Just curious if anyone else has had problems with their tires or if it's just me. Last year, shortly after I got my mini all of my tires (at different times) kept going flat but there was never a hole caused by nail or anything else in them. I've had them rotated and now yesterday I was practically riding on my rim. It seems like the cold weather keeps making my tires go flat. Is anyone else having this problem? Maybe someone is just being funny and letting the air out, crazy!!

Ciao
Bobbi

 

• I did hit a big hole down in NM one day. Bubbled the run-flat and bent the rim...my own fault.
• I do have cupping on the inside of both rears....swaybar???
• The outside edges on the fronts seem to wear excessively fast, but only on track days...
• It has been very hard to get the aftermarket wheels balanced....but not the factory ones. They are so heavy, they are always balanced..

JPS

 

Bobbi,

We had troubles with balance and wear on our MINI as well - I'm sure the (not too expensive) aftermarket wheels contributed, but I think the MINI is just sensitive to proper alignment and balance - moreso than most other cars.

As to the losing pressure, rotating the tires wouldn't affect that, I wouldn't think. Two possibilities that come to mind are bad valve stems and bad mounting. If the low pressure is still a problem, take your MINI to a reputable tire dealer and pay to have the beads broken and reseated. Sometimes when tires are mounted, they're mounted 'dry' and don't properly seat against the rim. This could contribute to a slow leak; having them remounted with the proper cleaning and lube might cure the problem. Also, the valve stems could be leaking. You might try overinflating the tires and then spraying on a solution of soapy water. Spray liberally and watch for bubbles around the stem or the bead. **IMPORTANT** Make sure you return the tires to the recommended pressure after you check for leaks...

Hope you find the problem.

Bill