Hey I love my Mini. It came with Continental Contiprocontact tires. They were great at the beginning but they did not hold up at all and winter was horrible as they did not drive in the snow well at all.
So now I need new tires. Should I just replace with the same or is this Michelin pilot sport a/s a better option? I need awesome handling but the fact is I do have to drive a fairly long commute in the winter snow or no... and mostly, there will be snow. Tire Size is 175/65/R 15.
Thanks for your help!!!!

 

Michelin Pilots are the best tires. Period.

THe price reflects this.

 

Have you ever think of getting a proper set of winter tyres and keep the exsisting set for the summer?

 

Are you sure? Because a. they are not on the original mini list and b. there are more than a few posts that list the continental procontacts as superior in snow (which I can't imagine lol).
and c. some people posted saying the michelins affected their zippiness
and d. at least here they are priced pretty close to the continentals.
Actually I would have to order the continentals and the michelin are in stock at the my tire spot of choice, so if you are very very sure?????
Thanks so much... could I ask why you think they are the best?

 

As a matter of fact I have. I am just so confused at this point because they say only certain tires are accepted by Mini Cooper and I am not sure what the best move is for me. Would you recommend a specific winter tire and do you think if I do this that I should get a separate set of rims as well? Can you just put snow tires in the front?

I am not asking the Mini Dealership because they don't seem too into the tires. They never rotated my tires this whole year despite being in there numerous times for maintenance and as a result the back ones are still good and the front ones needed changed like yesterday lol.

 

I have contiprocontact for spring, summer , and fall driving. I then switch to winter tires, and all four are mounted on their own rims. I have tried michelin ice x. They were fine. I am now going to try continental winter tires. It is best to have 4 winter tires for driving in snow and ice.

 

When do you switch tires then? Would it be too early for now? Thanks.

 

I just put a new set of Continental Procontacts on my Mini, replacing the tires after 40,000 miles. I made it though two Michigan winters with my last set and didn't have any problems.

 

Wow, I ordered my mini and received it last march. Even with being off work for 4 months I have 23,000 miles on these tires and the front ones are completely bald!!!!! Last winter was a nightmare drive for me.

What am I doing wrong?

 

I rotate my tires every 10,000 miles. Maybe it's just that I've been driving in Michigan for 35 years and started with rear-wheel drive cars that couldn't get out of a driveway. My biggest concern in the winter is clearance and fear of smashing into "ice-boogers" that fall off cars in front of me! Actually, my biggest fear is other drivers.

 

Dump the runflats no matter what. You won't believe the positive change. Get a "Slime Safety Spair" and "DynaPlug".

I allowed my brain to be off and didn't rotate first set of tires, thinking BMW had a reason. NOT. After the front tires were gone with plenty of rubber on the rear, I had a candid conversation with my MA who confided there is no issue with warranty or otherwise. . I have the Michelins and they are great, but I don't live in the snow. I rotate every 5,000 at my local tire shop where I got the tires.

 

Because the best tire contract price wins production.

I have owned at least 60 cars, and have tried every tire brand made, in 44 years of driving. I keep going back top Michelin.
I installed them (PSS) on my GTR, and will be the next set on my Mini.

 

I usually put them on in November.

 

I cant recommend any winter tyres as I don't need any of those in san diego. But I've seen theres lots of choices in tire rack for your size and 195/55/16 if you decide to get another set of rims. Actually people in Europe do have 2 sets of wheels ( tires and rims) for summer and winter. but they do use steelies for the winter tho. Not sure about only using snow tyres on the front tho........ hope it helps

 

Agreed. 2 snow tires, with today's technology would set up a hard to control situation. You need more traction in the rear of the car, where it weighs the least.

Here is an informative video done with front wheel drive test cars

Why Gamble With Winter Tire Selection When Four of a Kind Always Beats Two Pair?

 

You are not limited to MINI tire sizes.

Using stock 15" wheels you can also consider the following alternative tire sizes:
185/65-15
195/60-15
205/55-15

Unfortunately there aren't many good Ultra High Performance All Season tires for winter/snow use vs Grand Touring All Season tires or dedicated snow tires.

It's always easier to have tires you can use all year round, less hassle and no storing of the extra set of wheels when not in use.

If you want to go that route of simplicity but still have a tire that can be used in all seasons truely and good in dry or wet and comfortable and good wearing (tread life) then consider-

Michelin Premier A/S (new) Grand Touring All Season tire, 640 treadwear
185/65-15 $131 each, H speed rated, 19 lbs
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=188

Also see owner ratings for Grand Touring All Season tires -
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...wws=N&showcm=N
For those on a budget-
General Altimax RT-43 600 treadwear, $63 each

For Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 in H or V speed rated High Perf All Season tire
175/65-15 $91 each, 500 treadwear, H speed rated, 18 lbs
Owner surveys are not that strong for snow use. It's not bad though.
There is also a Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 in Ultra High Perf All Season tire class but it does not come in 15" tire sizes and are W or Y speed rated.