I have an R56 Hatchback and it is time for new tires. Since the OEM Conti run flats seem to give a rough ride, I have developed interior rattles. I am going to give standard all-season tires a go! I have been surfing the web for a jack kit! Any suggestions on what to buy? Do I need a jack pad?

Thanks! motor On!

 

You didn't mention what year mini. Mine is a '12 R56 S hatchback with RFT's, and actually came with a jack. It's in the back, under the carpet. I know it wasn't added by the original owner as it shows up on the build sheet. Makes one wonder what mini was thinking?

That said, I will be replacing the RFT's with non-RFT soon. I got to thinking about what to do for a spare. Two thoughts came to mind. One, when was the last time I had to change a flat tire. Hmm, I think about 30 yrs ago. Second, at my age (and bad back) can I even change a flat tire. Doubtful.. Finally decided to get an air compressor I can keep in the back and renew my AAA.

 

I did three things when I shed my run flats 100k ago: fix-a-flat in a can; plug kit and compressor; donut spare behind passenger seat.

 

My 2013 included a jack kit too.

--Matt

 

I would be very surprised if you didn't have a jack kit. All our MINIs came with a jack kit, even the 05 which didn't have a place to put it.

If you get a MINI jack, you don't need a jack pad, the top of the jack fits into the jacking point.

 

I will have to look again.....but I have not found a jack / kit in my 2012 hatchback. I have purchased a basic 17" rim for $70 from Discount tire and they are going to install one of my old run flats so I will have a spare. Just wondering about jack kit. I will not buy a jack pad. Thanks for replies! Happy Motoring!

 

Our 2012 did come with the Jack kit. The Cooper-S/JCW kit was missing a few bits compared to the Cooper.

This is the Cooper kit, the S/JCW is missing the highlighted parts.

 

My '07 came with the jack kit also. I'm running Goodyear Eagle GT's, so if I have a flat, I'll be calling roadside assistance. No room for a spare. Might carry a can of fix-a-flat for an extreme situation.

 

I ditched my run flats 125,000 miles ago and never was sorry for a second. I have not had a “flat” but I have had two blowouts from potholes. One close to home and the other 50 miles away.

AAA Premier is a must for me. The one 200 mile tow a year gets me back from almost anywhere into my driveway here in NJ. I would never put my trust in anything that comes in a can but I also do carry a puncture plug kit in my tool bag. That I have only ever used on other peoples cars.

///Rich

PS-I have considered looking for a spare but could never find one cheap enough. I would consider it if I could find one for $50.00 or less.

 

Plus, from what I've heard, Fix-A-Flat is a no no when it comes to the tire pressure sensors. My understanding is that if it is used, the sensor will need to be replaced (and they are somewhere around $50-$70 each)

 

DUH! I found it! Many Thanks for all your responses.
Just got home with new Michelin tires. Definitely like the ride better, but not crazy about the spare! May have to look into one of the tiny spares that don't get you very far and have to be put on the rear. May use spare I just bought for road trips and I could get a mobility kit too!

 

I put a full size 17" in the boot (it will fit with the parcel shelf removed), but my wife complained about the lack of space back there. So I removed the worthless jack from the kit and put a can of fix-a-flat in it's place. Says it's safe for TPMS, but I hope never to use it.

 

As an alternative to the fix-a-flat you can get a plug kit from www.dynaplug.com I have one of these along with a small air-compressor in my glove box as my "flat tire repair kit." I ditched the run flats within the first 500 miles after getting the car, no problems so far. AAA premier is good too in case of a blow-out.

 

Look for a donut from a Honda Civic. It has the same 4x100 bolt pattern and will fit. I just picked one up for $20 from Craigslist, although it took quite a while to locate one nearby.

I originally went the Slime and compressor route but that failed me on two separate occasions.

 

Occasionally you'll see a spare with a bag in the classifieds. One of our venders had a sale on them not long ago, but I don't remember which one.

 

Look for used spare in junkyards or Craigslist, I found one there from a 2004 Honda Civic for $15,00 bucks and it fits perfectly