Hi,

We have a 2010 Mini hardtop, non-S base model. About 40K miles. Original Continental tires. These are not run-flat tires.

Today we got a flat in the front passenger tire. With the help of AAA, got the spare mounted, made it home ok.

I know that with most cars people recommend replacing both tires on an axle. Agreed for the Mini?

My confusion is about the tire pressure monitor. I know this car has a working monitor because it has accurately alerted us to low pressure a couple of times, including preceding this flat.

I went onto TireRack and it shows a list of tires compatible with the Mini. Can I choose any of these, based on price and reviews? Or am I limited to specific tires to somehow be compatible with the tire pressure system?

Every search I do on this topic seems to involve run-flat tires, but like I said, these are not run-flats.

BTW, this car resides in Los Angeles, so not needing extreme climate capabilities.

Can anyone clear up the tire choice/pressure monitor stuff?

thanks!

 

The tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) which is standard on 2010 North American versions is based on a sensor in the wheel. It attaches to the valve stem and radios the pressure information to the MINI. This is not dependent on the tire in any way, so it works with any tires. (It is dependent on the wheel, so if you want replacement wheels you have to make sure the wheel is compatible.)

If you're not in North America you can check if you have the TPMS or not by whether you have metal valve stems or not. If you don't you have the flat tire monitor, which still works with any tire, but uses the ABS sensors to sense when the tire rotates at a different speed.

Runflat or non runflat doesn't have any bearing on the issue either.