Front Passenger Tire- Tread Wear 2; Originally uploaded by c2jupin
Man, I know my alignment has been off for some time but c’mon! I’ve rotated these tires every 10,000 miles and have had two alignments done (and I only have 28,000 miles).I think I’m going to ditch the runflat tires and getting something a little nicer from the boys at Kauffman Tire (and get an alignment while I’m at it). Whereas before I was thinking about getting some performance tires I’m realizing that, due to buying a house, the budget for expensive tires is rather slim. That being said- I’ve got two questions:
1- What would be a good replacement tire for my car? I want something that will last at least 30,000 miles, is not a run-flat, and has to be17″ (and obviously fit the MINI).
2- Should I purchase either a can of fix-it-flat for $6 or purchase the OEM spare wheel/tire combo for $229 (plus shipping)? I’ve heard and read varying reports on whether tire shops can remove that foamy crap after it’s been applied. I’ve enjoyed the (relative) security of the runflats but I can’t justify the price to replace them. Also, I’ve got roadside assistance from AAA so I can get towed anywhere - however, that doesn’t mean that’ s my preferred method if I blow a tire..I do live/work in a metro area and that could take a while come 5PM rush hour.
So, I need advice. New tires being purchased this weekend no matter what. DB/Josh- I’m sure you’ll weigh in.
Update: I’m the brand new owner of 4 Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season Tires! I was hoping to Kumho Ecsta’s but thoese were a little steep…and, I didn’t have the time to order them from tire rack and wait to get them installed (I mean, did you see the picture above?). And, I even had an alignment thrown in for free for the purchase (not bad!). So, how does my car drive? One word: “butter.” The steering wheel is SO MUCH LOOSER than before (a welcome trait) and the ride is easily 40% softer. I’m a little worried about not having the extra safety of the run flats but I’ll just pick up a can of fix it flat and call it a day.
I’m so glad the run flats are gone…let’s hope these tires last longer than 28,000 miles- here here!
5 comments ↓
Kumho. Look at the Ecsta ASX. Great all-season tire that handles well, stops well, handles weather well (eventhough you, ahem, aren’t having any) and look good. I’ve got 30K out of everyone that I have ever put on my MINI.
For the spare solution, I would carry a can of goo for daily driving (back and forth to work) and have a spare that you could take on longer trips (a day out with the club or anything over 200 miles).
I have 172K miles on my MINI, and I’ve used the spare once. That is one time in 13 years worth of use where I was stuck. What has helped me more than anything is having a complete 2nd set of wheels and tires. That way, when I have a problem and wake up with a flat, I put one of those on and I don’t have to rush to the tire store.
My bad Dude…Anyhow, go pick up a kit to allow you to plug a tire. I couldn’t afford new tires or repair bills in college on the 4-runner, so I plugged my tires. I’d re-inflate the tire with a small compressor that hooked up to the cigarette lighter. According to tire repair places, plugging tires is a BAD idea…that being said, I’ve never blown a plug and I had a good number of them in my tires in college. You can always have the tire properly patched when you need it.
Runflats are a TERRIBLE idea anyhow. They’re only good for bleeding your pockets of money. If the runflat was good AFTER you ran on it when it was flat then I can understand the idea. However, they MUST be replaced if you run them when they’re flat.
ACK! What happened? Akismet get turned off?
wow, you’re right..akismet was of. SOB spammers..thanks for the note.
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