My MINI's front left tire recently got a nail in it. I brought it to the dealer on Monday since I have the tire warranty that my parents bought with the car (I don't know exactly what its called). I was even surprised that I made it to the dealer without my tire blowing up or something. Anyway they said they will replace it with no cost since I'm under the tire warranty. So the guy at the desk calls in the tire provider and he said there were 2 tires in stock of the same ones that I already have on my MINI. 1 hour later they tell me that it says on the computer that they can't find the same tire as the other 3 that's already in my car and they said they found the same size tire but the only difference is the "tread patter". Now I don't know much about tires but I wanted to ask if this was ok? My mom was pretty pissed because their customer service sucks. I will get specifics as soon as I finish school. I just know that my car has continental tires and they also put a continental tires as replacement but a different type of continental tires.

 

Do not put a different tire on. It can and will effect the performance and handling of your MINI.

 

Should I demand and bring back my MINI for the proper tire? I mean to me this is pretty unfair of MINI/BMW. I might be too criticizing too much but I have been driving it and it feels weird. The car handles different like it leans to the left or sometimes to the right.

 

Continentals whether they are the 16 or 17 inch have not changed their tread pattern at all.

Which ones did they install, summer tires ?

 

If you have the tire warranty (which is likely through the dealer itself not MINI) then they should replace it with the same tire. If they can't do that for some reason, then they should make sure you have 4 matching tires. Putting on one new tire with a different tread pattern isn't a good idea in fact most tire shops won't even do that, they'll at least make sure that the tires on each axle are the same.

 

I will give you guys specifics about the tire as soon as I get out of school. On the other hand, I really had no choice yesterday since I had to get to school! I will talk to my parents about this and see what they can do.

 

If they didn't replace the tire with the exact same brand and model, they should do so. Hold your ground.

 

maybe someone should READ the policy and see what it actually says . . .

as mentioned these are sold by the dealer and are not a MINI product

IMO they are often not worth the paper they are printed on for the very reasons mention .... can't get the correct tire anyway .... or only valid at the dealer where purchased.

But sadly, many buy while few read . . .

the policy may say ... best tire match currently available ... or tread pattern changes not withstanding . . .

mixing tread patterns on an axle is usually bad - and especially so on a car with a sensitive suspension like a MINI. (Mixing patterns 'tween the front and rear is COMMON in performance cars, as are size changes ... even as delivered from the factory)

 

Guys good news, I brought in my car to the dealer and they agreed to change the tire to the right one! I'm gonna pick it up tomorrow after school!

 

 

so sounds like they gave you what they had to get you going, and now getting done proper? that works!

 

Yep! I guess sometimes you just have to hustle a little bit! Plus this lady gave me a ride home in a 2013 BMW 3 series so its all good and they will pick me up from school to the dealer today! not bad! haha