I enjoy testing the limits of my mini cooper non-S engine and stock 15" Conti all-seasons on my daily commute. I am starting to like feeling or hearing the tires almost start to lose grip on exit ramps for example. I got that plenty when I used to drive a 4-runner.

I have read a lot about the best tires for the track and autoX. Now how about the best tire for safely "pushing the envelope" during daily driving when I feel like it? Otherwise, comfort and quiet would be a plus.

 

safely pushing the limits has more to do with the suspension than with the tires. Its never really good to push the limits on a road, find a late season autox or an empty parking lot to play around in. The mini is a fairly stable and very controllable car at the limits. Especially good for a FWD which usually tends to get unstable at the limits. Just don't push in any spots that you wont be happy if you loose control is a good rule of thumb. The MINI is all about developing mechanical grip so you really got to be nuts to slide on a public road.

 

Agreed. I would not dare slide my tires in public. I'm happy with my tires. I really don't plan on getting unsafe tires. This was more of a random "wouldn't it be cool if ..." post.

On the other hand, if I had better tires and/or suspension, I might subconsciously drive faster around an exit ramp because I would feel invincible. That would seem more dangerous to me. That's why I restrained from getting a MCS. I like my little engine that can when it needs to be, albeit at lower gears and satisfyingly high RPMs. I love the whine of my engine!

For now I will avoid better tires or sway bars or such.

 

I actually think that for daily driving, the stock Contis are great. They have nice steering feel, and give nice fuel economy. Sure, they have no grip, but since in your standard daily commute you probably generate all of 0.25 G's, they're good.

 

better grip starts at better tires. Suspension and brakes stop the car do a lot of work but in the end the tires are the most important part.

There are much better tires then the contis for performance vs. comfort.

I'd start by reading this sub-forum or call alex @ tire rack.

 

If the original question was what tires have lower grip to lower the limits - making them easier to reach...

snow tires

Or, over-inflate whatever tires happen to be on the car.

Exploring the limits should not be done on a public road... find your local BMWCCA chapter and attend one of their Advanced Driver Safety Skills schools (sometimes called Car Control Clinics).

 

Unless it snows. Then, I'm putting on slicks.

 

i mean... pushing the limits is different for everyone. It sounds like this guy is just horsing around a bit on an entrance ramp.

I don't really see much wrong with that... I do it all the time. Of course I've done a lot of driver training in my time so... i guess it's all frame of reference.

try an hpde out... but it's pretty easy to have a bit of fun on the street and still be safe. Just know YOUR limits... and you'll be fine.

 

I am nuts.

 

Why not be safe and go to your local SCCA Auto-X events to test your limits. Have you ever experienced a MINI spin-out? You just might be surprised at how fast the two ends of the MINI can swap locations. Performance driving schools are an excellent idea, especially if front end drive is new to you. Having fun driving the MINI is an important part of ownership ..... but please be safe.

 

Get some R-compounds and take it to a road course. Start passing some $50k+ cars with your stock+tires MC. Everybody wins.

 

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I guess I scared everyone with the term "pushing the limits". I never really get close to the limits at all. Pretty lame I guess. Keep in mind, I grew up driving SUVs.

I've seen enough pedestrian-struck accidents in the trauma room to keep me at bay. All I really do is drive higher than the recommended 20 mph on exit ramps. Maybe around 40 mph, and then I feel the tires working harder, but never sliding or even squealing. That's fun enough for me right now, at least on the streets.

I definitely want to hit the AutoX in the future with my stock tires and "upgrade" later when I feel ready for it.

 

OK, for NYC and R56 MC using stock 15x5.5 rims

Best bet is Ultra High Performance All Season tires- will handle your weather and do change to snow tires if your area requires it in the winter.
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=UHPAS

Ultra High Performance will be enough good handling so you can press things a bit and feel "secure" but there are naturally limits with any driving. These are quite a bit better than the stock Contis you have now.

Consider Kumho Ecsta ASX 420 treadwear V speed rated
195/60-15 $46 each, perfect fit for 6" wide rim, 19 lbs each 24.2" tire diam.
205/55-15 $66 each, perfect fit for 6.5" wide rim, 20 lbs each 23.9" tire diam.

Both sizes fit stock 15" rims. The 55 series sidewalls are a bit stiffer so better handling but not overly rough. The 60 series sidewalls are more comfortable and better if your roads are full of potholes.

