Tire/Wheel Suggestions?

[VT Mini]

We purchased our first Mini about 3 weeks ago - why did we wait so long? And why didn't any of you tell us just how amazing a vehicle this car be? Anyway, our issue now (and i just read that a couple of others are having the same problem) is what to do with winter approaching. We live in a rural area (and yes, on a dirt road). My wife (it's her car!) has become stuck on this road in a 4wd vehicle in the past, so the Mini should be an experience. Bottom line - we need snows. With the runflats, we are not sure how to proceed with this. Anybody have any experience dealing with this dilemna? New wheels/snows? Snows on existing wheels? Coke vs Pepsi? Help?!

Absolutely love this car - thanks for allowing us to join your ranks!!!!!!

[ScottinBend]

By all means get a set of 16" wheels with snows on them. Best thing I ever did for my winter driving. Leave the nice wheels in the garage till spring.

Lots of tire shops will give you a great deal. Check out Tire Rack for some great options.

[Jellytot]

Hi all

Am just waiting for delivery of my first Mini (Cooper S) and was reading about the runflats as my boss said they weren't that good.

I also live 'out in the sticks' and am a bit concerned after reading VT Mini's post.

Am I going to have problems in the winter with runflats? Am I more likely to get stuck?

[ScottinBend]

If you are getting the summer run-flats they will not perform very well in the snow. How well is going to be up to you and it depends on the amount of snow. I couldn't get around at all on packed snow. I get snow a lot during the winter. Thus the reason I went to a dedicated winter tire/wheel set-up.

[VT Mini]

And do you have run flat winters, or just take your chances running without a spare? Or do they even manufacture run flat winters? I do agree with the need for the winter tires having grown up here in VT - but i also know that the road conditions are waaaay unpredictable, and i wouldn't want wifey stuck somewhere in the cold without a spare (not that having a spare in such a situation would be much easier, but you know what i mean.......).

[ScottinBend]

You can get run flat winter tires.

Here is a link to some available at Tire Rack (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?cameFrom=WinterSection&startIndex=0&vehicleSearch=true&width=205/&ratio=45&diameter=17&sortcode=49350&performance=W&minLoad=S&search=true&autoMake=Mini&autoYear=2004&autoModel=Cooper%20S&autoModClar=)

I just run regular tires for both summer and winter. It has been decades since I had a blow-out driving. Most times it is a slow leak or a nail/screw puncture and I have a plug kit and compressor I carry for those problems.