i have a '08 mcs and am wondering if any of you have changed to non-runflats. i only have 5000mi. on my cooper, but i am thinking of changing tires to non rf and keeping the rf tires for later during trade-in. also, do any of you feel comfortable relying on "aaa" or other tow services?
sincerely, don

 

Don,

I changed out to non-runflats this past winter with a second set of wheels and Falken 912s.

No regrets, I only carry the AAA card. Lucky so far, no flats, no issues.

I have two long trips on the non RF. One at over 3K to the LV AMVIV event, then California and one to Missouri.

Get some decent summer tires and get your AAA card with the plus option.

Don

 

If you're referring to Amer Auto Assoc. 'AAA', they contract with local towing companies nationwide. You get the guy from Joe's Garage or Tony's Towing. They are monitored by AAA and have agreed to abide by certain business practices. That's about as good as it gets under any circumstances. AAA contractors have always been OK in my family's experience.

 

How long do you intend keeping your MCS until trade in? Tires deteriorate with age - just sitting on the shelf. Plus there is always the chance of tire damage every time they are mounted/dismounted from the rims. Unless there is some other aspect to consider (ride, performance, etc) I would suggest running your current tires until they are wore out and deal with tire issues at trade in time. Or sell your run flats now. Why store them for who knows how long?

 

If you have an '08 it came with complimentary roadside assistance, provided by AAA! So, unless you already have AAA, there's no need to join, as you have all the roadside assistance benefits of standard membership already. However, you must carry a spare, as AAA roadside assistance does not fix flats, they only change them.