Run Flat Tires
 

This is my first time on this site. I leased a 2017 Mini Cooper Convertible April 2017 and am now on my 5th tire. Several had bubbles which could not be fixed - one time was due to a crater on a major New York highway. I didn't give much thought to adding tire insurance at the time of my lease, but now regret that. Each time it cost me $300 from the dealer to replace [other tire places do not carry that tire - would have to be ordered]. Luckily the previous to last tire was still under warranty and now 2 months after replacing my last tire, that replaced tire is bubbled. Enough already.....could there be a defect in this run flat tire? Terrified to drive for fear of hitting a pothole or another bubble .....but I love my convertible -

Not sure but you can check to see if they are on the national list of known issues.

https://recallinfo.ustires.org/

Hope that helps.

Very odd. Not the first time I've heard about this. A few years back, I had a Mini with high-performance lo-pro tires. I got a bubble, after about 2000 miles. Tire (not cheap) had to be replaced. Luckily I had the tire/wheel plan, so it cost me nothing. When I got my new Mini about a week ago, the finance manager gave me the shpeal about the tire/wheel plan, and told me, "If" you hit a decent sized pot-hole, you're going to get a bubble". I've had many cars over 40+ years and put millions of miles on them. Never had a bubble. Never heard of it until it happened to me.

To run flat or not run flat?
 

Does anyone not do run flats? I am considering going to regular tires. Thoughts?

Maybe.
 

I bought my 2008 used, and it came with regular tires, not run-flats. They are half worn, and noisy, and I am a little nervous without a spare. I am on the fence about it, since I have never had run-flats. What I have read is that they are harsh, are not great performing tires and seem a little expensive. Also, if you do get a flat and drive any distance on them, you will still have to replace them. I found a spare kit that will fit in the back of my Mini Clubman, I am thinking about spending the $230 to get that and then buy regular tires.

I always make sure to install a new set of wheels and tires on any cars that I've owned (mostly on pre-owned). I'm not good at determining if the tires are half worn-out or not that's why I want to be certain by having new ones installed. It also helps to have a dealer that you trust. In my case, I only get my replacement tires from 4WheelOnline because I am satisfied with their products and services.