit that will fit quite cozie in the boot. I drove over 2000miles on MTTS with no spare, just my kit.

You will notice such an improvement in ride, and lack of road noise too when you move away from your RFs.

 

I went through this myself when I bought my new '06 last summer. It was complicating as I have a MCSCa which does not have room for a spare tire. If I bought non-run flat tires I'd need either a spare "donut" tire (did not fit in the trunk) or the other option would be some sort of emergency roadside tire repare/inflate system.

I researched tires through TireRack and read the reviews of Mini owners with similar driving styles. I ended up purchasing Avon Tech M550 A/S 215x45x17's and had TireRack ship them directly to my dealer for installation B4 I picked the car up new at the dealership. I sold the brand new run-flats back to the dealer. I also purchased the "Continental Tire ContiComfortKit" through TireRack for $79.00 which I leave in my trunk.

So far, for me, I really like the Avon's. They were not expensive. Thankfully, I have not used the ContiComfortkit yet..

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Limestonedan

 

Avon's are nice, I bought them in place of my runflats and bought an air compressor and slime stuff for flats in a kit for $20 at AutoZone. I also bought a 5th tire I keep in my garage in case I do get a flat that can't be fixed. Most tire places don't stock the 215-45-17 as a normal item.

 

I just picked up a small kit at Advance Auto Parts, which has a small air compressor, and a bottle of slime. It cost $19.98.

Here's the link: http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...number=SSPDQ06

 

Cool - I'm getting rid of my run flats soon. And looking at getting Tenzo Overdose wheels - 215-45-17 Great to hear that there is a solution to keep in the car!

 

I had actually read from a few NAM members that a cell phone and a little time on your hands is the best option. That the fix-a-flats and slimes of the world could actually damage your wheels. But I could be wrong. Someone please correct me if I am misinformed.

Are you getting new wheels, too? Tirerack is a great resource as is this board. I started with - did I want summer and winter tires with two sets of wheels, or did I want all-seasons? Then I established my budget. Then I just started doing a bunch of window shopping!

 

What I've read/heard, the ConticomfortKit is not supposed to damage the tires like other tire repair sealants on the market. I have not personally used it yet so I don't know..

 

I think that the biggest risk about switching from runflats to radials is the possibility of a complete tire blowout, in which case your trusty can of tire GOO will not do you any good

I will stick with RFs for this very reason. Also, boot space is very precious for me to take it up with a small spacesaver spare tire. I am not saying that going "radial"is a bad idea, just that it implies taking some risks if the worse were to happen.

 

I think the tire GOO can damage the tire pressure sensors, or so I read in the can of "Fix-A-Flat".

 

I thought MINIs didn't use in tire pressure sensors, but measured tire rotation speed. If you figure the tire diameter becomes smaller as a tire loses air, and that a tire with a smaller diameter spins faster at a given speed, then you can use the ABS system sensors to guess when a tire is running low air. That's my noob's take on the operational description within the owner's manual.

Motor on...

 

Get rid of the runflats ASAP. Get a better performing, better riding (even if you go to a 215/40-17), wider tire for half the price. I bought the Ultrik mobility kit from Mini Mania which includes a compressor, tire sealant and a cool case that fits perfectly in the boots' side cubby so it doesn't fly around with all the added grip you'll have. Tire-Rack and, surprisingly, Discount Tire are good places to check out. Good Luck

 

Anyone Tried Toyo T1R's ?? i have had enough of Run Flats