Tires, Wheels, & Brakes Discussion about wheels, tires, and brakes for the new MINI.

Going spare?

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Old 05-13-2008, 03:25 PM
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Going spare?

Ok so I thought I'd just go ahead and ask this because I've been driving myself batty thinking about it. For all the MINI owners out there that decided they couldn't live with the ride quality of the RF tyres where do you keep your spare if indeed you carry one in the car at all? That's it apologies is it's a moronic question that's been asked before.
 
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Old 05-13-2008, 06:01 PM
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Really? Every single poster that's read this so far is running run flats?
 
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Old 05-13-2008, 06:26 PM
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Mine hangs under the rear of my car, nicely tucked away. I've used it
several times to get to a spot to plug a tire (usually curbside at home,
sometimes a nearby friendly service station).
 
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Old 05-13-2008, 06:34 PM
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I think a truer inference is not that most stick to runflats, but that most just run with no spare and carry a fix-a-flat and a cell phone for the (unlikely, though of course possible) event of a flat. Unlike the MC, it is tough to find a spot for a spare on an MCS due to the centre-exit exhaust. Some MCS people do pack a spare in their hatch if they are doing a long long roadtrip, say a couple of weeks of driving through unfamiliar terrain.
 
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Old 05-13-2008, 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by goat
I think a truer inference is not that most stick to runflats, but that most just run with no spare and carry a fix-a-flat and a cell phone for the (unlikely, though of course possible) event of a flat. Unlike the MC, it is tough to find a spot for a spare on an MCS due to the centre-exit exhaust. Some MCS people do pack a spare in their hatch if they are doing a long long roadtrip, say a couple of weeks of driving through unfamiliar terrain.
What he said.

I carry a can of slime, a compressor and a patch kit. When I venture away from home for a few days I fold down the rear seats and bring one of my snow tires along as a spare.

Dean.
 
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Old 05-13-2008, 06:45 PM
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Thanks lads.
 
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Old 05-13-2008, 06:51 PM
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Here's the kit I carry:

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...tkit/index.jsp

It hardly takes up any space at all.

Dean.
 
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Old 05-14-2008, 01:02 PM
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If you have Tire pressure sensors then I recommend not using slime or similar products. It messes them up and replacing them is quite pricey.
 
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Old 05-14-2008, 04:26 PM
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I have a donut spare that rides standing up behind the navigators seat. With the seat pushed back the donut rides there very well. It's been there for 2 years without any problems.

I agree that slime may damage TPMS sensors. Maybe you could contact Alex at Tire Rack for the answer.

EDIT... Forgot to mention I keep the donut in a Jersey Girl bag.
 

Last edited by Crashton; 05-15-2008 at 01:10 PM. Reason: Failing memory ;-)
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Old 05-14-2008, 07:20 PM
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I have the same setup as Crashton, donut tire in a cover behind the

passenger seat, no one ever sits back there so it is not an issue.
 
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Old 05-14-2008, 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by cloud9
If you have Tire pressure sensors then I recommend not using slime or similar products. It messes them up and replacing them is quite pricey.
They merely need to be CLEANED after using Slime. Not replaced...

http://www.slime.com/index.php?p=faq#answer_1111_loc

I've used the slime/compressor kit on my 04 MCS for a flat and have been satisfied with its effectiveness. At $20 for the kit, it's a far less expensive alternative than the other "mobility kits". I also keep a plug kit in the car as well.

 
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Old 05-15-2008, 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by reelsmith.
Here's the kit I carry:

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...tkit/index.jsp

It hardly takes up any space at all.

Dean.
Ohh, I like that, compact and all in one item. Does it damage the TPMS sensor, or is it approved for Mini sensors? I imagine pretty much any slime product might damage the sensors (or at least cause false readings).

Paul
 
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Old 05-15-2008, 02:03 PM
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I carry the slime and compressor kit, along with a Dynaplug (new approach to plugging tread penetrating screws). I have a compact spare that I throw into the boot for local club drives or longer trips (under 3-4 hours). If I'm making a longer trip, I'll throw one of my winter wheels/tires in the boot so that I've got a full-sized spare handy. For road-trips, I'll bungie the full-sized spare, face down, behind the driver's seat (rear seats folded down) and it does a nice job of staying in one place.
 
