Hi All,

My service adviser told me that I need to replace my tires. I have my MINI for 2 years and around 20,000 miles. I don't drive fast. So I am curious why do I need new tires so soon?

I am looking for comfortable ride type of tires. Could you share your experience and recommendations?


Thank you,


UltraMINI

 

What are you looking for in a tire?

Performance or Long life

Comfort or Cornering

Price?

 

UltraMINI,
20,000 miles is not too many to wear out tires. It depends how you drive in corners- higher speeds mean more wear. Also if you have not been checking air pressure in your tires you will tend to wear them faster. Urban miles will wear tires faster than highway miles.

For street use with comfort and some performance consider Avon Tech M500 (ultra high performance summer tires with good reviews) :
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=7
In 205/50-16 cost is $83 each in stock perfect fit for stock 16x6.5" rims, outer tire diameter 24.1", 280 tread wear and AA traction 21 pounds
Solid test results-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/avon_tech_m500.jsp

For street use with more performance along with comfort for a larger budget consider Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 (Max performance summer tire with good reviews):
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=4
In 205/50-16 is $119 each (good price) in stock perfect fit for stock 16x6.5" rims, outer tire diameter 24.1", 280 tread wear and AA traction 22 pounds
Tests-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/..._d3_charts.jsp
Not as good as Bridgestone Potenza S-03 but less expensive ($159 each).
Good wet performance.

If you need an all season tire (for rain and light snow)
Consider Pirelli PZero Nero M+S (ultra HP all season tires):
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....1=yes&place=23
$104 each in stock, 400 tread wear AA traction.
Longer tread life, not as good performance but very solid for street use with good comfort. Solid reviews and test results.
If you want even more comfort you can also consider 205/55-16 tire size for the same price.

Or on a budget (still Ultra HP all season) consider
Avon Tech M550 A/S in 205/55-16 for $80 each 360 tread wear AA traction
in stock 23 pounds. Tire diameter 24.9" larger but close to stock.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ech+M550+A%2FS
Good tests considering lower price-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ech+M550+A%2FS

Talk to Alex@tirerack.com if you want more details or options.

 

Just placed an order for 4 replacement tires 16" tires - BFGoodrich Traction T/A - 205/50 R16. Total $830 CAD including installation, balancing etc. I read good reviews about this tire and many people on the forums sem very happy with them.

I have about 67000 KM on my 03 MC and lately there is an annoying little rubbing noise I can hear at low speeds (< 20 KM/hr). After spending $350 at the dealer who initially thought a cleaning of the brake drums and replacing some bearings would fix the problem, it now seems the worn out tires might be to blame.

 

Now that right there is why I love this fourm
I do not need new summer tires yet, but this will help me later.
Cheers

 

Hi minihune

Thank you very much for such detail information.

UltraMINI

 

I've tried to search through the forums for suggestions, I am only looking for a decent replacement for my 195-55-16 stock runflats that have lasted me 39000 miles (3 years). Based on how long these tires lasted me, you can get an idea of my driving style

Any suggestions on these tires?

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 205/50YR16 87Y 115.00
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 205/50YR16 87Y 119.00
Bridgestone Potenza S-03 205/50WR16 87W 159.00
Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S 205/50WR16 87W 104.00
Firestone Firehawk GTA 02 195/55HR16 86H 78.00
Michelin Pilot Sport 205/50YR16 87Y 129.00


Thanks!

Larry

 

Spoon,
Your next set of tires isn't going to last 3 years most likely unless you are really easy on them and drive alot of long distances. Check the wear ratings and most that about about 220-280 will last from 1 to 2 years only.
For longer tread wear look for those tires that are rated at 360-400+.

These are all season tires:
Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S 205/50WR16 87W 104.00 400 wear rated and Good choice
or
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tires.jsp&tireMake=Avon&tireModel=Tech+M550+A%2FS
Avon Tech M550 in 205/55-16 for $80 each. 360 wear rated
Slightly larger outer tire diameter of 24.9".

These are very good performance tires but won't last as long-
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 205/50YR16 87Y 119.00 (good value)
Bridgestone Potenza S-03 205/50WR16 87W 159.00
Both are Not all season tires- not for light snow.

 

all better after the new tires?

 

minihune,
thanks for the recommendation, i'm going with the pirelli p zero nero.