new tires

TINMAN · Motorist

new tires

tedscar · Motorer

Steve,

I can't help you specifically on your question, but if you haven't already found it, there is lots (LOTS) of information from MINI enthusiasts here: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/tires-wheels-and-brakes-36/

(Why can't I use the link feature so people can just click this instead of having to copy & paste it?) [Link feature fixed - Pamlico]

-- Edited by Pamlico on Thursday 22nd of July 2010 08:15:27 PM

MightyMo · Motorer

in the few years we have had our MINI we have found that an "all season" tire is not good enouugh. We run Blizaks in the winter and this year we have Bridgestone potenza RE 760 Sport tires for summer and rain. All tires are non-run flat and we like the ride much better. Of course there is the issue of a flat and what to do. There are compressed fix flat can products out there and some members have that. SPDinNY (Mark) seems to have more information on it. He and his wife run non-run flat tires. He may chime in. Lastly, save the tires you take off in case you ever go to a track. They are great for burning up there instead of your primary ones.

-- Edited by MightyMo on Sunday 25th of July 2010 09:43:05 AM

SPDinNY · Motorer

actually run flats are horrible for the track, the compound is too hard and you will slide all over LOL. I would go with a set of Hankook V12s from www.discounttiredirect.com
Also you should know the bolt pattern for our cars is 4x100 (same as civics so it should be easy to find some winter rims for your car. Just stay 16" or bigger if you have an R56 S or R53/R52 JCW (or a BBK)

gvcmel · Motorist

Second vote - run flats are terrible for track use.

Second vote also for the new Hankook V12. I put those on the R56 MINI about two months back and like this so much I bought a second set and put those on the BMW. For the money a nice mix of performance and ride quality.

Since they are not run-flats I went to harbourfreight and bought a small air pump ( get the one that comes with the storage bag ). A quick stop at the parts store for a plug kit. The whole thing stores behind the righthand tail light access panel on the R56 and I have a solution should a nail and I cross paths.

-- Edited by gvcmel on Monday 26th of July 2010 07:42:26 AM

TINMAN · Motorist

Thanks a lot. I will look into it. Can you run the V12's in the winter or are they just a summer tire? I really would prefer a good all season tire.

-- Edited by TINMAN on Monday 26th of July 2010 09:39:11 AM