Can I fit runflats to a MINI Cooper S?
I want to fit runflat tyres to my wife's MINI as repair kits are useless. It has 17 inch wheels and I am told by my dealer that the rims would accept runflats. I have had runflats on my BMWs and found them good and have saved me a couple of times. I have read that they may ruin the ride and handling of MINIs. Do you have any experience of runflats on MINIs and are they a good option as I note that MINI is no longer offering them as a fitment on new cars. I do not want my wife to get stranded with a flat tyre in the wilds of Cumbria.
Asked on 19 November 2025 by william smitham
Answered by
David Ross
It would be possible to fit runflat tyres to this car on the basis that the dealer has confirmed the wheels are suitable. As a general rule, runflat tyres produce a harder ride compared to conventional tyres as their additional strength is partly due to stiffer sidewalls. This can affect how the car handles, as the sidewall deflects during hard cornering and this is transmitted through to the steering wheel and gives the driver feedback on how much the front tyres are gripping the road. Ultimately the amount of grip on offer would be almost identical given the same dimensions and tread pattern between a conventional and a runflat tyre, so it is a matter of how important the feedback and ride comfort is against the reassurance that runflats offer.
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