Any information on the performance run flats on snowy/icy roads? We have a MCS on order and will be encountering winter driving in Indianapolis, IN and South Bend, IN. (Our car "Alice" Cooper, will be arriving in November. Right in time for winter driving.) Curious if we should switch to all season run flats with the performance package, or if the performance run flats will handle well. Don't really want to buy a set of "winter tires." What differences could we expect on dry pavement with all season vs performance run flats?

By the way, Dan at Tirerack, are you located at the "original" Tirerack location in South Bend? I grew up in S.B. and know the Veldman family well.....

 

Hate to break it to you, but if a tire says "performance" on it anywhere, it's not going to be good in the snow. Last winter I installed high performance all-season Michelins on my old New Beetle, and it was all I could do to keep it on the road. Run-flats are probably even worse. My plan with my mini is to run the origional 15" rims with the stock tires in the winter (skinnier tires help, too. Drive an antique car in the snow sometime, they do great), then hit the Tirerack for ultra high performance Yokos and 17" rims for the good seasons. I live in NE Ohio in the secondary snow belt, so it can get to have over a foot of snow on the roads in the winter before the plows hit it (and even in between plowing), so I've seen what tires work and what don't. Go for Winter tires.

 

I used to live in Lake Placid, NY and used Blizzaks come winter and I think they are a good choice for the Mini. You need all 4. I forget if you have 17" wheels but it is correct that narrower is better so switching to a smaller rim with a narrower tire is a good bet. If I were you I'd find some 15" rims and run 'em with Blizzaks all winter.
BTW there is a set of 15s on ebay right now at $102.51.....
Search for Item # 1864466689
Florida Mini Owners

_________________
2Minis

 

I agree completely with Blizzak, as your best choice for snow and ice traction. Michelin Pilot Alpin is choice to concider if snow and ice traction is not #1, and dry and wet road handeling is! Personally I would use Blizzak ws-50's, Snow tires are for traction in the conditions. We have steel wheels and alloys to work with the Mini. Our winter packages are mounted and balaced and include any necisary hardware for instalation. Feel free to call or email for a quote.
Dan@tirerack.com
877-522-8473 xt 294

 

>>Any information on the performance run flats on snowy/icy roads? We have a MCS on order and will be encountering winter driving in Indianapolis, IN and South Bend, IN. (Our car "Alice" Cooper, will be arriving in November. Right in time for winter driving.) Curious if we should switch to all season run flats with the performance package, or if the performance run flats will handle well. Don't really want to buy a set of "winter tires." What differences could we expect on dry pavement with all season vs performance run flats?
>>
>>By the way, Dan at Tirerack, are you located at the "original" Tirerack location in South Bend? I grew up in S.B. and know the Veldman family well.....

We are actually in a new location as of September 2001. We're now on the Northwest corner of town, right of 80/90, and the bypass http://www.tirerack.com/about/map.htm. Its a beautiful loaction, I just love pulling up to work every morning. Its a bit more roomy and modern than Chippewa. Come by and see us 9-5 cst 5 days a week, and 9-4 on Saterday

Dan

 

Thanks to everyone for your feedback. We will probably not change our order and will stick with the performance run flats for now, and I'll start looking into winter tires.

Thanks for the info on the new location as well Dan. I'll stop by next time I'm in South Bend. From your description of your new location, you're about 5 minute from where I grew up and where my parents still live.

 

I ordered the blizzacks on 15" steel rims think it was a great deal Talk to the tire rack guy I have no complaints

No affiliation
not related
just a satisfied customer
Bob