So, yeah, I bought my baby used in 08 she came with under 25k miles, not bad for an 06 MCS - first thing I noticed was that the ride was HARSH, then I started finding out about the whole run flat thing...anyway, so after a whole years research and finally settling on a tire that fit my driving needs perfectly, I took some pics of the old and new tires - be scared folks, I didn't know this could happen to a tire - see pics below:

 

And here are the new tires

 

I think this might be an alignment issue...does anyone know what adjustments I might need to consider in order to save my new tires from this fate? The new tires are on, they drive straight and true - any advice would be appreciated!

 

I replaced my RFT with the Bridgestone G019's...you're gonna' L@VE those tires. As far as the alignment, I think some will tell you that if your MINI is driving "straight and true" then there is no need for an alignment. However, I made sure and do one on my '08 MC, Dealer noted that the Steering Wheel was off-center and there were adjustments that needed to be made.

I would get one done if I were you, just to save your new tires from early wear-out.

 

Your toe could be off...i recommend zero toe for maximum tire life.

- andrew

 

I can set the alignment on a car with the steering wheel upside down. That car has a serious alignment issue. Could be excessive toe or negative camber wear.

Either way "it drives straight" is no real indicator of the alignment.

Find a reputable shop and get it aligned.

 

I do this once ever 2 years at minimum - even if things look good.

Alex

 

It's amazing the number of times in a week I hear "it drives straight"...only to have the camber leading one way, the caster leading the other and the toe is off on every wheel.

Some manufacturers recommend alignment checks every 6k miles or 2 times per year. That is probably overkill.

We just set one yesterday that had more than 4 deg of total toe, it would have torched tires in less than 2 months.