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Old 05-16-2008, 08:42 AM
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Any one carrys one or two spare tires on the roof, rally style?
(Picture please )
 
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Old 05-16-2008, 08:57 AM
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"As long as the sealant is contained within its original bottle with the cap securely closed and stored in a cool, dry place SLiME will remain effective for at least 4 years."

What is the shelf life of SLime when you store it in the car? It is normally not a cool and dry place.
 
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Old 05-16-2008, 09:32 AM
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Wow... I hadn't thought of the Slime expiring!

Oh well... the compressor is still good. I'm gonna guess that the slime will last 2 years in the boot of my car in Texas and replace it every other spring. Just buying a refill bottle is only $10 or so.
 
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Old 05-16-2008, 11:38 AM
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Spare

I carry an old Konig 14" wheel and tire that I had laying around. It stands up on the left side of the rear seat. I leave the parcel shelf in the garage and I use one of those black rubber bungee cords to hold it in place. The bungee runs thru the spokes to an anchor point on the lower seat back and up to the headrest rod. Works fine. I know it will only fit on the rear wheels, so I would have to do two tire changes if a front tire goes flat.
 
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Old 05-16-2008, 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by cloud9
If you have Tire pressure sensors then I recommend not using slime or similar products. It messes them up and replacing them is quite pricey.
I was under the impression that Slime is currently compatible with the sensors, but other brands may not be. Their web pages says it is, but sensors should be cleaned with water when the tire is cleaned, after Slime has been used.

http://www.slime.com/index.php?p=faq&id=83

Slime is water based and they claim it will wash out of a tire and sensor. Other products may not be so easy to clean out. IIRC, Fix-A-Flat is one of the ones that can't be cleaned out and may ruin a tire.
 
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Old 05-16-2008, 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by reelsmith.
Here's the kit I carry:

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...tkit/index.jsp

It hardly takes up any space at all.

Dean.
That is what I carry as well. However, I hear that there are other Slime-equipped compressors available for less $$.
 
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Old 12-22-2008, 11:09 AM
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I carry the same slime/compressor kit as many around here. Until friday night I've never had to use it, and the one time I've needed it the damage was too much. Friday I hit something in the dark (pothole, havent been back to the area yet) and it was enough to bend the stock rim and tear the sidewall in multiple spots. I ended up needing a tow. Needless to say I'll still carry it but AAA goes a long way.
 
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Old 12-22-2008, 12:12 PM
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I have AAA as well but we also have roadside assistance from Mini for at least the warranty period of the car, so that may be enough for many people.
 
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Old 12-22-2008, 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Dan00Hawk
They merely need to be CLEANED after using Slime. Not replaced...

http://www.slime.com/index.php?p=faq#answer_1111_loc

I've used the slime/compressor kit on my 04 MCS for a flat and have been satisfied with its effectiveness. At $20 for the kit, it's a far less expensive alternative than the other "mobility kits". I also keep a plug kit in the car as well.

This is the same kit I use, and I store it in the same place. It is amazing what you can fit into one of those rear compartments. I also keep a tire plugging kit in there.
 
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Old 12-22-2008, 01:14 PM
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What kind of plug kits are you guys using, preferences of whats available? I would like to have one on hand.
 
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Old 12-22-2008, 02:33 PM
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Does the slime fit in the compartment too? 16 oz?


Originally Posted by Bilbo-Baggins
This is the same kit I use, and I store it in the same place. It is amazing what you can fit into one of those rear compartments. I also keep a tire plugging kit in there.
 
  #25  
Old 12-22-2008, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by ih8cornnuts
What kind of plug kits are you guys using, preferences of whats available? I would like to have one on hand.
I carry both a plain-old vulcanized plug kit from the local autoparts store, as well as a dynaplug kit - love the dynaplug... clean and easy.

And a pair of pliers to remove the offending penetrant.

And the slime kit pictured above w/compressor.
 


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