I purchased a used 2007 R56 Mini Cooper S. It is currently running Bridgestone Turanza 195/55/16 RSC tires that are due of a replacement. I've read a lot on this forum about getting away from the run-flats for a smoother, quieter, cheaper ride. I'm all about smoother, quieter, cheaper. I'm mostly interested in a quieter drive. I've read good things about moving from the 195/55/16 RSC's to 205/50/16 Yoko Envigors (non-run-flats). QUESTION #1: What brand of tire and tire size would you recommend if moving away from run-flats? I like quiet and I live in Houston so I don't think I need all season tires. We have two seasons here. HOT and HOTTER. QUESTION #2: I need to be prepared for a flat. Based on what I've read, I don't want to carry a donut spare and I don't want to use slime. I was thinking of carrying just plugs and three CO2 cartridges. I might add an ultra-light air compressor if I find a good one. Anyone going the CO2 cartridge route? If you are any recommendations and things I need to keep in mind?
I use Pilot Super Sports-215/45 17's. They're a great tire, but like most high performance summer tires you're lucky to get 2 years out of them if you daily your car. I've also heard good things about StarSpecs as a good summer performance tyre and Conti's for all season tires. Anything is better than run rocks. I keep a little compressor in the boot in case of a flat and a can of fix-a-flat (they make a type that's safe for tpms sensors) and my tire shop guys say they have no issue cleaning it out if I use it, your plan will work as well.
Try www.tirerack.com They have quite a selection from which to choose, as well as customer ratings and their own tests with other similar tires and driving conditions..
I would also suggest steering away from all-seasons. And check with your car insurance, for us it's less than $5/month to have towing assistance. But you also don't need a Michelin to have fun in these cars. How's the climate by you? That could help narrow down choices too.
What makes you recommend steering away from all-season tires? It's hot, humid, and wet. Rains a lot and is in the high 90's most of the summer.
For my S, I run Nitto Neo Gens. They are an excellent rain tire and are listed as all seasons, but have a tread wear rating of 280, so a lot of sites list them as summer tires. I run them everyday, on the track and on twisties, as well. They stick like glue in all conditions, at least for me and I do not run them in snowy conditions although I guess they would be okay in a pinch. They have been a great late Spring, Summer and early Fall tire and I plan to get another set this year. Try this addy: www.discounttiredirect.com if you may be interested in these tires. The pricing and selections are good, and they ship for free.
Meant to say steer away from run-flats (worst typo ever)... I've also heard several people say they don't ride nice. If I lived in a climate where I could use summer tires year round, I would. But a high performance all-season is likely going to last longer.
If you drive in a lot of heavy rain all-seasons will work better than summer performance tires. If you want ultimate grip the summer tire would be the choice. If you want an all rounder all-seasons would be better. Note that all-season tires suck in the snow so at best they are 3 season tires. I'd go 205-50-16 in what ever tire you choose. Welcome to M/A
I've read so many posts now that my head is spinning. Lots of good information. Thank you for your response. What makes you say 205/50/16? I was leaning that direction, but am also seeing other sizes being pitched.
It can be confusing. Tire threads are like oil threads everyone seems to have a different want & like. I recommend 205-50-16 because there are many more choices in tires of that size over the oem size of 195-50-16. I ran 205-50-16 on my R53 & now run them on my wife's clubster. For me that size just works. As they say your wants needs & MPG may not be the same.:wink: My thought is since your car is a daily driver & not something you track all-season tires will work perfectly for you.
But a set of Conti ExtremeContact DW or Conti Extremecontact Sport will blow most all season tires out of the water in heavy rain.
I went to tirerack.com and used the tire decision guide. Based on my driving needs, I went with the #1 recommended for me which was the Pirelli Cinturato Strada All Season, 205/50/16. WOW!! It sounded like I was driving down the street with my car turned off. I should have gotten rid of the run-flats the day I bought the car. So nice!! Thanks everyone for your help and input.
I have a 2007 MCS, too. I have a set of Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 all-season tires that were rated second to some Michelins on TireRack.com. I live in Dallas, but the rest of my family lives in Houston, and I lived in Port Arthur for 8-years. These tires are excellent in the rain. That was my main reason for choosing them. Plus, they were half the price of the Michelins. Mine are 215/45ZR17 in size. I have a tire plug kit that I keep in the car. If I have a blowout, or a sidewall puncture, I'll call a tow truck. The extra price of run-flats is much more than the cost of a tow truck. CD