Two weeks ago I got the wife her own used MINI Cooper S convertible with 12,000 miles. It turns out that the Pirelli Eufori runflats (205/45 R17) on the front are virtually treadless on the front. The rears look new. The driver doesn't need or want racing, ultra high performance or bulletproof replacements. She averages 5 miles a day to and from work. Will probably drive less than 12,000 miles per year.

Can I replace just the two front tires with non-runflats and keep the super expensive Pirellis on in back until they wear out? Or do I need to buy 4 new non-runflats? I'd prefer an all-season tire. Is the Bridgetown Potenza a viable replacement?

 

I have the Bridgestone Potenza 960AS all-season non-runflat on my stock wheels, and use them in the winter months (Nov-Feb). I have liked them just fine, and they should be good for all around use, a bit of somewhat spirited driving, and driving in light to moderate snow.

 

The problem with different tires and different tread patterns is that it can result in different grip between the front and rear tires. Depending on the tires you choose the difference can small or great. On a car that you push on the road the difference can be magnified. Not sure if they still sell the Pirelli's but you could always buy two and stick them on the front and replace all of them when they wear out. You could also buy 4 new tires of your choice, run-flat or not, and sell the remaining two here on NAM. There is a member of NAM who works at tirerack.com who can answer your questions specifically. He might see this thread and respond. My memory fails me as to his NAM name. Tirerack.com has quite a few reviews of their tires completed by people who have purchased and used them. I find that info quite helpful when I am considering various tires. Check it out, its free!

 

Alex@tirerack.com

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