We just replaced the original Goodyear Runflat tires on my wife's 2005 Cooper with Bridgestone Potenzas in the original size.

What a huge difference. Her car only has 30,000 miles and I think the original tires had some flat spot issues, they were really noisy and uncomfortable. Throw that in with the stiff sidewalls, and the car handled like crap compared to the ride quality now.

The car has a spare tire, so why would anyone want to have run-flat tires on it anyways?

 

Witch Potenza? We want to know exactly what your running

Alex

 

G019 Grid. It was one of only a few non-runflats to choose from while remaining with the stock tire size of 195/55-16.

 

You might want to check the spare. I'm not sure, but I think the Mini spares are all 15 inchers. It's the only size that will fit in the well. You can search around here, but that probably means that the car shipped from the factory with 15 inch wheels/tires and the dealer swapped them for 16 inchers. Normally, they just leave the spare in the car.

You can't run different size tires on the front, so if you get a front flat, you'll have to pull a good back tire, put it on the front and then use the spare only in the back.

 

The sticker on the inner door jamb has only one wheel and tire size listed, which is 195/55-16. I'm pretty sure that means that the car came from the factory with that size wheel and tire. The car is a 2005, and the runflats that were on it were also manufactured in early 2005 which tells me they were original to the car.

Why can't you put the temporary spare on the front?

 

You can't run different size wheels/tires on the front "axle". They won't turn at the same rate (the smaller one will be spinning faster to keep up with the larger one)...this will confuse the computer and the car will think you are having traction issues (tires not turning at the same rate).

It would be worthwhile to check the spare and see what size it is....

 

MiniMGD...good choice on the New Tires, I've been running those on my '08 MC for about 3,000+ miles now and love them, way better than the OEM Rumsmacks!!

 

I'm not sure where you got this information from, but it is not correct. The manual says nothing about not putting the spare (T115/70R15) on the front of the car. Of course the temporary spare is a different diameter, but that is why it is only temporary. It is only designed to get you a short distance.

 

Ok, then I just made that up....I read it someplace, I'm pretty sure. If the manual doesn't say it's bad, then I guess it's ok.

I'm not an expert and have only had my Mini for a couple of months. Just passing along what I've read. Maybe it doesn't really matter....

 

I could be wrong but I think thats only if you car has limited slip.

 

If you get a front flat and u have a 15 inch spare, put the spare on the back and put ur good back tire on the front...problem solved

 

If there was an issue with a different diameter wheel and tire on the front, I could just turn of DSC and that would solve the problem.

Maybe I should do an experiment and put the spare on!

 

Main reason for keeping the temp spare on the rear when needed is for braking force. I want the same width tire on the fronts when you hit those brakes, ABS can only do so much. Yes, it's only meant for temporary use but you never know what can happen during that time.

 

That is the standard size if the car is an "S". Just-a-cooper" had narrower tires I think......if you got the sport package, which it looks like you did, you got bummped up to the same tires as a stock S, and the same dang run-flats!!

My stock run-flats lasted for 32,000 pain inducing, kidney kicking, teeth chipping miles. It was like buying a new car when I put regular tires on mine.
The grids are used by some people up here in the NE as their winter tires if they don't want a full snow tire....they are pretty good in the snow from what I have been hearing....but believe it or not, a pretty rough riding tire!! Still better than a run-flat though!!

 

That is an excellent point. Probably the best reason to keep the same size on the front.

 

How are they in the snow. I'm ready to ditch my OEM runflats in favor of some all weather tires...especially after this morning's snowy commute.

 

We run these on our WRX STI Limited and love them so far.

 

Sigh. It takes me five years to drive 30 thousand miles!

If I could, I would:
sell someone my 16 runflat tires, keeping my (stock S) wheels for winter
buy nicer wheels with nicer non-runflat for summer

 

Took me 4+
when I took them off, they would have been legal for 1 more summer, but they were getting loud, and I was sick of them.

 

I put one OEM tire in the Boot as a spare...it will fit and not roll and with bungee cords....

 

Snow? Hahah! I don't have to worry to much about that here in North Carolina!

 

I want to get rid of my run-flats but I'm afraid of getting a flat.

What do I do if I get a flat? Anyone have experience with this?

 

Call AAA...

Put a 16" or 17" spare tire in the boot...bungee cord it down...it fits snug... in a small plastic storage container (slime kit, plug kit, deep socket set), lug wrench, jack behind the seat...

 

Carry something like the Continental Comfort kit

Alex

 

+1 on AAA

My local tire guys *hate* fix-a-flat/Slime/etc. -- say it pretty much ruins the wheel.

They recommend using AAA Gold -- free 100-mile towing -- and a cellphone.