Have done a fair amount of searching, I couldn't find a similar thread. Last April I bought my wife a 2012 MCS with 14K on the clock. I did a fair amount of research on the mini prior to purchase, but was not familiar with RFT's. A couple of weeks after buying the mini, I noticed one of the tires had a nail in it. No big deal, took it to Discount Tire for a quick repair. Surprise, tire can not be repaired, about $250 later I'm back on the road. Then a week ago, I was checking the tire pressure prior to a trip to San Diego to cool off (it was 118 today here in Phoenix). Surprise, one of the tires has a bulge in the sidewall, another $250. So, now I have two new tires and two with about 15K on them, about halfway to end of life. I plan to switch completely to Non-RFT (which I probably should have already done). Can I run say the two new RFT on either the front of back and two Non-RFT? I am suspecting this is a really bad idea, I should just replace them all when the two older RFT need to be replaced. Pls be gentle, looking for advice from the more experienced.

 

I would agree that it is not a good idea to mix RFT and non-RFT tires. Handling characteristics could end up being somewhat unpredictable. Follow your gut instinct and replace all for at the same time. If you don't want to wait, maybe you could check with DT to see if they would give you some credit for the fairly new tires.

 

When I bought my car the dealer (non MINI) replaced two tires with non RF. The car had really wierd handling, with sharp response on the rear (RF) and marshmallows (all season non RF) on the front. It was not necessarily dangerous, but just odd. Avoid the mismatch.

Mike

 

Why not try to sell the two new-ish runflats now (Craigslist?), and use the proceeds towards the cost of your new set of non-runflats?

I replaced my Conti runflats @ about 16K miles. I could have gotten a few thousand more, maybe - - but they were pretty well done, not much tread left. Your two old tires just might not last as long as you predict.

It might be better to sell the new ones soon, while they're still new - just a thought...

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Thanks for the feedback, I assumed someone had already gone down the same path. Good idea on just replacing them and selling the two new tires.

 

I'm in the process of replacing my runflats(205/45R17) on my MCS 2012 with non-runflats and any advice as which non-runflat to use would be appreciated. I'm also purchasing an attachment from MiniFini to add a spare tire holder to the back of the mini. As an additional note, when I purchased my mini I also purchased from discount tire a road hazard warranty for 178.00 for piece of mind.

 

How many miles did you get out of the RFT's? Good idea on the hazard warranty from DT. I called them, they quoted $30 a corner. With the luck I'm having with these tires, seems like a good deal.

 

Mixing is a short term solution. I'd say ok for moderate weather but not so great during strong cold or heat. The RFTs are great for your wife in case anything were too happen. I'd say for someone really holding down the pedal to go non-RFT, much different feel.

 

i have 13000 on the RFT, with probably 5000 remaining, would have to actually measure the tread. They just ride really hard.