Club bling

I am considering buying a MINI Cooper Clubman and wanted to understand the benefits or otherwise of buying runflat tyres/wheels with this car. Do they create additional road noise? What are the pros and cons in terms of handling with these tyres fitted? Additionally, I understand that the larger wheels and thus shorter tyre walls are detrimental to road noise and bumps being transmitted into the cabin of the car. What is the best wheel size for this car considering handling and low noise levels?

Asked on 30 January 2010 by R.H., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John

Runflats save you from getting killed replacing a wheel and tyre or fixing a puncture on the hard shoulder of a motorway. Wherever the puncture occurs you can simply keep driving to your destination, up to between 50 and 500 miles, depending whose advice you take. I wouldn't go bigger than 16" wheels on a MINI. New, softer sidewall Bridgestone Runflat 3s ride as well as conventional tyres.

Tags: buying tyres

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