Hi there,
I have a 2007 MC S Convertible with 16" wheels and continental 195/55 16 all weather tires. The car has 24K miles on it.

The rear tires have a ton of tread but I noticed s strange wear pattern on the front tires - both are low but one is particularly low - almost down to the bars. I would expect them to be lower than the back but not sure what would cause one tire to be significantly lower.

The tread pattern is completely even on both front tires - not seeing either side of the tire or the center with more wear. The car is pulling very slightly to one side.

Could this be alignment?

I called my local mini dealer and they offered to rotate & rebalance ($99) and align ($299) which seemed like outrageous prices to me. Is there something specially difficult about aligning the wheels on a MCC that should cost so much more??

Appreciate any thoughts.

Daniel.

 

if they wear even it could just be they are drive tires...runflats at that...they wear very quick.
you rotate them!?
That is outrageous for alignment... mine at the dealer was just over 100.

There is supposedly a special technique where they put ballasts in the car for weight, but any reputable shop should be able to get it

 

1. That's an outrageous price for an alignment much less the rotate and balance. Shop around and you should get 'lifetime' coverage for much less.

2. 24k isn't terrible wear for these tires...about what I got on each of three sets on my 02. If you didn't rotate the wear will be up front. Do you have on/off ramps on the way to work? Many wear out the left front faster because they enjoy the G forces daily to/from work on those sweeping righthanders . . . But with any pull, you want to have it checked b4 you trash new tires.

3. A GOOD alignment shop knows to add weight to a light car such as a MINI to simulate the average pass' load. But there's the problem: while there are plenty of alignment shops, GOOD alignment shops are much harder to find. They are like good dentists - well hidden and protected by their customers. If we knew where you were located we might have some recommendations. Alignment done by a poor shop can leave you worse off then you started....and don't tell me because it is a computer system it can't be done wrong . . . . Ask other owners around you and see if there isn't a recommended place around. I found the guy the local race car guys like and he was top notch (Norfolk VA area)

 

thanks guys. Glad to hear that $299 sounds outrageous! I'm in Santa Monica / West Los Angeles area - that is a long long way from either of you but if you do happen to know of any good shops out here please let me know.

Not sure what to do at this point - maybe I should run the 2 front tires down to the bars - or one of them anyway - and then replace just the fronts and get an alignment then.

Thanks again for the advice.

 

If these are runflat tires, I would just rotate Front <> Back and let them wear out. Get the car aligned when you get new tires.