If you are not so budget minded and would like to get better tires then-
consider Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS (UHP All season tires) 400 treadwear
185/65-15 $75 each, perfect fit for 5.5" wide rim, 20 lbs, 24.4" tire diam.
195/60-15 $75 each, perfect fit for 6" wide rim, 21 lbs, 24.2" tire diam.

See test results
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tests/chartDisplay.jsp?ttid=87
Note the other tires don't come in 15" sizes.

If longer treadlife and value are not as important and you have dedicated winter tires then Ultra High Performance Summer tires are also possible in similar sizes.

Consider General Exclaim UHP 380 treadwear V speed rated
195/55-15 $56 each, perfect fit for rims 6" wide, 17 lbs, 23.4" tire diam.
While a bit smaller than stock it will still be OK, more wheel gap though.

Or Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 240 treadwear
205/55-15 $116 each (higher priced, better handling, faster wearing)
Tests
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tests/chartDisplay.jsp?ttid=54
Really good in wet or dry conditions.

 

Thanks Minihune. As I have quicky noticed, you're the man when it comes to tires.

 

Would everyone stop being politically correct and just recommend the man some better tires than his crap contis.

I use faulken Ziex-512's and have enjoyed them for spirited driving but they don't work well for autox. Excellent dry traction, pretty comfortable, very good in the wet and ok in the snow They were replaced by the 912s. Affordable tires and would suit your needs very well.

 

OK... living on Long Island and having the stock summer performance runflats, Pirelli Eufori@, they will not work in the winter here, nor are they very comfortable. I am considering the following. I would like your advice.

I would use my 17" web spoke wheels and get either.....

Goodyear F1 All Season 205 45R17 Treadwear 420
OR
Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S 215 45R17 Treadwear 400



I hear the Goodyears have great traction and handling in dry and wet including light snow but are not quite as smooth or quiet as the Pirellis.
The Pirellis have a great ride but lack in handling the wet or snow conditions.

Anyone have any first hand experiences with these tires.

I will sell my Pirelli runflats summer tires if anyone is interested.

 

i would like to say that i have the pzero m+s on my 2006 mustang. They suck. They dont have much grip in the warm, and i just put r comps on my mini and they are better in the wet than the pzero are. I find them to be a really disapointing tire. Some of that might be the suspension in the mustang, but i dont think the tires are all that great tho. Just my 2 cents,

Beecher

 

Goodyear F1 All Season - Superior handling, a bit firmer ride
Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S - quieter and smoother - not as sporty

I have driven both - see the test tabs

On the Pirelli comment I think the "target vehicle" has alot to do with your perception. The 06 GT has enough torque and lack of weight over its drive axel to slay most all season tires. JMHO

Alex

Alex

 

I have experienced sevral spin-outs in various fasions and in different weather. But now I know how to avoid or handle those spin-outs. There are no auto X or schools near here, or else I'd have gone long ago. I use a large parking lot near my house to try stuff out in. In winter it's alot of fun.

My rule of thumb for highway on/off ramps is that you can double the posted limit and come out on top, granded you are smooth and do not touch the brake.

 

Right on brother (or sister, or GenderlessPerson)!

I don't think the contis are crap though, just too small. I actually use those crap tires for commuting, and use my Goodyear GS-D3s for fun rides. I like to change wheels, just as I like to wash and wax my car.

I'd like to say I push the limit with the Goodyears but the limit is so far beyond my skills that I don't push them. I drive fast. I drive as fast as I do on the contis but without the hockey rink feel. It just feels completly solid.

I am a little aware of the limit thanks to my 20 year old son, and our drive to the Albuquerque Airport via Sandia Crest on his way to Germany. I can't put numbers to it because my head was being thrown around too much to read the speedometer or other gauges . . . but suffice to say that you can drive much faster on wider performance tires.

Forget the limit. Do leave that for the track. The limit is much faster than what you've been lead to believe by Detroit Iron.

 

Personally I was surprised how the two ends didn't swap as fast as other FWD cars ive driven considering the very short wheelbase. The car is very controllable and neutral, but any FWD car will bite you if you push the issue. Was just amazed when I did that with the MINI first time during autox it didn't even go completely sideways before I got it back in line. Somehow managed only one cone (and a lot of tire) for that stunt.