Can anyone help? My front drivers side tire is bulging and starting to peel away from the rim- I talked to Mini and they said it was a pothole and that I need a new tire-$242. can I get a similar tire cheaper somewhere?? I have the 17" run flats on my MCS.Thanks.

 

Ugh, a pothole!

The stiff sidewalls of the runflats are not happy when hitting potholes.

I think I remember you live in Kailua?

You have Pirelli or Dunlop runflats?

If you need a Dunlop runflat let me know and I have one for you in 205/45-17 for cheap.
I can deliver to you. Just send me a PM.

The two runflats are the same size just different tread pattern so not a big deal.
Don't buy a new one if you can help it.

Another option is to buy just two non runflats and put them on in the fronts and use your old runflats in the rear. Use the same size as stock and mail order for Yokohama AVS ES100s from tirerack.com

 

dun, dun, duuuun...minihune to the rescue again. he's probably got a tire for you somewhere in his storage/garage.

i'd also recommend gettting non-runflats. it's cheaper, better ride, and may take the potholes better.

we all better watch out for those potholes, as this year has been quite a bit more rainy, even during the summer.

 

Yes, I believe Jim lives in Kailua, but it is Kailua, Kona. If you have a neighbor island trip planned to the Kona side, it would be nice of you to deliver it. Or perhaps you could deliver a set of V spokes with tires!

Jim - You would also have to talk to your tire installer if they are willing/able to install run-flats. Due to the stiff sidewall, there are some places that are unwilling to do so. Also, if you plan on going to Costco, they have changed their policy and will only install tires sold by them. That policy started the 1st of this month. :(

 

I'd put the 2 new in the rear personally, for hydroplaning resistance.

Alex

 

Yes, Minihune saved the day- bought his perfectly good Dunlop and Goodyear Kaneohe put it on. just so you know , both Goodyears on the Windward side have the equipment and the technicians to do the job. It cost $44 .

 

Alex,
That is a good point. If the runflats are on the fronts it might be a little rougher riding. If non runflats on the front then a little smoother. Since it rains here the hydroplaning risk is very real.

jipc,
Good to hear you were able to get your MINI back on the road without too much hassle. My pleasure to see you again after displaying our MINIs at the British Car day event two years ago.

And for those not already confused- jipc does live in Kailua on Oahu while another MCS owner, Jim C. Lives in Kailua Kona. His NAM user name is JCIP.

 

Yep! I got them confused. I finally figured it out as the SN looked funny as I was used to seeing it in ALL CAPS! Then it hit me! Maybe I'm dyslexic or I'm reading it wrong. It was JCIP, not jipc.

 

very slight hijack here...

Alex, would you care to elaborate on your comments about rear tires (vs. fronts) and hydroplaning resistance...?

 

The front end has the weight benefit of the powerplant to hold it to the pavement. The rear weighs significantly less, even full of fuel. Now think about what wheels bear the load when you hit the brakes. If the rears cant meet or exceed this traction, ther'd be a bad moon a-rizing. More to come soon!

Alex

 

Thanks Alex,

When I first read your comments I'd thought you weren't speaking specifically about braking. I was wondering more about how tread on rear tires might affect hydroplaning through standing water. Turning and braking information is obviously useful too.

Maybe it'd be good to start a new thread or 'sticky' regarding tires, tread, front vs. rear and control. Although I haven't looked exhaustively this seems like pretty specific subject matter that's difficult to search on.

Thanks for the time

sorry for the further hijack.
mc