Runflats are heavy and stiff; therefore, the provide a harsh ride and poor handling vs a standard performance tire. The idea of this thread is to find a workable solution to flats when using standard high performance tires without resorting to carrying a spare.

Some good ideas have been suggested such as DaKineMINI's post.

 

DaKine, I prefer the napa plugs 'cause they vulkanize to the tire, since I usually use them in m/c tires. This just seems to be an extra benifit with the NAPA plugs. Yes, they are identical to the plugs that come in the kit, 'cept they self vulcanize when they get hot from driving. Hope this helps everyone. If you do get the gun, practice on an old tire so you know how to use it, and with a little luck you will not even have to remove the tire, Tim

 

>>DaKine, I prefer the napa plugs 'cause they vulkanize to the tire, since I usually use them in m/c tires. This just seems to be an extra benifit with the NAPA plugs. Yes, they are identical to the plugs that come in the kit, 'cept they self vulcanize when they get hot from driving. Hope this helps everyone. If you do get the gun, practice on an old tire so you know how to use it, and with a little luck you will not even have to remove the tire, Tim

fuzzyface, Thanks for the clarification. NAPA is one of the few "chain" autoparts shops we have in Hawaii so it works out for me.....I'm off to NAPA and my local cycle shop for the plug and gun. I was thinking that you might be able to plug it on the car and even at low light - thanks for confirming. Dirk

 

Wow. A lot of great tips and advice.
I found one of my runflat tires flat this morning due to a screw that I must have picked up on the way home last night. The wisdom regarding runflats seems to be that the tire should be replaced (not repaired). So, I am considering replacing all the runflats with regular tires now. Then I need to decide what repair system to take along from now on ....

 

I checked my kit and the NAPA number is 710-1133 for the 5/16 vulkanized plugs. My motorcycle dealer ordered the "stop n go" plug gun kit from Parts Unlimited. hope this helps, Tim

 

In choosing a 12V compressor to carry in the MINI I wanted a small and relatively lightweight unit that I could tuck into one of the boot side compartments. It also needed to be fan cooled (important!), so it would completely inflate a tire without burning up. Inflation speed was not important since a flat tire is not an everyday occurance (I've had three in 23 years of driving). If it takes 20 minutes to inflate a tire, it's still faster than a tow truck can get there. I settled on the NuTech TN-225 from Interdynamics, found at my local Kragen Auto Parts store for around $20.

About halfway down the page:
ID NuTech TN-225

The compressor is not of a quality I'd want to put into everyday use, but for the rare flat recovery it's fine.

I also carry a nice "T" handle tire plugging kit (about $12) and a small spray bottle of soapy water (to help find the leak and then confirm the plugs integrity). Lastly, I toss in a small package of hand wipes to clean up with after fixing a flat.

So my "mobility kit" cost me less than $40.

Contrary to popular methods, I don't carry any kind of "Fix-A-Flat". My reasoning is two-fold:

First, a hole (gash) that is too large to plug with the plugging kit, very likely won't seal with any kind of goopy sealant.

Second, many tire stores won't touch or will charge extra to handle a tire that has goop in it. If you don't tell them, they get really pissed when they dismount the tire and the gooey mess runs out all over them and their equipment.

For a cut or gash too big to plug, it's time to call MINI Roadside Assistance.

My last comment is that many times, tire trouble can be avoided with proper tire care and maintenence. Keep your tires inflated properly (check them weekly), rotate them regularly, and replace them when they reach the wear bars. As I said, I've had three flats in 23 years and two of those I discovered in my own driveway after they slowly leaked out overnight. I realistically hope to rarely, if ever, need my "mobility kit".

Cheers and best of luck to you all,

James

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Well, after almost 5 years I finally ditched the runflats.

So, with the advice given here and in this thread, I purchased the compressor that Yo'sDad recommended.

He's correct---sturdy build, very quiet, and little vibration; the thing doesn't crawl away while pumping. It also has a screw on valve that is better than the latch on type. Also got a DynaPlug kit. (Will also get some goo just in case.)

I'm ready to motor runflat free.