Is anyone "not" running run-flat tires? And if so are you carrying a spare instead?

 

Bought it used w/ 22K, never had RFs. My co-pilot's '15 CM has them of course but as soon as they're used up, they're gone.
For a spare, I carry this:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...Picks&refType=

 

Very few with an r53 still running them I'd guess. Very expensive to replace and inferior ride, most used them when they were new and never went back to them.

 

Switched from run flats to Falken Ziex once I had to replace them the second year I owned my Mini. There's not much to love about run flats, harsh ride, harsh price and can be a pain in the *** to install/remove.

I don't miss them at all and I don't carry a spare either. I have a cheap tire repair kit with cords and a 12v compressor just in case, as well as a CAA membership. In 7 years, I never had to fix a flat on this car, I guess I'm just lucky. I know some people that either bought the base Cooper(?) donut or carry a 5th rim, but space isn't really on our side with those cars, so...

 

The basic fact with run flat tires is that they are too expensive to replace.

If you're stupid enough (like me on my 2008 MCS) to replace all four of them at 34,000 miles...you never do it again and you will have remorse because of the poor ride and the fact that too many shops do not want to deal with them.

On my 2015 MINI, 1.5L I3, I have a spare tire...and I am very happy!

 

It's a daily topic. Did you even look?

https://www.google.com/?ion=1&espv=2...anmotoring.com

 

Artoo has 160,000 miles and all but 20,000 are on non-runflats. Cheaper and a better ride. At one point I picked up a spare and bag and on lone trips tuck it behind the passenger seat. Never needed it.

But I do keep a tire plug kit in the tool kit. That I did have to use a couple of times, but never on Artoo.

Ditch those run-flats. Save some cash and enjoy the ride and extra grip.

///Rich

 

Just carry a good plug repair kit, a small 12V air pump and, if it's a real serious blow-out, a AAA card.

 

Just came back in to review. Looks like a consensus, ditch the runflats or if you're a bit frugal, wear them out then ditch 'em.

 

Replaced the runflats with Yokahama Avid Envigors. Then added the repair kit and a compressor as most folks do. I also put Tyreshield in each tire as an additonal precaution. All was well until a valve stem failed in the middle of nowhere. Only the Tyreshield and Fly'n Brick helped us limp to a repair shop after numerous stops to reinflate the tire. Immediately after this first time experience, I purchased a donut spare realizing the futility of a potential repair or rescue at night, in adverse weather and out of cell phone coverage. All of which for me would be the sum total of a life time of tire roadside hazard drama. The donut spare may be a PITA to carry but well worth it and a very small price to pay for the peace of mind and motoring flexibility.

 

Switched to Michellin Pilot Super Sport NON-run flat. Much better ride, no issues.

 

Think most owners took the runflats off when within 20k of new....and went with regular tires....no spare, a plug kit, 12v pump, a cell phone and AAA.

 

No run-flats here. Matter of fact a set of Pirelli P Nero Zero's going on right now.
Couldn't pass on em @ Tirerack 2013 production - old stock $66 a piece. 205/45 17's.

Coming from Cooper RS3's same size.

No spare - I'll just call triple A and have it picked up.

 

Motored 180K miles running non run-flats. I tend to ZIG-ZAG-ZUG around **** on the road to avoid such problems....

 

Absolutely. I have AAA Premier with the 200 mile tow. Lots of piece-of-mind at a reasonable cost. For tire issues or otherwise.

///Rich.

 

I must be one of the very few.... Our MCS still has the runflats as I ended up buying a new set of factory take off wheels / tires when Mini needed new tires. (better value as you get rims as well)

Long story short, I am replacing the tires (due to age) with the new Conti DWS06s. This will be the 1st time Mini wont have runflats.

I have ordered a mobility kit to be on the safe side and I have plenty of rims for long road trips as a spare.

 

So after 150,000 of trouble free tires, I lent Artoo to my son for the weekend and yesterday and at midnight I get a call that he had a blowout going over a set or RR tracks. No doubt trying to catch some air over the rise.

My wife says he was definitely not going fast, yeah right, and somehow it's my fault. AAA towed it home with no drama.

Now I need some tires. I am looking at the Continental EXTREMECONTACT DWS, in 215/45ZR17. TireRack has them on closeout and they have good reviews. Any opinions?

///Rich

 

The DWS is the older tire, get the DWS06 if you want a Conti. However, I think the BFG Comp-2 A/S is the best in the UHP category right now. Generally more favorable reviews. You won't go wrong with the DWS06 though.

 

The newer version might be slightly better, but you have to balance it against the closeout discount on the older one.

 

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ has improved snow grip and the DWS06 has improved dry grip compared to the pervious versions. The DWS is known for soft side walls, cushy ride, and great snow capability (for an all-season). It is a steal at the closeout price if you aren't looking for instant response to turning the steering wheel and fast* cornering.

To the OP. I do carry a spare. A blowout is just that no matter what type of tire you have.

*a relative term

 

My 03' mini had run flats on it when I got it. Putting a set of standard (non-runflat) tires on it was one of the best things I've ever done to it

 

I bought Rupert used and he didn't have runflats. I do have a can of Fix-a-Flat just in case. I suppose one of those kits above might be better.

 

I have the DW tires and love them. They hold grip extremely well and only let loose when I autox.

No snow in Atlanta so no need for the DWS.

 

 

DW are not same as DWS's in handling department. I have run them both. if you can run a 3 season tire DW's are very good. I eventually opted for dedicated set of summer wheels/tires, and set for winter so I had excellent handling/performance all year long.